Revitalized TVET Committee Meet to Discuss TVET Roadmap Activities, National TVET Policy Reform, Role of Sub-groups, among others

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee, held its thirteenth national meeting at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology in Bijilo. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss 2021/2022 TVET Roadmap activities, TVET Policy reform, role of TVET Committee sub-groups, among others.

 

In his opening remark, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) Technical, of MoHERST, and Chair of the meeting, Dr. Yusupha Touray, welcomed participants and enlightened that the membership of the TVET Committee has been reconstituted to ensure a diverse range of stakeholders. He went on to welcome both existing and new members to the meeting and underlined the role of the Committee towards national development.

 

The Director of Tertiary and Higher Education of MoHERST, Mr Anthony Mendy, updated the committee on the progress made in implementing the 2021/2022 TVET Roadmap activities. Mr Mendy explained that five lead organizations were taking forward specific activities: MoHERST is leading eight activities, The National Accreditation and Quality Assurance authority (NAQAA) has nine activities, The International Trade Centre (ITC) has four activities, National Youth Council (NYC) which is under the Ministry of Youth and Sport has one activity, likewise the National Association of Vocational and Skills Training Institute (NAVSTI).

 

Speaking on the national TVET Policy, Mr. Mendy reminded members that the policy has been validated on the 11th September, 2021. Notwithstanding, the document is being finalized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and will be shared upon completion.

 

Meanwhile, the MoHERST Head of TVET Unit, Ms. Fatou Janneh gave a presentation expatiating on the different roles of sub-groups of the Committee. She explained that the Committee has been divided into three sub-groups. These sub-groups will be working on the nine (9) Pillars of the national TVET Policy, which include;

 

Pillar 1: Reviewing the institutional and governance framework for better delivery of TVET;

 

Pillar 2:  Expanding access to quality and relevant TVET for all;

 

Pillar 3: Improving the capacities of the TVET system to develop competitive, recognized and market driven programs to cater for current and future skills need;

 

Pillar 4: Improving the quality and the relevance of apprenticeship and on-the-job training for a skilled manpower throughout the economic sectors;

 

Pillar 5: Harnessing the benefits of the digital era for building a quality and competitive workforce;

 

Pillar 6: Establishing a national TVET funding mechanism that is robust, sustainable and ensures affordability and accountability;

 

Pillar 7: Strengthening and integrating the data of the existing education and training management information systems (EMIS) to enhance decision making in TVET;

 

Pillar 8: Ensuring effective and efficient integration of TVET graduates into the job market and finally,

 

Pillar 9: Improving the image of TVET.

 

The meeting proceeded to an interactive session, whereby members joined their designated sub-groups, appointed a chairperson and scribe and discussed the sub-groups strategic objectives, issues influencing the sub-group areas and identify other potential members. Ms. Janneh was impressed with the Committee, stating that their commitment towards national duty is commendable.

 

In his closing remark, DPS Dr. Yusupha Touray, thanked members for their participation and suggested that the sub-groups should commence work and report back to the main Committee by the end of March, 2022 for the next meeting.

 

Source: Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology

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