Rapid assessment and Stakeholder mapping
In Sri Lanka, non-formal education (NFE) has gained increasing attention as a critical component for achieving sustainable social and economic development. While formal education has made significant strides, especially with the state’s provision of free education from primary through university levels, there remain significant gaps at tertiary levels and in skill-based education for adults. In response, DVV International recently completed a Rapid Assessment of Adult Learning and Education (ALE) and Non-Formal Education in Sri Lanka. The assessment has highlighted actionable strategies to strengthen NFE’s impact in supporting national education goals and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) for inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Bridging Gaps: Findings and Key Recommendations
Conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and key stakeholders, this assessment examined policies, program designs, and the collaborative effectiveness of existing NFE initiatives. A notable finding from the study was the recognition of policy advancements supporting non-formal education. However, gaps persist in translating these policies into practice due to limited coordination, accountability, and capacity at multiple levels among government, semi-government, and non-governmental organizations.
DVV International’s assessment revealed that while Sri Lanka has invested significantly in NFE, enhancing program quality, accessibility, and relevance remains essential for the sector’s growth. This assessment focused particularly on the Uva and Eastern provinces, areas with lower secondary education completion rates and relatively higher adult literacy needs, to inform a targeted approach to regional NFE development.
Strengthening Collaborative Frameworks
A critical recommendation from the assessment is to reinforce partnerships between government and non-government entities. Civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and non-governmental organizations play vital roles in extending ALE programs to communities, especially in remote regions. However, clearer coordination frameworks and increased accountability are essential to leverage the full potential of these partnerships.
To address this, DVV International proposes a joint advocacy platform at both the provincial and national levels. This platform would enable collaborative planning and shared responsibilities between government and non-government actors, enhancing program delivery, reducing overlap, and ensuring resources are effectively utilized.
Scaling NFE Initiatives with Focus on Quality and Equity
The assessment emphasizes the need for scaling NFE initiatives in Sri Lanka while focusing on quality and equity. Expansion should align with key policy frameworks, including the Education Strategic Plan (2020-2025), the National Policy on Non-Formal Education, and strategic plans from the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission. By aligning NFE initiatives with these frameworks, DVV International aims to support the MoE in effectively expanding NFE services across Sri Lanka.
Key recommendations for scaling NFE programs include
Investing in training programs for facilitators and instructors to ensure high-quality education delivery.
Developing outreach programs tailored to underserved regions, especially focusing on provinces with higher school dropout rates and literacy needs.
Implementing regular monitoring mechanisms to track progress and address challenges in real time.
Conference and Stakeholder Engagement
A significant milestone in this initiative was a national conference held in early October in Colombo, where the assessment’s findings were presented. The event brought together government and non-governmental stakeholders, sparking productive discussions on enhancing ALE and NFE. The conference served as a platform for dialogue on best practices and collaborative strategies, reinforcing the commitment of all involved parties to advancing non-formal education in Sri Lanka.
DVV International’s commitment to advancing NFE in Sri Lanka is aligned with the nation’s educational priorities and global SDG 4. This assessment marks a pivotal step toward a robust, inclusive, and well-coordinated NFE framework that can adapt to the diverse learning needs of Sri Lanka’s communities. Through targeted recommendations and continued partnership, DVV International is dedicated to supporting sustainable educational development in Sri Lanka and fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all.