Author Archives: ejbrh

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University: A Partner in Improving Vocational Education in the Western Balkans

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University: A Partner in Improving Vocational Education in the Western Balkans

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) is a leading Lithuanian university with a focus on technological sciences and practical, market-oriented education. As a member of the DRUPWB project consortium, VILNIUS TECH is dedicated to playing an important role in improving vocational education in the Western Balkans.

 

 

VILNIUS TECH’s Experience and Involvement

VILNIUS TECH has extensive experience in participating in international projects supported by programs like Erasmus+ (including Capacity Building, International Credit Mobility, Strategic Partnerships, Knowledge Alliances, and Skills Alliances), Horizon2020, Erasmus Mundus, Tempus, and other EU initiatives. Each year, the university engages in over 70 international projects, which contribute to enhancing its curriculum, supporting research, and encouraging collaboration with other institutions.

 

 

VILNIUS TECH’s Role in the DRUPWB Consortium

Since joining the DRUPWB consortium, VILNIUS TECH has utilized its experience from over 20 national and international projects, managed by its Knowledge and Technology Transfer Centre since 2014. These projects have been focused on helping higher education and vocational education providers teach modern, relevant skills.

 

Some of VILNIUS TECH’s main contributions to the DRUPWB project include:

  • Sharing Knowledge: VILNIUS TECH provides valuable insights and practices from its past projects to help improve vocational and higher education.
  • Training and Capacity Building: The university offers training programs for teachers at higher education institutions and vocational schools, helping them develop new skills and adopt modern teaching methods.
  • Promoting Collaboration: VILNIUS TECH encourages cooperation between universities and industries and involves alumni in university activities to strengthen the connection between education and the job market.

By applying its expertise in STEM education, VILNIUS TECH supports the development of innovative curricula focused on technological sciences. The university’s involvement in numerous international projects strengthens vocational education and training (VET) providers within the DRUPWB project..

Adult Education and Non-formal Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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.

Formal education in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Formal education in Bosnia and Herzegovina

As part of DRUPWB project, we bring you list of articles presenting the current educational realities in the 6 countries participating in the project; Lithuania, Germany, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro.


In this article we will reflect on the formal education sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Balkan country in Southeast Europe, known for its diverse cultural heritage, historical significance, and stunning natural landscapes, including picturesque mountains and rivers.

At the entity level in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are two ministries responsible for formal education.

 

In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is the Ministry of Education and Science, while in Republika Srpska, it is the Ministry of Education and Culture.

 

In the Brčko District, the responsibility for education is delegated to the Education Sector of the District Government.

 

Each of the ten cantons in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has their own Ministry of Education and regulations on education. Cantons independently finance education according to their constitutional powers, and cantonal ministries of education are also responsible for science, culture, and sports. Budgets, capacities, and sizes of these ministries vary from canton to canton.

Financing of formal education in Bosnia and Herzegovina

 

Formal education in Bosnia and Herzegovina is mostly financed from public funds of the entity budget, cantonal budget, Brčko District budget, and municipal budget, depending on the jurisdiction. This practically means that there are thirteen separate budgets for education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including two entity budgets, one in the Brčko District, and ten cantonal budgets.

 

Republika Srpska allocates about 4% of its GDP for education, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina allocates about 6% of GDP, while the Brčko District allocates 11.2% of the total District budget for education.

 

The fragmentation of the education system is reflected in this segment, as there are significant differences in average spending per student, as well as differences in salary levels and allowances for employees in the education sector across the country.

Levels of formal education

 

Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina is organized into four basic levels: preschool education and upbringing, primary, secondary, and higher education.

 

According to the latest available statistical data from the 2022/2023 academic year, Bosnia and Herzegovina has 1,738 primary schools, around 312 secondary schools, and 38 licensed higher education institutions, both private and public.

 

 

Secondary education

Secondary education offers various opportunities, including general education (gymnasiums), vocational education, artistic, and religious education. General secondary

education lasts for four years, while vocational secondary education, provided through technical and vocational schools, lasts for three or four years.

 

A secondary vocational qualification is obtained upon successful completion of secondary

education lasting three or four years in a secondary school, which can be an independent

institution or part of a school or secondary school center. This qualification can be obtained in different types of institutions, such as gymnasiums, vocational schools for education and training (art schools, technical schools, vocational schools), artistic and religious schools, as well as schools for students with developmental difficulties.

In the 2022/2023 school year, a total of 107,936 students enrolled in 312 secondary schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

 

Higher education

Higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina is organized into three cycles:

  • The first cycle leads to the academic title of a completed graduate study, which is obtained after a minimum of three and a maximum of four years of regular study and is valued at a minimum of 180 or 240 ECTS credits. An exception is made for studies in the field of medical sciences, which are valued at 360 ECTS credits.
  • The second cycle leads to the academic title of master or equivalent, obtained after completing a graduate study, lasts one or two years, and is valued at 60 or 120 ECTS credits.
  • The third cycle leads to the academic title of doctor or equivalent, lasts three years, and is valued at 180 ECTS credits.

 

Higher education institutions must be accredited to operate and provide diplomas and certificates to their participants.

