Our mini-interview why residents and residents of Bykhov are wary of non-formal adult education, and after taking the courses they start writing poems? The head of the center "Barkulab" Roman Melnikov told us about the activities and challenges.
DVV: Why did you start working on the theme of adult education?
Roman: This theme has never been a stranger to me, because it is part of my professional activity. But it was adult education that I faced last year. We began to teach the unemployed the basics of business planning to get the state subsidy, which is allocated to start their own business. The more actively we cooperated with the Department of Labor, Employment and Social Protection of Bykhov district executive committee, the more acute the problems were felt: adults did not want to go to the regional center of Mogilev to retrain in their professions due to family circumstances. This was the impetus for a detailed study of further education of adults. Besides, there are also personal needs. After all, in Bykhovsky district, unfortunately, there are no organizations that work in this direction. Thanks to DVV International project we are making the first steps on creation and development of additional adult education system in Bykhov district.
DVV: The biggest challenge the center has faced at the moment?
Roman: The biggest challenge is recognition among Bykhov citizens. After all, in most cases, additional adult education is associated with people's professional development in public educational institutions. And here we have appeared and are trying to motivate an adult to acquire new competencies or improve existing ones through non-formal education.
DVV: The biggest achievement of the center and your team?
Roman: The biggest achievement to date is the feedback from people after the training courses. For example, Yulia Vasiliev, after completing a course on entrepreneurship, wrote such poems:
"ENTREPRENEURSHIP" - What a word!!!
Ooh... how many "basics" there were in it that I couldn't understand. …
Thank you, Roman, for being so clear and "accessible"...
DVV: How much adult education centers are in demand in Bykhov in yout opinion?
Roman: According to the results of a study on the educational needs of the district residents, the center is very popular. But, on the other hand, people are not ready to pay for additional education. The stereotype that they go to courses for free is quite strong.
In general, today in Belarus, in the field of additional education for adults, a disciplinary approach to education prevails, while people are important to practice-oriented approach. And, of course, there is a need for vocational training of andragogues for additional adult education.
Top
Print