News

2020
- 26 February
- By Équipe du projet NIG/802
- Niger Office NIG/026 NIG/703 NIG/802
- Water and sanitation
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NIGER - Moins d’une personne sur deux a accès à l’eau potable en milieu rural
Au Niger, moins d’une personne sur deux a accès à l’eau potable en milieu rural.

Dans la zone « Nord Tillabéri et Ouest Tahoua » située le long de la frontière malienne, cette problématique est aggravée par des troubles sécuritaires importants qui provoquent de multiples déplacements de population et accentuent leur vulnérabilité. Dans cette région les taux de prévalence des maladies liées à l’eau, à l’assainissement, et à l’hygiène (paludisme, maladies diarrhéiques, affections ophtalmologiques, dermatoses et vers intestinaux) sont particulièrement élevées.

Les pays du G5 Sahel (Niger, Mali, Tchad, Burkina Faso et Mauritanie) ont ainsi développé un « Programme régional d’urgence d’aménagement d’infrastructures de proximité dans les zones transfrontalières fragiles » (PDU). Ce programme vise à intervenir sur les causes profondes de la vulnérabilité en agissant sur les besoins urgents des populations, notamment l’accès à l’eau. Ainsi, la construction d’ouvrages hydrauliques en est le premier pilier. Au Niger, la zone d’intervention prioritaire qui a été retenue regroupe cinq départements : le département de Tahoua pour la région de Tahoua les départements de Filingué, Tillabéri, Ouallam, Téra pour la région de Tillabéri.

Lancée en 2017, et désormais composée de douze bailleurs, l’Alliance Sahel est l’interlocuteur du G5 sur les questions de développement. Les contributions des partenaires visent à financer et mettre en œuvre les projets prioritaires définis par le G5.

Au Niger, le volet hydraulique et assainissement du PDU représente un montant de 10 millions EUR, cofinancé par l’Union européenne via le Fonds fiduciaire d’urgence pour l’Afrique (8 millions EUR) et par le Royaume des Pays-Bas (2 millions EUR). L’intervention visera de façon spécifique à assurer la disponibilité et la gestion durable de l’eau et de l’assainissement pour tous les usagers de l’espace rural et semi urbain dans la zone cible. Elle contribue ainsi à l’atteinte des objectifs du Programme sectoriel eau, hygiène et assainissement (PROSEHA) du Niger.

Le lancement officiel du PDU a lieu le 24 février 2020 à Farié Haoussa, commune de Kourthèye dans la région de Tillabéri en présence des acteurs suivants : le ministre de l’Hydraulique et de l’Assainissement, le Gouverneur, le Préfet, le Conseil régional de la région de Tillabéri ainsi que le maire de Kourtèye, le DRHA du MHA, les PTF (Ambassadeur de la délégation de l’Union européenne, chef de file des PT, chef de file des ONG, Pays-Bas, UNICEF, représentant de l’Alliance Sahel), représentants du ministère des Finances et du ministère du Plan, le président de la Haute autorité à la consolidation de la paix…

Le programme est mis en œuvre par le ministère de l’Hydraulique et de l’Assainissement à travers le mécanisme commun de financement du PROSEHA et vise également le renforcement des capacités des acteurs du secteur et la durabilité institutionnelle.

Les principaux résultats attendus dans les 24 prochains mois sont les suivants :
- 120 000 personnes seront nouvellement desservies en eau potable ;
- 32 ouvrages hydrauliques seront construits et/ou réhabilités ;
- 24 ouvrages hydrauliques pastoraux seront construits et/ou réhabilités ;
- 217 latrines seront réalisées dans les écoles, centres de santé et/ou lieux publics.
L’accès à l’eau permettra l’amélioration des conditions de vie des populations à plusieurs niveaux. Sur le plan de la santé, les risques de maladies seront réduits. Sur le plan de l’éducation, les chances de scolarisation et de maintien des enfants à l’école seront améliorées. C’est particulièrement le cas des jeunes filles qui disposeront de conditions sanitaires acceptables et seront déchargées de la corvée d’eau. Le maillage des points d’eau pour le pastoralisme sera développé ce qui diminuera la pression sur les ressources existantes et les conflits entre éleveurs et agriculteurs. Finalement, l’activité économique sera améliorée, notamment grâce à la création d’emploi pour la gestion et l’entretien des ouvrages hydrauliques.

