The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with DVV International organized a 2-day Adult Learning and Community Education Stakeholders’ Workshop on 6th and 7th March, held at the Hotel Africana in Kampala, Uganda. The workshop brought together a diverse array of stakeholders committed to advancing adult learning and community education interventions. In the fast-changing world, continuous nonformal adult learning and education allows people to be self-reliant, and adaptable to changes in society. It also helps to build capacity in the community to assess their challenges, identify ways to address them, prioritize, leverage resources, and create sustainable solutions. So, there is a need to improve the quality of nonformal adult learning and community education provision. The workshop which was organized by the Ministry with support from DVV International aimed to shed light on the status of the ICOLEW Program in Uganda and, the dissemination of the Non-Formal Adult Learning and Community Education Strategy (NALCES). The strategy is designed to promote inclusive, equitable, and quality learning opportunities for adults by facilitating policy formulation and enhancing the capacity of educators and practitioners. Notably, the workshop also provided a platform for stakeholders from both state and non-state entities to share their experiences. The workshop commenced with insightful opening remarks by Mr. Everest Tumwesigye, Commissioner of Community Development and Literacy from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in Uganda. He highlighted the transformative role of non-formal education in providing a second chance for individuals who may have dropped out of formal education systems. The commissioner emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and shared encouraging statistics indicating a significant increase in adult literacy rates over the years. However, he also acknowledged that there are persistent challenges, particularly in securing adequate support for non-formal education initiatives compared to formal education systems. He emphasised the value of programs like the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) Programme in Uganda, stressing the need for broader awareness and advocacy efforts to garner support using press media, newsletters and social media. Figure 1Commissioner of Community Development and Literacy from MGLSD delivering a speech Exploring the ICOLEW Programme: Ms. Imelda Kyaringabira a Principal Literacy Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development provided an update on the ICOLEW Programme. This programme aims to empower non- and semi-literate youth and adults by integrating literacy, numeracy, and skill development. Its objectives include building literacy and livelihood skills, establishing community learning centres, and strengthening institutional capacity. Ms Kyaringabira outlined the status of the program, discussing its achievements and challenges and emphasizing its importance in achieving sustainable development. Through the ICOLEW Programme, it has been noted that significant progress has been made like establishment of 4 regional model community learning centers. Moreover, a considerable number of 10,000 learners have successfully graduated, including 4,134 learners from 5 local governments who have completed literacy and numeracy skills, and 5,051 learners from savings and lending skills. Additionally, 12 Community Learning Centers have been established in the 4 districts of Mpigi, Iganga, Namayingo, Nwoya and Rukungiri, which is a noteworthy achievement. Challenges and Strategies for Progress Ms Imelda Kyaringabira also addressed ongoing challenges including inadequate financial resources, coordination gaps among stakeholders, and the absence of accreditation frameworks for non-formal learners. Therefore, several strategies were proposed to address these challenges, which emphasized the importance of continued coordination among the stakeholders, professionalization of adult educators, and implementation of the road map to develop the Uganda Qualification Framework – ALCE focusing on certification and accredition of the learner’s achievement. Dissemination of Non-Formal Adult Learning Strategy (NALCES) by Pr. Nuwagaba Ephraim During the workshop one of the most important segments was the presentation and dissemination of the NALCES. The strategy aims to increase demands and uptake of development programs and services while also promoting accountability from the government and other development actors. Dr. Nuwagaba explained that while there are numerous programs related to ALCE, they have been uncoordinated, making it challenging to improve the provision of ALCE. Therefore, the strategy is expected to coordinate these programs' efforts and improve provision. The strategy was developed following a careful review of the ICOLEW process and regular reports, which revealed that the environment in which NALCE was being implemented was not conducive. This was due to a narrow policy, lack of strategy, inadequate dissemination of implementation guidelines, and no qualifications framework that gives learners accreditation and recognition. Sharing Best Practices and Lessons Learned The workshop provided a platform for sharing best practices and lessons learned from various stakeholders. Technical presentations from Martin Turibamwe a Program Manager-Adult Literacy Education (ALE) from Development Companions International (DCI) Uganda key principles of adult learning essential for effective educational practices. He emphasized the significance of understanding learners' self-concept, drawing from their experiences, and gauging their readiness to learn. Turibamwe underscored the importance of creating an environment conducive to learning, where learners are motivated and oriented towards acquiring knowledge. Other organizations like UNBOUND which was represented by Ms. Naluwu Teddy presented on her participation in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary and World Assembly of the ICAE held in Bali, Indonesia, Finnish Refugee Council (FRC), World Vision, UNESCO and Caritas Uganda also shared their experiences enriched discussions and inspired collaborative efforts. Updates from DVV International and MOJA Platform During the workshop, the Regional Director of DVV International East/Horn of Africa presented an overview of the collaborative activities between DVV International and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in Uganda. Highlighting the organization's commitment to supporting adult learning and community education initiatives, she shared insights into the various, programs, around the region and partnerships aimed at advancing education opportunities for adults across the country. Figure 2 DVV International Regional Director delivering a speech during the workshop Following her presentation, the advocacy and communication officer from DVV International introduced stakeholders to the MOJA Platform. As an advocacy tool and online resource, MOJA serves as a hub for adult learning and education professionals and practitioners in Africa. Through MOJA, stakeholders can access valuable resources, share best practices, and engage in collaborative discussions to drive positive change in the field of adult education. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, MOJA empowers stakeholders to connect, learn, and advocate for the importance of lifelong learning and community education in Uganda and beyond. Gratitude to Our Stakeholders The workshop saw the participation of key stakeholders including government Ministries. Agencies and Departments representatives, NGOs, civil society organizations, educators, practitioners, and community leaders. Their collective presence underscored the shared commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable learning opportunities for all. Looking Ahead As the workshop concluded, it was agreed upon that creating a WhatsApp group for all ALCE stakeholders committee members would be beneficial in fostering collaboration. In addition to this, it was suggested to reach out to the committee of parliament for advocacy and dissemination of NALCES to the region at all levels. The participants expressed their shared commitment to advancing adult learning and community education in Uganda, which can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and collective action. Moreover, ongoing online meetings will be held to discuss further the national qualification framework, which will benefit our society through education.