Adult Education and Non-formal Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a general problem in the education system manifested by a lack of adaptation to the needs of the labor market.
This problem is further exacerbated by the marginalisation of adult non-formal education.
Lifelong learning, especially adult training and education, represents the most prevalent activities in this context. These activities are carried out in regular vocational schools using curricula and programs adopted from formal education, applying the same methodology as regular schooling in vocational schools.
Adult education in Bosnia and Herzegovina
According to the Framework Law on Primary and Secondary Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adult education is organized for professional and personal development. Adult education includes vocational training, retraining, upgrading, and other activities that enable lifelong learning. Details related to adult education are regulated by laws of entities, cantons, and the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with the principles and standards defined by the Framework Law. According to the Framework Law on Vocational Education and Training in Bosnia and Herzegovina, schools can organize adult training within their registered activities with the consent of competent educational authorities. The competent minister adopts the curriculum for adult education and training. Additionally, the same law stipulates that adult training participants are charged a fee for training, the amount of which is determined and adopted by the school board with the consent of the competent ministry of education.
When it comes to adult education, it is important to emphasise that there are only three centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina dealing with retraining and upgrading, located in Bihać, Sarajevo, and Široki Brijeg. This is insufficient to meet the population’s needs for this type of improvement.
Non-formal education in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The most common types of non-formal education in Bosnia and Herzegovina are courses offered by private training centers or companies primarily engaged in providing training, courses, and workshops. However, various forms of non-formal education offered by companies or experts in their fields, who primarily do not deal with non-formal education but engage in completely different activities, are gaining increasing popularity. The most sought-after courses for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina are in the field of IT technical skills, but there is also a growing demand for other types of courses such as project management, digital marketing, graphic design, 3D modeling, financial controlling, risk management, budgeting, and similar areas.
Some analyses and research point out problems in the field of non-formal education in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- A small percentage of diplomas and certificates issued by non-formal education organizations to their successful participants are recognized.
- Additionally, non-formal education is underdeveloped to meet the modern demands of the labor market.
- There is also a significant lack of strategic planning in non-formal education, resulting in undefined and unplanned functioning.
This article was developed based on the project’s research document “Analysis and map of existing non-formal educational curriculums of VET programs in participating countries”.
If you want to learn more about the research, and read the full document, click here.