Un dicton du Niger résume joliment ces perspectives : « Aman, Iman », l’eau c’est la vie.
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- 20 February
- By Yann NACHTMAN
- Burkina Faso Office BKF/023
- Environment and climate change
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Comment améliorer durablement la qualité au sein de l’administration publique ?
Fin janvier 2020, le Fonds d’intervion pour l’environnement (FIE) du Burkina Faso a rencontré le Bureau organisation et méthodes (BOM) du Sénégal afin que ce dernier l’appuie dans sa démarche d’auto-évaluation.

Cette dynamique partenariale Sud-Sud, facilité par LuxDev à travers le programme d’Appui à la gestion durable des ressources forestières (BKF/023) financé par la Coopération luxembourgeoise, vise à améliorer le fonctionnement et les performances du FIE, à travers l’utilisation d’un modèle de gestion de la qualité totale, dénommé le CAF, cadre d’auto-évaluation des fonctions publiques.

L’intense semaine de discussions entre les deux parties s’est conclue sur l’intervention de M. Jean Marie Sourwema, directeur général du FIE qui a déclaré :

« Au niveau du fonds le message est passé. Tout le monde est unanime, orienté vers la recherche des résultats et de la performance. Pour cela il faut aller vers l’implémentation de cet outil qu’est le CAF »

La particularité et les avantages du CAF :
- ce modèle est conçu par la fonction publique pour la fonction publique ;
- contrairement à la certification ISO, l’application du CAF ne nécessite pas la mobilisation d’une expertise externe coûteuse, jugeant de la confirmité à un ensemble de normes ;
- dans une logique de transfert, une administration experte (en l’occurrence le BOM, centre de ressources CAF au Sénégal) accompagne une autre administration débutante (le FIE dans ce cas).
Pour en savoir plus à ce sujet, vous trouverez sous ces liens les article publiés, par le FIE et le BOM :
- https://www.fie-burkina.org/index.php/actualites/articles-de-presse/125-performances-du-fie-appliquer-la-methode-caf-pour-tendre-vers-l-excellence
- http://www.bom.gouv.sn/?q=node/2
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- 17 February
- By María Belén ZAMBRANO
- Cabo Verde Office CVE/081
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CABO VERDE - Inauguration du Centre d’Emploi et Formation de Boa Vista
Fin janvier a été inauguré sur l’île de Boa Vista le Centre d’Emploi et de Formation Professionnelle (CEFP), en partenariat avec l’Institut d’Emploi et de Formation Professionnelle (IEFP), la Coopération luxembourgeoise et la Mairie de Boa Vista.

L’inauguration a été présidé par le vice-premier ministre et ministre des finances, Olavo Correia, la chargée d’affaires de l’Ambassade du Luxembourg au Cap-Vert, Angèle da Cruz, le président du Conseil directif de l’IEFP, Paulo Santos ainsi que par l’équipe technique du Programme Emploi et Employabilité CVE 081.

Le Centre se situe dans les anciens locaux de l’école de formation des pêcheurs et dispose d’une salle de formation supplémentaire au Centre d’Art et de Culture de Boa Vista.

Au cours du second semestre 2019, le Programme CVE/081 a appuyé l’installation du CEFP conformément au modèle d'intervention défini dans l'étude de faisabilité élaboré en 2018. Une assistance technique a appuyé la mise en œuvre du Centre dans sa phase initiale au travers de l’élaboration d’un programme de formation et grâce a son soutien à l'intégration de l'équipe technique du Centre. Par ailleurs, du mobilier et du matériel informatique ont été fournis pour les bureaux et les salles de formation du CEFP. Avec cette intervention, les conditions ont été créées pour que le CEFP puisse fonctionner pleinement dès á présent.

