By Jemal Hansen
General Wingate Polytechnic College (GWPTC) in Ethiopia reached a significant milestone in its journey to become a Regional Flagship TVET institute in Electrical and Digital Applications (CEDA) with the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the state-of-the-art workshop and classrooms. The event, held in April 2023 a month ahead of schedule, was attended by the entire college management, contractor, consultant, project team, and the community at large.
Artistic Impression of the Regional Flagship TVET Institute at GWPTC
The project, funded by the World Bank through the East African Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), aims to improve the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) Ethiopia and in the entire Eastern Africa region.
EASTRIP is supporting General Wingate Polytechnic College to build essential facilities and the acquire equipment to be used in teaching and learning, among others. Of USD10.36 million budget allocated, USD7 million is dedicated to construction of state-of-the-art workshops and classroom building, and $3.36 million for acquisition equipment. The college has already procured Electrical Laboratory Workstation valued at USD1,144,822 which underlines the college’s progress in implementing its Strategic Investment Plan.
The construction project for CEDA faced its fair share of challenges, including a funding gap due to cost escalation and inflation. However, the college management swiftly responded by revising the project’s Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), reallocating saved funds towards the construction activity. Additionally, after careful consultation with the design and supervision consulting firm, some non-essential features were removed from the construction project scope without compromising its functionality.
With these adjustments in place, the college’s commitment to the development of the workshop and classroom facilities has stayed on course.
The ground-breaking ceremony marked the official commencement of construction activities, symbolizing a new chapter in the campus community’s growth and progress.
The event was filled with enthusiasm and excitement as stakeholders and community members gathered to witness the realization of GWPTC’s vision for the future. By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced training equipment, the college aims to provide its students with world-class facilities that foster innovation and hands-on learning experiences.
The Writer is a Project Coordinator for EASTRIP at General Wingate Polytechnic College
