Senior managers from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, between participated in a special leadership training programme held in Guangzhou, China from 3rd to 7th December 2023.
The training programme was organised by the Guganzhou Technician College (GZTC) in partnership with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) with support from the World Bank through the East African Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP). It aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and strategies to improve the quality of TVET in their respective countries.
The programme was preceded by an opening ceremony to launch the International Teachers Training Centre, a joint initiative by IUCEA and GZTC. The centre is expected to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and professional development for TVET trainers from East Africa and China.
Participants during the special leadership training session in Guangzhou, China
The training was conducted by renowned professors with expertise in TVET leadership and management. It covered various leadership topics and best practices, giving participants practical skills and innovative approaches to curriculum development, industry collaboration, quality assurance, change management, greening TVET, and institutional management.
The training programme also included field visits to factories and industrial parks which provided participants with firsthand experience of the strong collaboration between GZTC and local industries, including GAC Aion New Energy Automobile Co. Ltd, among others.
Participants also visited GZTC main campus, agricultural training campus, and automotive training facility, demonstrating how the college effectively leverages partnerships to produce high-quality, market-driven graduates.
The programme culminated in a closing ceremony with representatives from the three East African governments expressing their appreciation to the organizers for providing the learning opportunity
Participants on a study tour at GAC Aion New Energy Automobile Co. Ltd
Speaking at the closing session, the Executive Secretary, IUCEA, Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, said: “The training sessions were truly inspiring and provided us with a wealth of knowledge that we can directly apply to improve our TVET institutions in East Africa.” “We are grateful to the professors, staff, and organisers who made this programme such a success,” he added.
Prof. Li Minnggen, the President of GZTC said: “We are honoured to have hosted this leadership training programme and share our experiences with our colleagues from East Africa. We believe that collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for advancing TVET globally.”
Dr. Xiaoyan Liang, World Bank Lead Education Specialist, said: “Investing in TVET is crucial for building a skilled workforce to promote economic growth in East Africa. This training programme has given TVET leaders in East Africa an opportunity to share experiences and best practices with TVETs in China.”
Prof. Banyankimbona expressed IUCEA’s commitment to continue its collaboration with GZTC through the International Teachers Training Centre to build upon the foundation of mutual learning and exchange established during the visit to the advance TVET across the East African region.
By Godwin Bonge Muhwezi, Project Communication Officer for EASTRIP at IUCEA
