Providing lifelong learning opportunities in conflict situations: A study of Kashmir valley

Jammu and Kashmir, the northernmost border state of India located in the Himalayas, has been hit by an armed conflict since past 24 years. Due to conflict situations prevailing in the state, no strong industry has been able to establish itself in the region. Frequent disturbances have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, impacting employment creation which has alienated the youth. The state has a growth rate of about 23% which slightly exceeds the national growth rate of about 17%. Despite economic growth, Jammu & Kashmir has a large number of unemployed youth. Almost six lakh people are unemployed in the state. There are hundreds of unemployed youth in the state who do not have much qualification but need to be taught some skill building and vocational courses which can help them in make a living for themselves in these disturbing situations. In this scenario, the role of lifelong learning education comes into play under which various opportunities need to be provided to these youth as per their requirement so as to equip themselves with some qualification or skills which will help them stand on their own financially.

The present paper would explore the role of University of Kashmir and its Directorate of Lifelong Learning in providing lifelong learning opportunities to youth including the opportunity to enhance new and existing skills, stimulating learning experiences and new connections with fellow adult learners and with members of communities around the world. The paper would further explore what kind of impact it is generating on the employment of the youth through DLL lifelong learning programmes in Kashmir valley.