Giving disadvantaged people a second chance to acquire basic skills and prepare for the world of work

Second-chance education was the theme of this year’s annual conference of the Swiss Network for Education and International Cooperation (Réseau Suisse Education et Coopération Internationale, RECI), held in Bern on 3 November 2014.  The conference consisted of presentations on projects conducted by non-governmental organisations, regional networks and universities, including Action Aid, Foundation for the Education of Children in Africa and the University of Geneva.    

Around 200 million 15–24-year-olds in 123 low- and middle-income countries have not completed primary education and lack foundation skills. The EFA Global Monitoring Report (2012) defines second-chance  education as not only making sure children and young people can attend school, but also as giving them opportunities to find decent work, earn a living, contribute to their communities and societies, and fulfill their potential.

Representing UIL in an opening keynote address, Dr. Madhu Singh highlighted the prominent position of second-chance education in the post-2015 EFA agenda, and the importance of supporting Member States to ensure the provision of high-quality second-chance education. She underlined the importance of making formal systems more inclusive of non-formal and informal learning, and of engaging with institutions in different sectors such as industry, health, local government, formal education and training.   

For more information, please see the conference programme (in German).