En complément, le Fond du Tourisme a prévu une allocation pour financer un programme de formation sur trois ans pour le secteur hôtellerie et tourisme et l'acquisition d'équipements techniques pour une salle de cours pratiques.

Boa Vista est la deuxième île la plus touristique du pays, le développement du secteur attire les jeunes à la recherche de nouvelles opportunités d’emploi. Ce besoin s’est intensifié avec la croissance démographique de l’île et un taux de chômage qui se situait aux alentours de 20% en 2018. La recherche d’emploi étant un parcours escarpé, le Centre accompagnera les apprenants dans le choix de leur orientation professionnelle ainsi que dans leur recherche d’emploi et délivrera des formations telles que gestion commerciale, guide touristique et activités de la mer, entre autres.

Avec cet espace les jeunes auront l’opportunité de trouver des emplois sur l’île ou de développer leur propre entreprise.

En 2019, le programme CVE 081 a investi un total 110.000 EUR pour la mise en place du CEFP de Boa Vista.
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- 14 February
- By Nita Shala
- Kosovo Office KSV/020
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Inclusion of Municipalities and national stakeholders for capital investments in supported VET (vocational education training) schools
One of the primary focus of the project is to improve the VET offer in Kosovo through creating a new Information Communication Technology for Center of Competencies (ICT CoC) in Pristina, developing qualifications and strengthening a number of selected VET institutions to reach a higher level of efficiency and sustainability. The achievement of these targets is being promoted through the provision of continuous technical and financial assistance to the selected Project beneficiaries. With the aim of improving the sustainability of these interventions and investments, the project has promoted the idea of increasing the level of endorsement and direct technical and financial involvement of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE), and seven Municipality Education Directorates (MEDs) as the official governing institutions of schools. This has been promoted with activities of research, dialogue and negotiation culminating to the signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) between the project and the Municipalities or AVETAE, in which the process of identification and commitment of financial resources for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the premises of supported VET schools are summarised.

As a result of an efficient coordination and cooperation between the project and the above-mentioned institutions, the project has managed to receive an additional financial commitment of 2.4 million Euro. From this total amount, 88% of the resources are dedicated for the construction and renovation of schools’ premises, and the remaining 12% are budgeted for the purchase of equipment and consumables. As mentioned above, these additional financial resources committed by the municipalities along with the Project’s budget will be used exclusively for the renovation of premises, equipping of workshops and provision of consumables, which will allow these institutions to improve their performance and enable the student to benefit from a relevant VET offer.

The joint investment between the Project and the Municipality of Pristina has enabled the building of the ICT CoC and the Tourism School in the Future VET Schools' Park in Pristina.
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- 14 February
- By Artan Sadiku
- Kosovo Office KSV/017
- Health
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KOSOVO - The ball of change keeps rolling
The Gjilan General Hospital (GGH), being one of the six public general hospitals of Kosovo, somehow sidelined by the healthcare system throughout the years, was one of the two General Hospitals (GHs) chosen for receiving support from the Health Sector Support Programme in Kosovo (Phase II), KSV/017 project. The beginning had its challenges, as there was resistance to change and new initiatives. It has been a while since working in a different manner and in a different setting was possible. But frequent workshops, trainings and introduction of new tools, as well as the purchase of the new equipment, seem to have accelerated development. Now support is coming in many spheres of their work, including: renovation, equipment and professional training.

After having renovated the new space for the CT scanner, the latter was installed, fostering the enthusiasm of healthcare workers in Gjilan. The CT scanner boasts 128 slices, the existing one being an outdated two-slice scanner. It’s the CT in the public sector with the highest performance. Beside the scanner, the Project provided the hospital with a whole set of new equipment.

Through the partnership agreement with the Murska Sobota hospital from Slovenia, two nurses provided a one-week training in Gjilan for the Surgery Department nurses, with practical and very useful lessons, including on-the-job training. The nurses from Prizren Regional Hospital also participated, creating a space for proper professional exchange with local, as well as international experience.

