The training of trainers (TOT) on a cross-sectoral Non-formal Education (NFE) approach aimed to improve pedagogical skills and took place as a cooperation between the Department of Non-formal Education (DNFE) and the Department of Agriculture Extension and Cooperatives (DAEC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The training was held from 3-7 March 2025, in Vanngvieng District, Vientiane Province. The participants included technical staff from DNFE, Luxembourg Development Agency (LuxDev), and DAEC, as well as representatives of development counterparts, totaling 36 attendees, including 23 females. The TOT focused on pedagogical skills related to the Handbook on Participatory Training for Adult Learning of NFE. Apart from that, other skills related to adult learning were presented and exchanged between the non-formal education sector and the agriculture sector. This was important for enhancing agricultural development along with providing literacy skills services to marginalized and vulnerable populations and ensure that they develop proper skills to improve their livelihoods.
The training performed is an initial step for a cross-sectoral cooperation in lifelong learning with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. High performance results and learner satisfaction were achieved as could be demonstrated through a pre- and posttest. Participants are now able to apply their learning to further train DAEC’s staff at all levels.