Under the slogan “Artificial Intelligence Enhances Adult Learning,” the Arab House for Adult Learning and Development (AHAED) has launched a regional roadmap alongside a specialized training program titled “Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Civil Society Organizations.”
This initiative reflects a growing commitment to equipping NGO and NPO leaders, adult educators, and community facilitators with the competencies required to integrate AI into lifelong learning systems. The program officially commenced on 17 March, bringing together approximately 150 participants from leading civil society organizations and educational networks across nine Arab countries: Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
From Technology to “AI Systems”
The program is led by Lebanese-European expert and ALECSO specialist in educational technology, Dr. Pierre Gedeon, Founder of the Modernization and Development of Education Association (MADE) and member in the Arab Network Popular Education.
A Structured Curriculum for Social Impact
At the heart of the initiative is a comprehensive curriculum titled “Adult Education and Artificial Intelligence.” Designed as a seven-week online program supported by project-based learning, it aligns with UNESCO’s ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (v3) and the 2024 AI Competency Frameworks.
Organized into seven modules, the curriculum guides participants from foundational awareness to advanced strategic application. It covers AI fundamentals, digital learning platforms such as Moodle, inclusive pedagogy, strategic planning, and ethical governance. Participants gain hands-on experience in leveraging AI for administrative efficiency, designing personalized learning pathways, and developing community-based solutions.
By the end of the program, participants are expected to progress from basic AI literacy to leading AI-driven strategies within their organizations, contributing to improved educational outcomes and reduced inequalities.
Building Digital Competencies and AI Literacy
The training introduces a structured pathway from digital illiteracy to AI literacy, with a strong emphasis on prompt engineering through the professional “5Cs” methodology: defining the role, building context, setting constraints, guiding logical reasoning, and configuring outputs.
Participants also engage with practical AI tools and platforms, strengthening their ability to interact effectively with systems such as conversational AI models. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on enhancing efficiency while maintaining human oversight and critical evaluation.
A Regional Call to Action
This initiative marks a significant step toward mobilizing Arab civil society to engage with artificial intelligence in a conscious, responsible, and professional manner. By combining strategic vision, technical capacity-building, and ethical awareness, AHAED aim to position adult learning at the forefront of digital transformation across the region.
text by Elsy Wakil, ICAE Executive Committee Member
