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2022
- 12 December
- By VET Toolbox
- EUR/801
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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VET Toolbox Internal Learning and Debrief Workshop
On 22 and 23 November 2022, VET Toolbox organised an Internal Debrief and Learning Workshop in Brussels to close the first VET Toolbox programme, coming to an end on December 2022, and reflect on its five years of implementation.

Representatives from the five VET Toolbox partner agencies (the British Council, ExpertiseFrance/Groupe AFD, GIZ, LuxDev and Enabel), the European Commission, and VET experts from Sub Saharan African countries were invited to take an active participation role in the workshop.

The first part of the workshop was dedicated to reflecting on the concrete lessons from the implementation and performance of our services, with a focus on the three pillars of the programme: public-private partnership, Inclusion and labour market analysis.

The second part of the workshop focused on the VET Toolbox partnership approach and the lessons learned and added values of interagency collaboration. Discussants agreed that there is a real added value of working in a partnership and collaborating, collaboration, coordination and co-implementatio between agencies. They discussed the main strengths of the VET Toolbox consortium, the obstacles it faced, and how they were overcome.

Watch a video on the benefits of working in a consortium, by the VET Toolbox partners:

The workshop was closed with a hybrid meeting to share the main learnings and takeaways from VET Toolbox with a broader audience, including staff from the partner agencies and members of the Team Europe Initiative OP-VET working group.

© VET Toolbox

This content has been co-funded by the European Union and is the role responsibility of VET Toolbox. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Commission.
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- 7 December
- By Eusebio MORA
- Cabo Verde Office CVE/088
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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CABO VERDE - Forum sur la qualité de la formation technique et professionnelle

Miser sur les jeunes est le meilleur investissement que nous puissions faire pour l'avenir.

Les 5 et 6 décembre, la direction générale de l'Emploi du ministère des Finances et de la Formation des entreprises a accueilli, dans la ville de Praia, le Forum sur la qualité de la formation technique et professionnelle sous le slogan « Une excellente formation pour tous ».

Organisé avec le soutien de la Coopération luxembourgeoise, le forum a rassemblé, pendant deux jours, plus de 200 personnes du secteur public et privé ainsi que de la société civile qui ont abordé les principaux chantiers de la nouvelle stratégie nationale de promotion du travail décent en vue de sa mise en œuvre.

L’ouverture du forum a été réalisée par S.E. le Premier Ministre du Cabo Verde, M. Ulisses Correia e Silva et S.E. le chargé d’affaires de l’Ambassade du Grand Duché de Luxembourg au Cabo Verde, M. Thomas Barbancey.

Le programme CVE/088 - Appui au secteur de l’emploi et de l’employabilité est financé par le Grand-Duché de Luxembourg et le Cabo Verde, et mis en œuvre par LuxDev, l'agence luxembourgeoise pour la Coopération au développement.

Intervention culturelle des Batucadeiras pour l'ouverture du forum

S.E. le Premier Ministre du Cabo Verde, M. Ulisses Correia e Silva

Panel de discussion

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- 24 November
- By Behlul SHALJANI
- Kosovo Office KSV/020
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Workshop with the Department of Vocational Education and Training (VET) of the Ministry regarding an operational manual
Focusing on the improvement of the legal and regulatory environment and provision of capacity development at the national level, the project KSV/020 - Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform in Kosovo has delegated the implementation of specific activities according to the operational partnership agreement to a local partner, EdGuard Institute, which is a reputable NGO operating in the education sector.

Hence, the EdGuard Institute organised a two-day workshop to develop an operational manual for the VET Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI). The CTA of the project KSV/020, Daniele Passalacqua, and the national expert, Hajdin Berisha, have also been invited to provide valuable contributions to the development of the deliverables.

The Minister of the MESTI, Mrs Arbërie Nagavci, together with participants from the VET Department of the MESTI, from the project KSV/020 and the EdGuard Institute.

The main objective of this workshop was to progress with the development of the operational manual according to the new organogram of the MESTI. This activity aimed to develop sustainable operational policies that will increase the efficiency of VET Department's work. The MESTI is indeed in the process of restructuring itself and developing the new organogram. Each department is therefore required to develop its own operational manual. The VET Department is among the first departments to develop such a manual. It is foreseen to provide guidance to the VET Department staff in order for them to efficiently carry out their tasks according to the new roles and responsibilities from the updated MESTI organogram.

