Good Practice in CLCs in South-East Asia

This  workshop was organized by SEAMEO CELL a regional centre of excellence in research and training on lifelong learning with the support of DVV International in Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam from 7-8 June 2017.

About 25 experts and practitioners from five countries, from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Japan and Afghanistan, among them a representative of the Afghan National Association for Adult Education exchanged experiences and effective practices of successful models of CLC management and operation and on how to develop the sustainability of Community Learning Centers. The participants made substantial inputs for ensuing the discussions about the applicability of those good practices from one country to another.

Mr. Gartenschlaeger, Regional Director of DVV International at the opening of the regional workshop.

In his opening speech Mr. Uwe Gartenschlaeger, Regional Director of DVV International pointed out “the important role of CLC as local educational institutions. CLCs empower individuals and promote inclusive community development, while offering lifelong education, including basic skills, education for employability and vocational training for all people in a local community”.

During the workshop the participants discussed, that the CLCs need much attention and support by national education policies and strategies and by the whole society. Community based learning opportunities serve the education demand of many age groups within the local community. CLCs have vital role in promoting community development therefor long-term and sustainable funding of the CLCs is a major issues and need not only more serious thinking.

In order for CLC to successfully fulfill their mission and respond to the community need, it is very essential that CLC officials and practitioners in the region identify solutions to their challenges and share best practice in CLCs.

The workshop provides opportunities for participants to :

1. Share successful models and practices of CLC management and operation specifically
   1. Status of CLCS in the national education systems
   2. Concept of CLCs
   3. Show CLCs serve the learning needs of the local communities
   4. Sources of financial support for CLC operation
2. Suggest solutions to particular problems in CLC management
3. Consolidate CLC network in the region

Mr. Shamsuddin Muhib from ANAFAE presented the situation and the specific challenges of CLC in Afghanistan.

At the end of the Workshop Mr. Gartenschläger again highlighted the unique inspiring opportunities to present and discuss the best practices examples reflecting the longstanding experiences from the region and he presented the key final recommendations from the different working groups:

• CLCs should develop their multi-function role in the community.
• CLC should open their doors for many actors presenting community live
• CLCs should be transfer into Community Development Centers (CDCs).

Mr. Shams from ANAFAE presenting the experiences of the CLCs in Afghanistan

A very interesting field visit to typical CLCs in Ho Chi Minh City organised by SEAMEO CELL gave a very detailed impression of the multi dimensions CLCs work in.

The participants will utilized the workshop outputs and will contribute to the enhancement of CLC operational capacity and the establishment of collaborations among CLCs in the participating countries