DFID - World Bank Collaboration on Knowledge and Skills for the Modern Economy Presentation at DFID HD retreat Oxford, 10 February 2005

Main Characteristics of Project Goal: to provide tools and knowledge to enable developing countries to make informed policy choices for reforming post basic education and training systems to meet the challenges of lifelong learning Activities funded address three themes: Understanding the knowledge economy in developing countries Policies to help meet the challenges of lifelong learning Monitoring and evaluation of progress However, most projects covered all three themes

Key Deliverables A variety of products: analytical papers, case studies, policy making tools and training for policy makers. 20 projects in total, most with multiple outputs. All went through strict WB review process All activities include a dissemination strategy Implementation carried out by people and institutions within developing countries to build capacity and promote sustainability

Sample Projects Lifelong Learning and Training Policies in Latin America A Process for Planning Low-Cost, Effective Distance Learning in East Asia

Case 1: Lifelong Learning and Training Policies in Latin America Objective: document the “reality” of lifelong learning in eight countries; identify implications and raise questions for policy development Products: 8 case studies, representing diversity of countries: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru

Principal Findings Countries took a variety of approaches Several addressed issues often ignored: Mapping non-formal education (Brazil) Concrete examples of how education institutions can support, or hinder, shift to high value products (asparagus industry in Peru)

Impact For Latin America concrete results were contributions to: preparation of the Mexico Lifelong Learning project (identification of the target population, estimation of the cost of training, presentation of policy options) policy dialogue in Columbia leading to the preparation of one or two Lifelong Learning projects at sub-national level policy dialogue in Jamaica to reform the training policy, engaging for the first time both Ministry of Education and the independent VET agency

Case 2: Planning Low-Cost, Effective Distance Learning (East Asia) Objective: review the experience and lessons learned in industrial and developing countries; identify viable options for affordable yet effective strategies; develop a toolkit to assist client nations in planning Product: Planning Toolkit

Outcomes/Impact Peer review process generated strong learning and consensus building New knowledge generated – Mongolia case study Various products (paper report and CD-Rom)

Continued, WB (EAP region), APEC and Japan Development Information Center will jointly offer a Rural and Distance Learning course (based on the findings of the project, through the GDLN/distance learning) to five countries (Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Timor Este), February 22, 2005. a shorter (single session) overview of the project will be provided for Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (February 25, 2005) Each course is expected to involve 100-200 practitioners and policy makers

Next Steps for DFID-WB Collaboration in 2005 Publication and translation of key documents (e.g., executive summaries) in English, French, Spanish, Russian and Arabic. Final Summary Report (again translated) Dissemination. Oxford conference. Events led by regional units in WB

Preliminary Lessons Added funding and flexibility of use are very important: Allowed to complement ongoing policy work on lifelong learning through variety of approaches (analytical work, pilots) not often possible under existing funding mechanisms (country program or global strategies)

Preliminary Lessons Need for value added framework and overview (WB analytical contribution)

Preliminary Lessons Opening process to non-education units added to richness of ideas (Social Protection, Knowledge for Development) However, uneven integration into country programs LAC. Deepened dialogue and exposed new issues. Projects flowing. Only one proposal funded from Africa (money not an issue because of large TF resources already? Concepts not seen as relevant?)

Questions for Discussions Role of DFID staff in dissemination Seek input into design and implementation of regional events How to maximize impact on DFID/WB country programs How to maximize impact in countries