The Minister of the MESTI, Mrs Arbërie Nagavci addressing the participants on the importance of the new organogram of the MESTI and the manual for the VET Department

The KSV/020 project is co-funded by the Government of Kosovo and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by the Kosovo Ministry of Education and Science and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

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- 22 November
- By Behlul SHALJANI
- Kosovo Office KSV/801
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Workshop regarding the regulation of the graduate tracking system at the national level
The workshop on regulating tracer studies through secondary legislation was held in the context of the European Union Support to Vocational Education and Training Professional Requalification and Occupation (ESVET PRO) project, together with the implementing partner EdGuard Institute at the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI). The workshop brought together key stakeholders to present and discuss the first draft of the legislation.

Presenting of the draft legal framework of the Tracer Study Information System (TSIS) to the MESTI and other key stakeholders

The workshop participants reaffirmed the importance of the tracer study and reiterated the need to build a legal basis to facilitate the programme’s operation. During this workshop, the first draft of the bylaw was presented, and participants discussed the legal basis, proposed structure, roles of the stakeholders and organisational issues of the proposed structure.

Key stakeholders of MESTI and partners meeting for legal framework of the TSIS

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of LuxDev and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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- 18 November
- By Dado SOUKOUNA
- Mali Office MLI/022
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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MALI - « Girls take over » pour le Luxembourg au Mali
Pour la première fois, l’Ambassade du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg a pris part, avec le soutien de LuxDev, à la célébration de la Journée internationale de la fille organisée par Plan International au Mali le 11 octobre 2022.

À l’occasion de cette 10^e édition, Plan International au Mali a organisé une action d’envergure appelée « Girls Take Over ». Les valeurs véhiculées lors de cette journée sont, entre autres, l’égalité des chances et la représentativité des jeunes filles dans les instances de décision, ainsi que dans la vie politique. Pour cette célébration, de jeunes étudiantes maliennes ont pris le pouvoir en remplaçant des responsables de premier plan de structures nationales ou internationales (ambassades, ONG, ministères, etc.) à Bamako. Il s’agit d’une occasion de promouvoir l’égalité et le leadership des femmes, en montrant que de jeunes femmes peuvent également accéder à des postes à responsabilité dans des structures d’envergure.

Cette initiative a suscité l’engouement de Madame Marie-Anne MARX, chargée d’affaires de l’Ambassade au Mali, à céder son poste le vendredi 7 octobre 2022 à une jeune fille malienne : Aïssata TINDE, étudiante en communication/journalisme. Pour une journée, elle s’est retrouvée à la tête d’une structure diplomatique, l’Ambassade du Luxembourg, avec une équipe uniquement composée de femmes.

La nouvelle chargée d’affaires a tenu à visiter le centre de formation professionnelle (CFP) de Missabougou, construit en 2005 grâce au financement du ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg, et exécuté par LuxDev. Ce centre est devenu une référence en termes de formation professionnelle au Mali. Il délivre des apprentissages dans 21 filières porteuses, permettant aux jeunes filles et jeunes garçons d’apprendre un métier dans la transformation agro-alimentaire, le maraîchage, l’esthétique-coiffure, la plomberie, la mécanique automobile, etc.

Cette visite a été l’occasion pour Aïssata, chargée d’affaires d’un jour, de sensibiliser la direction et les formateurs du centre de formation à la cause des jeunes filles, notamment lors de l’orientation dans certaines filières. Lors de ses discussions avec les jeunes apprenants, elle a donc fortement incité les jeunes filles à s’orienter vers tous les métiers car aucun n’est exclusivement dédié aux hommes ou aux femmes. Elles doivent prioritairement chercher à acquérir des compétences demandées sur le marché du travail, facilitant ainsi leur insertion professionnelle.

Au terme de cette visite riche en échanges, Aïssata TINDE a eu des mots d’encouragement à l’égard de la direction du CFP et a souhaité que le Grand-Duché de Luxembourg, à travers LuxDev et le programme MLI/022 - Formation et insertion professionnelle que l'Agence exécute, continue à œuvrer pour faciliter l’insertion professionnelle des jeunes filles au Mali.
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- 10 November
- By Renea BULA
- Kosovo Office KSV/020
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - First steps towards the implementation of a dual VET system
Creating relationships between schools and the various actors of the communities in which they operate in is essential in enhancing student learning. These partnerships provide varied benefits which increase school capacities and make the overall educational experiences more interactive for students. In June 2021, the project KSV/020 formalised five Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) between the Meister Training Centrer and five vocational education and training (VET) institutions from the municipalities of Prizren, Vushtrri, Ferizaj, Suhareka and Gjilan - an initiative that will lead to the transformation of the VET system to a dual one, one of the firsts in Kosovo.

