Foreword

In developing countries, rural areas in particular have a long history of oversight and deprivation. Constrained by development pressures, education in rural areas of developing countries remains under-recognized and under resourced. Thus, through its work INRULED has a significant role in promoting education for rural development.

In 2009, despite financial and human restraints caused partly by its relocation, INRULED has resumed work in its major programme areas with remarkable success. Five research projects effectively provide references for decision makers in the areas of TVET, NFE, educational contributions to face the global financial crisis, distance teacher education and, universalization of compulsory basic education, to name a few. INRULED has also successfully carried out two advanced training projects (ATP) for high-level African education personnel, focusing on the themes of Teacher Education and Rural Women's Empowerment and Education respectively. ATP for African educators continues to be a successful programme of the organization.

At the end of February 2009 the first Board Meeting was held at INRULED's new home at the Normal University in Beijing. A key result was the approval of our 6-year Medium Term Strategic Plan. The institution of Board Meetings together with the Plan has created a solid foundation for the further development of INRULED.

In addition, in October 2009, INRULED organized, for the first time, a conference with UIL "The E-9 seminar on Literacy and Adult Education in Rural Areas". This conference summarized literacy and adult learning and education (ALE) experiences and policies in rural areas in the nine participating countries, whose mainly agricultural population constitutes three-quarters of the world's population. This has been the opportunity for these nine countries to address jointly issues of adult education focusing unflinchingly on the particular problems of rural people.

We would especially like to thank our partner organizations and resource persons for their continuing support and contributions during 2009. Without them the quality and efficiency of our work would not have been possible, nor could we have effectively advanced our shared mission of promoting education for rural development In the years to come we shall appreciate very much your ongoing support!

Mr. Wang Li

UNESCO INRULED