International conference: the Role of Centres of Vocational Excellence in VET in Africa
International Conference on Vocational Excellence in Africa
From 25th to 27th June 2024, Casablanca, Morocco, hosted an influential international conference titled "The Role of Centres of Vocational Excellence (COVEs) in VET in Africa." This event brought together over 75 stakeholders in vocational education and training from 13 African countries, along with representatives from VET providers' associations, NGOs, and development agencies from five European Union countries. The primary focus was on the significant role that COVES play in skills provision across Africa.
Organisers and Key Participants
The conference was co-organised by Enabel, the Belgian development agency and the European Training Foundation (ETF). It featured prominent figures such as Saad Maelainine, Director of Pedagogical Coordination and the Private Sector at the Moroccan Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills. Maelainine emphasised the critical role of vocational training in human capital development and business performance improvement.
Abdelhakim Hadafi, Regional Director of the Office of Vocational Training and Promotion of Work (OFPPT) in Morocco, presented the OFPPT's accomplishments. This institution, with financial autonomy and a governance structure involving the state, employee, and employer representatives, leads vocational training efforts in Morocco through over 500 establishments offering training in 611 fields.
Stefan Meersschaert, Head of Cooperation at the Belgian Embassy, highlighted Morocco's dynamic engagement in vocational training and underscored the importance of TVET in socio-economic integration, especially in Africa, where the youth population faces significant challenges.
Visits and Observations
Participants visited three COVES in Rabat and Casablanca, offering an opportunity to share experiences and insights. Nicolas Oebel, Resident Representative of Enabel Morocco, noted that COVES enhance the quality of vocational training, facilitating young people's integration into the labour market. Enabel supports this approach with a portfolio exceeding €350 million focused on skills development, training, and professional integration, particularly for young people and vulnerable women.
Georgios Zisimos, Head of the Policy Advice and European Programming Unit at ETF, emphasised the importance of investment in education and training to combat vulnerability. ETF's work spans 28 countries over four regions, promoting education and training as key strategies for sustainable development.
Key Discussions and Panels
The conference featured a panel discussion on whether different countries share a common understanding of vocational excellence. Panellists included:
Stefan Thomas, ETF Human Capital Development Expert, who highlighted the need for quality, excellence, and capacity in vocational training.
Eddy Turyatemba, Advisor to the Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports, who discussed the legislative framework supporting vocational training in Uganda.
Abdelhakim Hadafi, OFPPT, who talked about the roadmap for vocational training in Morocco, emphasising the importance of technology and performance-based management.
Hervé Docq, Technobel Belgium, who explained Technobel's model based on strong partnerships, service quality, and pedagogical autonomy.
ETF Recommendations and Tools
The ETF presented several recommendations for developing vocational excellence centres:
Early phase planning and application scope
Regional and sectoral approaches
Green transition and professions
Design of green campuses
An important tool introduced was ISATCOVE, a self-assessment platform for vocational training centres. This digital tool provides a comprehensive evaluation based on criteria that align with labour market demands, funding, and government partnerships. It involves a 6-8 week assessment period, resulting in a performance score based on local context, employment market opportunities, and ecosystem.
Conclusion
The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on the importance of COVES in advancing vocational education and training in Africa. By fostering quality, excellence, and capacity, COVES can significantly contribute to addressing youth unemployment and supporting sustainable economic growth. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector partners, and international organisations, are crucial in achieving these goals.