DVV International Ukraine

DVV International has been active in Ukraine since the mid-1990s, initially only as part of a co-operation with a local partner in western Ukraine. In 2010, the regional office was founded in Kiev, which, in addition to promoting adult learning and education (ALE) in the country, also coordinated project work in the Republic of Moldova. Following the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the regional office was relocated to Chişinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova. The country office in Kiev continues to work with all local staff.

In Ukraine, the perception of ALE among education policy-makers and learners has been significantly reduced to continuing vocational training. More general, non-formal adult learning and education lacks favourable regulations as well as public funding and nationwide support structures. In addition to the many human casualties, the war has also affected the educational (infra)structure. Millions of people have to reorient themselves and re-secure their livelihoods. The demand for (in some cases) low-threshold, short-term vocational training programmes has therefore risen sharply, particularly among socially disadvantaged population groups. In addition, millions of traumatised people express a high demand for psychological counselling and diverse forms of trauma management.

In light of these challenges, DVV International supports the development of an ALE system in Ukraine with the involvement of civil society actors, and seeks to improve access for adults to local, high-quality and affordable educational programmes.