Through the GGH efforts to implement its five-year strategic plan, developed with the support of the KSV/017 project, the hospital has managed to involve other stakeholders. The Kosovo Hospital and University Clinical Service (KHUCS) has invested in the hospital, with a complete renovation of the Emergency Service, including new equipment, which has completely revamped this hospital service. Moreover, the outpatient clinics have also been completely renovated and reorganised, giving a completely new feel to this very important part of healthcare service provision in GGH.

The year ended with an end-of-year presentation followed by a reception at the hospital, with the management of the hospital presenting the results, and promoting the change initiated. The spark of change could be felt, as the conversations during the reception reflected another vibe for the years to come. The health professionals reflected on a successful year, with change accelerating, touching upon different key aspects of the hospital’s duties.

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- 14 February
- By Vjosa Morina
- Kosovo Office KSV/019
- Governance
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KOSOVO - Human Capacity Development Facility in 2019
Following the planning of Human Capacity Development Fund (HCDF) for 2019, the Ministry of European Integration (MEI), in cooperation with other beneficiary institutions, started with the implementation of different activities within the different chapters it supports.

During October- December 2019, eight activities were implemented in the chapters of: Free Movement of Goods, Intellectual Property Law, Judiciary and fundamental rights and the horizontal theme on Public Administration Reform. Around 85 participants benefitted from these capacity building activities.

Participants have reported on the activities and committed in sharing the gained knowledge and experience with their peers in the respective institutions and departments.

As a result of these activities:
- The Government coordinated the work and finalised the Guidelines for drafting the Government Work Plan as foreseen in the Concept Document for the Indicative Forward Work Plan (IFWP);
- The Government has further developed the analysis for the Concept Document on Administrative Burden Reduction, which aims to establish a broad programme for the reduction of administrative burden and modernise the overall legal framework.
Institutions dealing with human rights protection have increased their capacities in performing reforms and fulfilling obligations towards the European Union Integration (EUI) Process in this field.

The Agency for Property Rights has gained good practices in promoting industrial property and examining brands based on EU practices as presented in European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) guidelines.

Officials gained practical experience from National Accreditation Bodies on assessing Conformity Assessment Bodies and evaluation of equipment, as requirements that derive from ISO standards on assessments, in the specified fields of oil and construction products.
The Government coordinated the work and developed the Concept Documents based on Guidelines and Manual for Developing Concept Documents. Tool 15 from this manual describes how the policy analysis performed by the European Union can be used to develop Concept Documents and to prepare for the implementation of the EU Acquis in Kosovo

During 2020, HCDF will continue with the implementation of the activities already planned in the Operation Implementation Plans and work on the planning for the coming project periods.

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- 14 February
- By Nita Shala
- Kosovo Office KSV/020
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Recruitment of Private Sector Partners for the establishment of Industrial Bodies and the Industrial Advisory Board in the TVET School.
One of the main challenges faced by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Kosovo remains the limited cooperation between the schools and the employers. In order to promote an increased co-operation among these stakeholders, the Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform in Kosovo Project, KSV/020, is supporting the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) in the establishment of the Business Model Offices (BMOs) in selected VET schools, The BMO consists of the following units: Industrial Liaison and Career Guidance Unit, Information Systems and Data Management Unit, and Service Provision Unit.

An important component promoted by the Project and MEST through the Industrial Liaison Office in the schools is the establishment of the Industrial Bodies (IB) and Industrial Advisory Boards (IAB) in the selected profiles of the supported schools. The main aim of the IB and IAB is the provision of information to the school related to the trends of the labour market. More specifically, the IB will conduct activities of research, market investigation and middle management, involving directly technical staff of external partners and employers, with the aim to fill the gaps of knowledge and support the limited human resources of the VET schools. Its work will be oriented towards:
- the identification of the changes in the labour market needs;
- further professional development of the teachers;
- the establishment of new partnerships; and
- joint-ventures with the private sector and the creation of professional practice opportunities for the students.
In the meantime, the IAB, formed by representatives of the Industrial Bodies, will seek to provide continuous advice to the school management and the school councils, focusing both on sector and profile level and capitalizing the research and information acquired by the IB.

