The Institute of International Cooperation of the German Adult Education Association, dvv international, recently hosted a conference to discuss how adult education could contribute to closing gaps in the education system in the Middle East region.

The two-day adult education conference, the first to be held in the region, was organised under the patronage of Princess Basma Bint Talal in Amman

A number of international and regional adult education experts and decision makers from Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon as well as leading regional and international organizations took part in the conference titled "Closing Gaps, Opening Opportunities: Adult Education and Lifelong Learning in the Middle East"

The agenda of the two-day conference brought forward a number of panels and workshops that focused on how adult education can contribute to closing gaps in the education system and opening opportunities that will lead to the enhancement of employment and social development as a whole.  

The event also discussed ways to open opportunities that will lead to the enhancement of employment and social development as a whole.  
 
“The conference proved to be successful in highlighting how adult education can respond to pressing in the region issues such as high unemployment among young adults," remarked Katrin Denys, the regional director Middle East of dvv international – one of the leading organizations focusing on adult education in 40 different countries worldwide.

"For dvv international, establishing a viable adult education system, which includes targeted courses, qualified trainers, strong adult education providers and supportive policies, is a key to social and economic development," he added.

Jawad Al Gousous, dvv international’s country director Jordan said the conference put forward some great examples of how international, regional and local initiatives could be used to promote adult education.

"We can do so much in terms of encouraging community members to develop themselves, and I look forward to further discussions on various cooperation opportunities that will enable us to work together to strengthen adult education both here in Jordan and across the region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service