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EDUCATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
VVOB—Education for Development is a nonprofit organization founded in 1982 that focuses mainly on sub-Sahara Africa and the Least Developed Countries (LDC group), which is in line with Belgium’s national development policy.
VVOB defines a good quality education as "one that provides all learners with capabilities they require to become economically productive, develop sustainable livelihoods, contribute to peaceful and democratic societies and enhance individual well-being. The learning outcomes that are required vary according to context but at the end of the basic education cycle must include threshold levels of literacy and numeracy, basic scientific knowledge and life skills including awareness and prevention of disease. Capacity development to improve the quality of teachers and other education stakeholders is crucial throughout this process.”
SIX CRUCIAL DIMENSIONS OF QUALITY EDUCATION
VVOB believes that education leads to empowerment: a process of strengthening individuals, organizations and communities so they get more control over their own situations and environments. Quality education is a crucial factor in combating poverty and inequality in society. In quality education, VVOB distinguishes six dimensions that all interventions of the organization need to meet.
1. Equity The VVOB definition refers to "all learners”. This term refers to non-discrimination and equity. Equity in education means that personal and social circumstances such as gender, ethnic origin or family background are not obstacles to achieving educational potential and that all individuals reach at least a basic minimum level of skills. VVOB in particular focuses on gender equity.
2. Contextualization and Relevance Quality education cannot be based on a blueprint that is applicable in all situations. Solutions and adaptations of education systems must be based on the real needs of a country and/or community. To guarantee this, VVOB evaluates its interventions.
3. Child-friendly Teaching and Learning Quality education puts the child in the center and helps it to reach his or her full potential. Quality Education requires children’s active participation.
4. Sustainability Educational change processes often need time to be realized. By enhancing the capacities of local education authorities, VVOB aims to institutionalize these processes.
5. Balanced Approach Quality education aims at developing a balanced set of capabilities of children they require to become economically productive, develop sustainable livelihoods, contribute to peaceful and democratic societies and enhance individual well-being.
6. Learning Outcomes After completing a certain level of education, children must have developed a minimum standard of skills. Quality education requires a resultsoriented approach.