Seconding the initiative of the relevant stakeholders in the Municipality of Suhareka, the Project piloted the establishment of the IB and IAB in “Skender Luarasi” Vocational School, starting from a workshop that represented the official opening of the campaign of recruitment of representatives from the Private Sector. The event, organised by the Municipality of Suhareka and held in the premises of the school on12 December 2019, saw the presence of the delegates of the MEST, the Ministry of Innovation, the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, LuxDev Country Office and Project, and more than 30 representatives of the national and local business community and Civil Society.

Following the presentation of the functions and goals of the component by the Project team, all the participating local companies have agreed to cooperate with the school for the establishment of IB and IAB for different profiles. The immediate formalisation of this cooperation was done through the official signature of the 14th Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs). Through these MoUs, the management of the school, the MED, the Project and the business representatives committed to work closely together and identify other interested companies in order to cover the remaining profiles offered in the school. In addition, the Project KSV/020 will continue to provide support, technical assistance and coaching for the establishment of IBs and IABs and the development of capacities.

Official Launch of the Campaign of Recruitment of Private companies’ representatives for the establishment of Industrial Bodies and industrial Advisory Boards in “Skender Luarasi” School in Suhareka.
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- 10 February
- By Nita Shala
- KSV/020
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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KOSOVO - Employment of the graduates of Level 5 qualification for students/children with Special Education Needs (SEN)
One of the major steps undertaken in the implementation of the national reform of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) System in Kosovo, realized with the support of the Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform in Kosovo Project, KSV/020, is the introduction of the first two Level 5 qualifications in the public sector. The two courses, respectively in the fields of Special Education Needs (SEN) and Career Guidance (CG), have been developed in cooperation with the international partner Pearson Education and accredited by the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC). Initially introduced in 2017, both Level 5 qualifications are replicated in four antenna institutions in Pristina, Ferizaj, Prizren and Peja enabling their access to a larger number of students throughout the main regions of Kosovo. This concretizes one of the main aspects of the scope of the Centres of Competence (CoCs), that according to the vision of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) have to serve as national hubs of VET provision. It is important to note that both qualifications are also pioneering as income-generating activities allowing the CoCs to generate funds which can be used to pay for small expenses autonomously.

Two years after their initial introduction, both Level 5 qualifications are successful, sustainable, in high demand and fully endorsed by the Government of Kosovo and the MEST. A clear sign of this endorsement is the decision of the MEST to employ 100 SEN assistants throughout the public education system. Currently, 70 out of 129 graduates (two academic generations) have concluded regular employment contracts in public institutions. The significant percentage of employment of the SEN graduates (about 54.26%) represents an impressive achievement of the Project’s aim to foster employment in Kosovo, taking into consideration the high rate of unemployment and the general difficulties in professional requalification and access to the labour market. Further, it has an immediate impact on the quality provision of professional assistance to a number of children with special education needs, and a long-term impact in the improvement of the quality of their lives and in the general inclusion rate in the Country.

The success of the qualifications has led to an increased interest of students to join the third generation of candidates that have started to be implemented in November 2019 and it is expected to end in October 2020. Further, the successful rate of employment has prompted the initiative for the development of other Level 5 qualifications required by the labour market which undoubtedly have a positive impact on narrowing the gap in terms of preparing skilled graduates for the labour market, thus enhancing the welfare and development of the Kosovo's economy.

The second generation of graduates in the SEN Level 5 qualification: characterized by a massive presence of female candidates

The second generation of graduates in the SEN Level 5 qualification: Delivery of diplomas with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology

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- 28 January
- By Maghas Assaleck & Manon Lienard
- Niger Office NIG/801
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NIGER : L'insertion de jeunes formés est une belle réussite.
Le projet « Appui à la formation et à l’insertion professionnelle des jeunes filles et garçons des régions d’Agadez et Zinder- AFIP/NIG801 » dépasse ses objectifs en termes d’insertion.

