Speaking at the seminar, Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary of IUCEA, emphasized the timeliness of the seminar, stating, “This seminar on Technical and Vocational Education and Training is crucial, especially coming at a time when TVET has gained prominence as a model for fostering economic growth, social development, and facilitating regional integration.”
IUCEA highlighted the progress made through the World Bank-funded East African Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP). The project aims to address skills shortage and mismatch by enhancing the quality and relevance of TVET programs in 16 selected Regional Flagship TVET Institutes (RFTIs).
Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary of IUCEA speaking at the TVET seminar in Arusha, Tanzania.
Prof. Banyankimbona said, “Through EASTRIP, we have developed the Regional TVET qualifications framework, developed 44 occupational standards focusing on key growth sectors of our economies, including manufacturing, energy, ICT, infrastructure development, and Agro processing.”
Lu Fusheng, Vice Principal of Zhengzhou Railway Vocational and Technical College, expressed enthusiasm for potential partnerships, saying, “Our expertise in railway technology education will contribute to skills development in the region’s growing transportation sector.”
Hu Yingman, Vice Principal of Hunan Railway Professional Technology College, expressed willingness to collaborate with TVET Institutes in East Africa to develop joint programs curricula and occupational standards. “The exchange of best practices between Chinese and East African TVET institutions will lead to innovative approaches in curriculum development and practical training methodologies,” Yingmansaid.
The seminar also addressed the importance of aligning TVET programs with industry needs. Wu Yafei, Vice Dean of the School of Nursing at Weinan Vocational and Technical College, commented, “Our training curriculum is closely aligned with the demand for healthcare professionals. We want to share our experience with TVET institutions looking to strengthen their programs in response to the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers.”
Prof. Banyankimbona highlighted the potential for long-term partnerships, stating, “Through our efforts to harmonize and improve the quality of higher education in the region, we have formed strategic partnerships and alliances with leading regional and global organisations, including institutions in China. These collaborations are crucial for the development of a skilled workforce that can drive industrialization and socio-economic development in the EAC region.”
The seminar concluded with a call to action for increased collaboration between East African and Chinese TVET institutions. Participants agreed to explore student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, and the sharing of curriculum development strategies.
By Godwin Bonge Muhwezi, Project Communication Specialist for EASTRIP at IUCEA.
