Even though the Corona pandemic has brought many negative aspects, it makes us think more about how we want to actively shape our future. In this sense, we make our contribution with some articles in this newsletter: For example, the directors of DVV International reflect on the future of adult education, the action field of adult education in digital media literacy is dealt with in another article, and Raúl Valdés-Cotera from the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, as well as Dr. Ingrid Schöll and Andreas Preu from the adult education centre (Volkshochschule) in Bonn, have contributed guest articles on our spotlight topic “Learning Cities”.

In the section on our international project activities, we report in this issue on a cartoon which is the product of a confidence-building project in the Caucasus, on the situation of youth and adult education in Latin America in times of Corona, on a newly developed gender toolkit for the MENA region, and on the results of a four-country study in Southeast Asia.

Enjoy reading!

Welcome to the DVV International Newsletter

Issue 1/2021 DVV International Newsletter Dear Reader, Even though the Corona pandemic has brought many negative aspects, it makes us think more about how we want to actively shape our future. In this sense, we make our contribution with some articles in this newsletter: For example, the directors of DVV International reflect on the future of adult education, the action field of adult education in digital media literacy is dealt with in another article, and Raúl Valdés-Cotera from the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, as well as Dr. Ingrid Schöll and Andreas Preu from the adult education centre (Volkshochschule) in Bonn, have contributed guest articles on our spotlight topic “Learning Cities”. In the section on our international project activities, we report in this issue on a cartoon which is the product of a confidence-building project in the Caucasus, on the situation of youth and adult education in Latin America in times of Corona, on a newly developed gender toolkit for the MENA region, and on the results of a four-country study in Southeast Asia. Enjoy reading! GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES  Christoph Jost, Uwe Gartenschlaeger Reflecting on the Futures of ALE – Because the future cannot wait   Christoph Jost and Uwe Gartenschlaeger reflect on the action of the International Council for Adult Education to reposition adult learning and education (ALE) and to imagine the future of the sector. Get inspiration for the future! Barbara Hust Real or fake? Private or public? The contribution of adult education to a media literate global citizenship   In the increasingly technologized and globalized world of the 21st century, societal participation will primarily be defined by the personal level of digital media literacy. How can and should the international adult education sector contribute to digital media literacy education?  Here are a few thoughts! SPOTLIGHT TOPIC: LEARNING CITIES Raúl Valdés-Cotera UNESCO Learning Cities – Drivers for sustainable development Cities are vital in responding effectively to the challenges of the 21st century which underline the need to foster capacities for adaptation, creativity and learning that continues throughout life. Fostering these capacities is at the heart of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Read more about the learning cities idea! Dr. Ingrid Schöll, Andreas Preu Building Bonn on Books and Bytes –Germany’s former capital is now a member of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities   Bonn has grown into Germany’s United Nations city and a centre where the global challenges of the future are addressed. Lifelong learning in this regard is crucial to empower people to unlock their potential. The city has now joined UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities. Learn more about Bonn's vision! REGIONAL ACTIVITIES Lali Santeladze When collaborative art creates peace – Cartoon production in the South Caucasus   The project "We Care" aimed to support the role of young people in peace initiatives. Through the joint production of a cartoon, fifteen young people from Georgia proper, breakaway Abkhazia and Russia saw each other in a new light.  Watch the cartoon! Read the article in German Eva König The "Right to Education" at risk – Youth and adult education in Latin America in times of the coronavirus pandemic   Early on, many South and Central American countries reacted to the coronavirus with drastic measures. But when restrictions were eased, Latin America became a pandemic hotspot. A lesson from the Corona crisis: Youth and adult education is more necessary than ever. But how is an "education of tomorrow" to be shaped? Read more! Read the article in German Donia Benmiloud Gender in adult learning and education – Toolkit for the MENA region   DVV International regional offices in the Middle East and North Africa developed a toolkit that addresses the topic of gender in adult learning and education. It provides solutions and tools for adult education stakeholders so that the design and implementation of programmes in adult education are gender-sensitive and inclusive for all members of society. Get to know the toolkit! Johann Heilmann A success story or still a long way to go? Adult learning and education in Southeast Asia   The concept of lifelong learning is certainly on the rise; this is also true for Southeast Asia. But in what way does adult education benefit from it? In order to answer this question, DVV International conducted a research project in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Check out the research results! DVV INTERNATIONAL NEWS DVV International begins work in Tanzania   Read news “Stories of Palestine” – New project on promoting culture and education Read news DVV International continues engagement in the Asian region Read news Adult Education – A strong tool to fight poverty Read news For questions and feedback, email us at [email protected] DVV International – Institut für Internationale Zusammenarbeit  des Deutschen Volkshochschul-Verbandes e.V. Obere Wilhelmstraße 32, 53225 Bonn Tel.: +49 (0)228 97569-0 Responsible for the content according to § 55 Abs. 2 RStV: Christoph Jost, Director of DVV International Concept and editing: Barbara Hust DVV International is the Institute for International Cooperation of the Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband e.V. (DVV), the German Adult Education Association. As the leading professional organisation in the field of adult education and development cooperation, DVV International has committed itself to supporting lifelong learning for 50 years. DVV International provides worldwide support for the establishment and development of sustainable structures for Youth and Adult Education.