Why donors have shifted focus to vocational training

Aug 01, 2012

Development partners and international financial institutions are gradually shifting attention to technical and vocational education in the country.

By Conan Businge

Development partners and international financial institutions are gradually shifting attention to technical and vocational education in the country.

Decades ago, attention of most donors was on primary and secondary education, especially with the start of free primary education. It was later followed by free secondary education.

But with the growing rate of unemployment in most developing countries and economic recession, statistics show that they are gradually shifting their attention on vocational education.

In its Plan of Action for the Second Decade of Education (2006 - 2015), the African Union recognises the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a means of empowering people to take control of their lives.

It also recommends the integration of vocational training. The African Union (AU) also recognises that many young people are outside the formal school system.

The union recommends the integration of non-formal learning methodologies and literacy programmes. A recent survey conducted by the AU on the state of technical and vocation education in 18 African countries points to a number of priority areas.

The recommendations include the development of appropriate competency-based curriculum in these areas and compulsory implementation of TVET programmes for students in fields such as entrepreneurship, agriculture and building construction.

The promotion of handicrafts and other indigenous technologies was also rated as important for Africa’s development.

Who shall benefit?

In the next financial year, Uganda is to receive about sh426b from donors for health, technical and business institutions.

The funding plan was disclosed by the education minister Jessica Alupo, at the closure of an education sector review workshop recently.

Alupo said most donors are focusing on skills development at higher institutions of learning.

The biggest chunk of funds is from the World Bank which is about sh104b. Other donors are Belgium sh44b and the Islamic Development Bank with sh35b to mention few.

The World Bank’s fund beneficiaries are yet to be identified. More nine technical institutes in the districts of Namutumba, Nakasongola, Yumbe, Hoima, Lwengo, Mukono, Amuria, Kamuli and Pader will be funded by Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Five new technical institutes will also be built in the districts of Adjumani, Bukedea, Kiboga, Lyantonde and Kyenjojo.

The Islamic Development Bank will support Uganda Technical colleges in Elgon and Lira, on top of a National Teachers College in Unyama.

Other institutes already lined up are in Rukungiri, Dokolo, Nakaseke, Mubende, Tororo, Kalongo and Arua districts.

The increasing importance that African governments should focus on vocational education is reflected in the various Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers that have developed in collaboration with the World Bank.
 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});