By Godwin Bonge Muhwezi
On 23rd May 2022 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Permanent and Principal Secretaries from the Ministries responsible for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania signed a communique adopting the Regional TVET Qualifications Framework for the 3 countries.
Consequently, IUCEA, the EASTRIP Regional Facilitation Unit organised a sensitisation workshop for Principals and EASTRIP Project Coordinators at Regional Flagship TVET Institutes (RFTIs) to learn more about the framework. The workshop focused on implementation of the Regional TVET Qualifications Framework and harmonized occupational standards to facilitate mobility of learners and mutual recognition of qualifications to facilitate regional integration.
The meeting was held in Mombasa, Kenya and it was attended by the State Minister from the Ministry of Labour and Skills in Ethiopia, Hon. Dr. Beker Shale, the Executive Secretary, IUCEA, Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Principals, Centre Leaders and EASTRIP Project Coordinators from 16 Regional Flagship TVET Institutes (RFTIs) in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Participants during the sensitisation workshop in Mobamba, Kenya
Speaking at the opening session of the sensitisation workshop, Hon. Shale, said: “The harmonised Regional TVET Qualifications Framework has given us a platform to speak one language regarding TVET. It supports enrolment of regional students and mutual recognition of TVET qualifications among the three countries.”
Prof. Banyankimbona said: “Although the Regional TVET Qualifications Framework was initiated Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania, its flexibility allows other countries in the region to join this initiative”. He called on other countries in the EAC to be part of the Regional TVET Qualifications Framework.
The Regional TVET Qualifications Framework and 42 Occupational Standards adopted will facilitate review and development of new curriculum among TVET institutes in the region. A total of 235 existing TVET qualifications were adopted for mutual recognition among countries implementing the EASTRIP Project. This facilitates enrolment of regional students and exchange of staff among TVET Institutes in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
The Writer is a Project Communication Officer for EASTRIP at Inter-University Council for East Africa.