UNESCO BEAR II Project To Improve Quality, Relevance, and Perceptions In TVETS.
Dr Margaret Mwakima, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Vocational Training, has received policy documents developed under the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR II) project.
The project is set to improve the quality, relevance, and perceptions of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) in the country.
Prof Hubert Gijzen, Regional Director and representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), handed over the documents to the PS for implementation.
During the handover ceremony at a Nairobi hotel, the PS stated that the forum provides a magnificent opportunity to look back and appreciate the progress made in the country and the Eastern African Region in implementing the BEAR II Project.
“The Ministry of Education through the State Department for Vocational and Technical Training in partnership with the Government of South Korea has been implementing the Kenyan chapter of BEAR II project since 2017,” Mwakima stated.
She stated that the project is in its final year of implementation and that several policy documents have been created.
The PS also stated that publications that will improve the quality, relevance, perception, and attractiveness of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses, among other key outputs, are now available.
Mwakima praised the BEAR II Project team, which included the Ministry of Education, the Private Sector, and TVET Institutions, among others, for their ability to meet the project’s goals and objectives.
“The BEAR II Project aims at creating a positive impact in Kenya by focusing on three key objectives which include enhancing capacities, improving quality and relevance, and creating a positive perception in TVET,” she explained.
According to the PS, the major accomplishments of this project witnessed during the event include the development of policies to guide Kenya’s TVET Sub-Sector, the Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL) policy, the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) policy framework, the Career Guidance and Counselling Framework, and Quality Assurance Manuals.
She went on to say that the government has seen innovative results from the project, such as the creation of a National Skills Getaway for Kenya and the sharing of necessary information among youth and other TVET stakeholders.
Mwakima also stated that the Bear II Project’s goal is to promote skill development and to produce a quality labor force, with skilled individuals expected to contribute directly to the achievement of all 17 Strategic Development Goals, as each goal necessitates human effort with the necessary skills.
“I note with satisfaction that the project has enabled Kenya to start its journey to participate in world skills competitions thus promoting the recognition of skilled youth nationally and globally,” Mwakima remarked.
Kenya is expected to compete in the Africa Competition, which will be held in Namibia from March 28th to April 2nd, with contests ranging from robotics to culinary works, according to the PS.
“Finally, we look forward to enhanced collaborations with partners in providing solutions to emerging challenges as caused by the growing number of youths joining our training institutions,” she said.
At the same time, UNESCO Regional Director Prof Hubert Gijzen stated that through TVETs, Africa will catalyze the skills revolution and boost economic growth through poverty reduction, youth employment, and achievement of the SDGs.
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Mr Yeo Sung-Jun, a representative of the Korean Embassy in Kenya, also stated that the Korean Government is pleased with the project’s overall implementation status and hopes.
He noted that the project will continue to develop and improve skills relevant to the improvement of entrepreneurial skills in Kenya.
UNESCO BEAR II Project To Improve Quality, Relevance, and Perceptions In TVETS