The goal of these partnerships is to establish cooperation between companies and the VET institutions to advance the practical learning skills of students by offering them professional practice within a company. The partnership will facilitate the proper implementation of the qualification set for the profile of “electronic technician” developed in cooperation with European partners from the private sector. The parties involved will have different responsibilities which include the transfer of skills between the teachers and school staff towards professional development activities, co-organisation of symposiums, conferences and short courses, proposals on adjusting the occupational standard, curricula and teaching and learning materials to match the latest industry trends and practices.

In general, the public VET schools in Kosovo face obstacles in the implementation of the theoretical, and especially the practical part of the profile. In schools, this challenge arises from lack of equipment and lack of expertise in using and maintaining the needed equipment. Therefore, an important component of this partnership is that students will have access to the equipment located within the company’s premises, which will facilitate students’ professional practice. Ultimately, this will allow students to conduct their practice in the presence of industry professionals and acquire the necessary skills in the workplace. As a result of such an initiative, more schools and companies will follow the same path towards the dual VET system in Kosovo.

Following the arrival of the equipment for the “electronic technician” profile at the premises of the company, the professional practice of students was conducted during April and May 2022. Herein, the project representatives visited the company on the day that the students of “Pjetër Bogdani” technical school in Ferizaj were doing their practice. The teachers and students expressed their gratitude and excitement about this partnership as they will have the chance to practice their skills with real equipment in a real working environment.

Fundamentally, public-private partnerships are of immense importance as they optimise the vocational education and training offer while incorporating the world of work into education. As a result, they lead to work experience opportunities that improve the prospects of young students when seeking employment.

The KSV/020 project is co-funded by the Government of Kosovo and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by the Kosovo Ministry of Education and Science and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 10 October
- By Behlul SHALJANI
- Kosovo Office KSV/801
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Provision of equipment to Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools
As part of the support to the three VET schools by the project KSV/801 - European Union Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET), Professional Requalification and Occupation (ESVET PRO), on 4 October 2022, equipment has been provided to the “Adem Gllavica” school in Lipjan and the “Feriz Guri dhe Vëllezërit Çaka” school in Kaçanik for the profiles of metal worker, electrical installer, water, sewage, heating and cooling, and building insulation. As the “Lutfi Musiqi” school in Vushtrri is a beneficiary of project KSV/801 (ESVET PRO) and project KSV/020, both implemented by LuxDev, the metal worker profile has been supported by KSV/020, whereas the equipment for the profiles of electrical installer, water, sewage, heating and cooling, and building insulation are being provided by KSV/801 (ESVET PRO).

The equipment provided to the three supported schools will be utilised by the students to develop their skillset in the above-mentioned profiles.

Provision of equipment to the “Lutfi Musiqi” school in Vushtrri

Provision of equipment to the “Feriz Guri and Vëllezërit Çaka” school in Kaçanik

Provision of equipment to the “Adem Gllavica” school in Lipjan

The directors of the schools, Mr. Atdhe Neziri in Kaçanik, Mr. Skender Rudari in Lipjan, and Mr. Ibrahim Lahu in Vushtrri thanked the project KSV/801 (ESVET PRO) for the continuous support and for the provision of equipment in particular. “Undoubtedly, the equipment will immensely support the teaching and learning process while offering students the chance to enhance their skills in using the right tools that are used in real working life” states Mr Rudari.

Project KSV/801 (ESVET PRO) remains committed to equip the VET schools with modern equipment for the development and improvement of the infrastructure of the schools and the overall VET sector.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of LuxDev and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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- 3 October
- By Behlul SHALJANI
- Kosovo Office KSV/801
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Certification of the first batch of master trainers and practitioners of the recognition of prior learning (RPL)
During September 2022, the project ESVET PRO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), the National Qualification Authority (NQA) and with the partnership and coordination of EdGuard Institute, has certified the first batch of master trainers and practitioners for the provision recognition of prior learning (RPL) services.

Certification of the first batch of master trainers and practitioners of the RPL

Mr. Stergios Tragoudas (EU Office) and Mr. Daniele Cristian Passalacqua (LuxDev) congratulating the participants during the certification event

Mr. Stergios Tragoudas, programme manager for education in the EU Office, was also present at this event, confirming the importance given to this component by the donor and all the relevant stakeholders.

Certification of the first batch of master trainers and practitioners of the RPL

The master trainers will train RPL practitioners (mentors, coordinators and assessors). In order to increase the capacities related to the implementation of the RPL, intensive training sessions were also organised for RPL practitioners of various VET institutions.