 

In the 2022/2023 academic year, during the winter semester, 73,250 students were enrolled in the first cycle of higher education studies, including short cycles and integrated studies. Out of this number, 64,064 students were enrolled in all years of study, while 9,186 students were graduates.

 

Higher education institutions are funded in accordance with laws and regulations by the

authorities of Republika Srpska or the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Higher education activities are governed by the laws of Republika Srpska or the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the entity level, while the Ministry of Civil Affairs at the state level coordinates higher education activities between the two entities.

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.

DRUPWB platform officially launched

DRUPWB platform officially launched

In May 2024 we have officially launched first version of our DRUPWB online platform. For now, platform is available in website format – presenting the main project activities, offering educational resources, and providing chance for interested parties to reach out to partners of the DRUPWB project.

 

In the section News of the DRUPWB platform, you can find the most recent updates from the project activities and work of our partner organisations.

 

Education section offers insights into our educational materials: research, educational curriculum, and content report from the training for educators. For now, only the research document is published and available. Other educational materials will be published in August 2024 (educational curriculum) and February 2025 (content report).

 

Online learning part of our platform will offer educational online learning courses, available both in formats of micro learning courses and longer educational courses. The courses will be based on the asynchronous approach to online learning – meaning that you can go through the course in your own pace and at your convenience.

Online learning will be launched by the end of 2024.

 

Partners section offers insights into work of partner organisations implementing the DRUPWB initiative.

 

Don’t forget that you can always use the Contact form on the site, if you are interested in learning more about the project, joining some activities, or using the educational resources.

 

By the end of 2024 we will launch additional segment of the platform, enabling users to login and keep track of their participation in the online learning courses offered on the platform.

4-modular educational curriculum

4-modular educational curriculum

This educational material is in process of finalisation and will be updated soon.

 

Keep an eye on our platform and visit us by the given date to check the published educational material.

Analysis and map of existing non-formal educational curriculums of VET programs in participating countries

Analysis and map of existing non-formal educational curriculums of VET programs in participating countries

This document presents a comprehensive analysis of non-formal programs of the vocational education and training (VET) landscape across six countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Lithuania and Germany.

 

Each section provides a detailed overview of the existing non-formal educational curriculums, alongside an examination of formal and adult education frameworks within the vocational education programs of these nations.

 

This document aims to serve as an essential resource for policymakers, educational institutions, and stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of non-formal vocational education and training programs.

Learn more

By offering a comparative analysis of the VET systems across these countries, the research document seeks to highlight best practices, challenges, and opportunities for enhancing
non-formal vocational education to meet the evolving demands of the labor market.

Check the research

Digital Response to Unemployment Problems in Western Balkans (DRUPWB): A Groundbreaking Project Launch

Digital Response to Unemployment Problems in Western Balkans (DRUPWB): A Groundbreaking Project Launch

December 2023 – The European Union co-funded project “Digital Response to Unemployment Problems in Western Balkans” (DRUPWB) officially kicks off, marking a new era in Vocational Education and Training (VET) across the region. This two-year initiative is set to address critical skill gaps and mismatches in the labor market, particularly affecting young people.

 

Project Overview

The DRUPWB project aims to reshape the vocational education landscape, focusing on capacity building and innovative curriculum development based on STEM pedagogy. Its objectives align with the need to enhance labor market relevance of skills and to integrate VET into local, regional, and national development strategies.

DRUPWB is guided by the latest recommendations of the European Training Foundation and the Torino process, ensuring a strategic approach aligned with the current economic and social dynamics.

 

Distinguished Partnerships

This initiative brings together a diverse consortium of six esteemed organizations, each contributing unique expertise:

  • VILNIUS TECH – Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VilTech, LT): A leader in technology and engineering education, VilTech will leverage its extensive experience in international projects and university-business cooperation.
  • Pannonia Consulting (Pannonia, HR): Specializing in business development and non-formal education, Pannonia will contribute its expertise in project management and curriculum development.
  • Outside Media & Knowledge (Outside, DE): Known for its inclusive marketing and training approaches, Outside will play a pivotal role in project dissemination and engaging marginalized groups.
  • Spin / Okret (BA): Focused on experiential learning and digital transformation in youth work and VET sectors, Spin will bring valuable insights from its local and European-level projects.
  • Engineer Marko Radević Secondary School of Civil Engineering and Geodesy (SGGS, ME): As Montenegro’s premier vocational school in construction and geodesy, SGGS will contribute its specialized knowledge in these growing fields.
  • CRCA (AL): With over 25 years of experience in youth empowerment, CRCA will bring its expertise in working with NEET citizens and innovative approaches to education and training.

 

The affiliated partners support the project actions and help deepen the impact:

  • Public company Innooctava Innooctava LT
  • OBRT MOO MOO BA
  • ZENICA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ZEDA ZEDA BA
  • thevisionworks – tvw GmbH DE
  • ICTSmedia ICTSmedia AL
  • NVO GLAS NVO GLAS ME

A Vision for the Future


The project is poised to tackle challenges faced by young people in entering the labor market, addressing the alarming youth unemployment rates in the Western Balkans. By fostering cooperation between private and public stakeholders and developing demand-driven VET interventions, DRUPWB aspires to prevent the emergence of a “lost generation” of young people excluded from productive employment.