From December 9 to 11, 2025, DVV International in Kosovo organized a study visit to the German Adult Education Centers (Volkshochschulen – VHS) in the state of Hessen, Germany.
The delegation included representatives from public institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MKRS), the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE), the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo (EARK), the Pedagogical Institute of Kosovo (IPK), representatives from the Municipalities of Pejë and Vushtrri, as well as representatives from the Kosovo Education Center (KEC), the European College of Kosovo (ECK), NGO THY/YALEC Prizren, YALEC Pejë, and NGO Hareja/YALEC Vushtrri.
The main objective of the visit was to gain first-hand knowledge of the German models of adult education and their partnerships with local municipalities, with a focus on non-formal education and lifelong learning. Participants were informed about governance and municipal cooperation, quality assurance, program development in basic skills, civic and digital education, labor market-oriented training, budget and resource management, community engagement, and building partnerships with civil society and educational institutions.
The delegation visited key institutions such as the Hessian Association of Adult Education Centers (Hessischer Volkshochschulverband) and VHS Frankfurt am Main, where participants learned about governance in non-formal education, quality assurance, program development, and collaboration with the community and partner institutions.
Activities began with an exchange on the objectives of the delegation, followed by a presentation of the strategic work of the Hessian Association of Adult Education Centers by Dr. Christoph Köck, Director of the Association, Mr. Steffen Wachter, and Ms. Marta Slusarek. They presented the role of the State Board of Trustees, the Hessian Continuing Education Act, as well as models of project financing and management.
At VHS Frankfurt am Main, Director Daniel Dejanovic presented municipal integration, financing models, and quality assurance. Meanwhile, Ms. Afrodita Woyna from the Department of Social Cohesion introduced the concept of inclusive, community-based education, and Ms. Laura Gevorgyan from the Department of Employment and Careers presented the TUMO Center model and its connection to labor market needs and civic education.
From Kosovo, the thematic presentations offered both institutional perspectives and concrete field experiences. Ms. Ryve Prekorgja, Head of the Division for Lifelong Learning at MASHTI, presented the institutional framework and key developments in the field of adult education in the country. Meanwhile, Ms. Endrita Mehmeti, Manager at NGO THY / YALEC Prizren, shared the organization’s experience and the programs of YALEC Prizren. Additionally, Mr. Vullnet Gusia, Director of the Department of Youth in the Municipality of Pejë, represented YALEC Pejë by presenting concrete examples of non-formal education implementation at the center. Mr. Blerim Zymberi, Manager at YALEC Vushtrri, presented the center’s activities and practices.
Participants gained in-depth knowledge of German non-formal education models and identified best practices that could be adapted to Kosovo. The visit facilitated collaboration and exchange of experiences between Kosovar and German institutions, creating a foundation for new projects and practical initiatives in the field of training. Participants developed ideas and concrete plans to enhance non-formal education and lifelong learning offerings at YALEC centers and participating municipalities, while strengthening institutional partnerships between Kosovo and Hessen.
In conclusion, the study visit served as an important platform for reflection and collaboration to advance non-formal education in Kosovo. The participating municipalities expressed concrete willingness to support YALEC centers through infrastructural support and human resources, while emphasizing the need to formalize the ALE NK network as a collaborative structure for adult education and for implementing new projects. Additionally, the importance of raising awareness among central and local institutions, as well as public and private donors, was highlighted to ensure long-term financial sustainability for YALEC centers. In this process, DVV International remains a key partner in supporting policy development, strengthening institutional capacities, and promoting international cooperation, contributing to the establishment of a functional and sustainable system of non-formal education and lifelong learning in Kosovo.