The project will continue to support all VET institutions interested in the provision of RPL in the process of accreditation. The project remains committed to the establishment of a robust and sustainable RPL system at the national level.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of LuxDev and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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- 26 September
- By Ibrahima GUEYE
- SEN/032
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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SÉNÉGAL - La formation mobile arrive à Keur Diatta
Professionnaliser et outiller les jeunes du bassin arachidier en vue de les doter de compétences pour mieux gérer leurs exploitations, tel était l’objectif visé par la formation que le lycée technique El Hadji Abdoulaye Niasse de Kaolack a organisé à Keur Diatta, en septembre 2022.

Situé dans la région de Kaolack (zone centre), à quelques encablures de la frontière avec la Gambie, et distant d’une dizaine de kilomètres de la cité religieuse de Porokhane, Keur Diatta dispose d'un périmètre agricole aménagé de 10 hectares qui a servi de cadre pratique pour la formation. Doté d’un système d’irrigation, avec une alimentation mixte composée d’un champ de panneaux solaires photovoltaïques et d’un groupe électrogène, le périmètre agricole a pu accueillir l’unité mobile de formation aux métiers industriels du lycée technique de Kaolack.

Deux sessions de formation - l’une en systèmes d’irrigation photovoltaïque et l’autre en installation, entretien et maintenance de groupes électrogènes et motopompes - ont permis de former respectivement 16 bénéficiaires, dont trois femmes, et 23 bénéficiaires dans cette localité enclavée et ne disposant pas d’établissement de formation professionnelle, en les dotant de compétences pratiques utiles au développement endogène de leurs terroirs et de leurs communautés.

Le programme SEN/032 - Formation professionnelle et technique est financé par le Grand-Duché de Luxembourg et le Sénégal, et mis en œuvre par LuxDev, l’agence luxembourgeoise pour la Coopération au développement.

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- 1 September
- By Ben WANDIVINIT
- LAO/029
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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LAOS - Lao travel operators gear up to certify guides and drivers with LaoSafe
LaoSafe has witnessed an increase in requests for training and certification in anticipation of an uptick in tourist arrivals to Laos.

Laos reopened its borders to international tourists on 9 May 2022, dropping all testing and quarantine requirements for vaccinated travellers. Since then, interest in the country has grown, with an increase in visitors of over 50% by the end of June leading to a surge in demand for organised tours and renewed hope for the coming high season.

Coinciding with the end of the monsoon rains, Laos traditionally sees visitor numbers rise in October, and travel operators across the country are now racing to further certify tour guides and drivers to cope with the anticipated influx of tourists. To date, over 710 tour guides and 270 drivers have achieved LaoSafe certification.

“LaoSafe is a great standard to have and is very important during the new normal. The LaoSafe training that our guides have received has helped them prioritise safety and cleanliness. As a tour operator, I want travellers to know that Laos has safety standards in place for them to travel with peace of mind and confidence. I would like to invite everyone to visit Laos and for tour operators in Laos to apply for LaoSafe”, says Duangmala Phommavong, Managing Director at EXO Travel Laos.

Implemented by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and approved by the Ministry of Health, LaoSafe is a nationwide initiative designed to create a world-class health and hygiene system within the tourism and hospitality industry.

Sector-specific standards have been developed for accommodation, food and beverage, tour guides, and drivers, to raise the benchmark of hygiene provision throughout the country and build international confidence in Laos as a safe tourist destination.

“As a Destination Management Company it is of utmost importance for us to be able to offer our customers a safe and quality experience. As COVID-19 has changed our world and our way of living, it was important for us to adapt as well and thanks to the LaoSafe initiative this has been possible”, says Julie Beaufrère, Product and Inbound Officer at Asian Trails Laos.

“Not only does this initiative allow us to reassure our customers who would be concerned about safety and hygiene measures in Laos, but it also allows us to access a harmonization of services and the creation of standards on a national scale that we will continue to support by training our guides and drivers through LaoSafe”, she commented.

While visitor numbers are not immediately expected to bounce back to 2019 levels, the removal of entry restrictions has given the tourism and hospitality industry a welcome boost after two years of tightly controlled borders. Yet, with COVID-19 numbers still fluctuating around the world, protecting against infection is still a concern for many.

The LaoSafe Programme is supported by the LAO/029 - Skills for Tourism Project, which is co-financed by the governments of Laos, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

For further information, visit www.laosafe.gov.la.

For all media enquiries, additional comments, or requests for interviews, please contact media@laosafe.gov.la.
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