By Godwin Bonge Muhwezi
IUCEA, the EASTRIP Regional Facilitation Unit, has contracted Cadena International Development Projects as a consulting firm to facilitate the harmonisation occupational standards and qualifications framework. The contract signing took place at IUCEA Head Office in Kampala, Uganda.
Speaking after the contract signing, the EASTRIP Regional Project Coordinator, Dr. Cosam Joseph congratulated Cadena International for emerging successful following a rigorous process that involved solicitation of international firms to facilitate the harmonisation process.
Ms. Patricia de Bruijn, the Managing Director, Cadena International Development Projects thanked EASTRIP for the opportunity to work on an exciting project to harmonise TVET qualifications in the region and promised to complete the assignment with the set timelines.
The process of harmonising TVET occupational standards and qualifications frameworks has already begun following the appointment of the regional technical working group (TWG) comprising experts from TVET authorities in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.
The TWG has so far held two meeting during which a road map for harmonisation was developed, areas for harmonisation in the qualifications framework were identified and 10 occupational standards for harmonisation were also identified.
The Consultant will conduct field activities and undertake relevant research to develops at least ten (10) regionally harmonized occupational standards in EASTRIP priority sectors and develop the Regional Qualifications Framework for TVET education.
Harmonization of TVET qualifications and occupational standards is expected to create an enabling policy environment to enhance skills development and service delivery among TVET institutes in the East African Region. It is expected to bring about mutual recognition of TVET qualifications which are critical for the mobility of skilled labour within the region.
The Writer is a Project Communications Officer for EASTRIP at IUCEA.