Comme le révèlent les résultats de l’enquête d’insertion des jeunes formés par le programme menée fin 2019, 3 206 jeunes entre 15 et 30 ans exercent en effet une activité professionnelle en lien avec leur domaine de formation (le projet a pour cible l’insertion de 3109 jeunes).

Parmi eux, 1 268 sont employés, souvent par le maître d’apprentissage auprès duquel ils ont effectué leur formation.

Ibrahim S., réparateur moto, Agadez. © LuxDev

Ainsi, Ibrahim S., 28 ans, explique : Dès le début de la formation, moi j’ai choisi de rester travailler avec mon maître d’apprentissage. C’est ainsi qu’à la fin de mon stage j’ai signé une fiche d’insertion avec mon maître d’apprentissage pour rester travailler avec lui et partager le dividende des recettes au prorata des heures travaillées. Depuis son embauche dans cet atelier de réparation de motos à Agadez, ses conditions de vie se sont améliorées, précise-t-il : Je gagne en moyenne 2 000 à 2 500 F CFA par jour soit entre 60 000 et 75 000 F CFA par mois. J’arrive vraiment à subvenir à mes besoins, j’ai acheté une moto et je compte même me marier bientôt.

Même satisfaction pour Aichatou S. G., 30 ans : Avant mon recrutement à la formation du projet NIG/801, je n’avais aucune activité rémunératrice. J’étais femme au foyer sans salaire. Je gagne aujourd’hui un salaire mensuel de 50 000 F CFA . Embauchée dans un atelier de vulcanisation, elle souhaite acquérir davantage d’expérience professionnelle, avant d’ouvrir son propre atelier.

Aichatou S.G., vulcanisatrice, Agadez. © LuxDev

Plus de 45 % des jeunes insérés sont des femmes. Cet indicateur dépasse la cible initiale du projet qui était de 35 %. Ce succès s’explique en partie par les actions de plaidoyer menées par les mairies pour l'inscription des filles dans les formations appuyées par le projet.

Les données de l’enquête révèlent également un engouement des jeunes pour le volet « auto-entreprenariat » du projet. Ousmane H. K., 23 ans, raconte son expérience : Après ma formation au Centre de formation aux métiers (CFM) de Tchirozérine et un stage d’un mois auprès d’un maître coiffeur, je me suis rendu compte que j’étais capable d’ouvrir mon propre atelier. J’ai travaillé pendant quelques mois avec un coiffeur le temps de gagner un peu d’argent pour m’installer. C’est ainsi que j’ai ouvert mon atelier avec mes quelques économies et un petit crédit avec un ami. J’ai aussi créé de l’emploi en recrutant un jeune stagiaire.

Ousmane H.K., coiffeur pour hommes, Tchirozérine. © LuxDev.

Parmi les jeunes insérés couverts par l’enquête, 1 938 jeunes autoentrepreneurs ont été recensés. Il est attendu que cet indicateur s'améliore encore significativement en 2020 avec le démarrage des appuis financiers aux projets de microentreprise portés par les jeunes à travers des subventions adossées à des crédits octroyés par la Banque agricole du Niger (BAGRI).

Pour rappel, le projet d’appui à la formation et à l’insertion professionnelle des jeunes filles et garçons des régions de Zinder et d’Agadez (A-FIP/NIG801) est financé par l’Union européenne, dans le cadre du Fonds fiduciaire d’urgence pour l’Afrique. Il est mis en œuvre par LuxDev, l’agence luxembourgeoise pour la Coopération au développement. Il a pour objectif d’améliorer l’employabilité des jeunes filles et garçons grâce à la formation professionnelle et au développement de la petite entreprise artisanale.
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- 20 January
- By Raja CHOWDHRY
- Asia Office VIE/034
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VIETNAM - Ba Be lake, where nature inspires technology
Being one in twelve initiatives funded by Bac Kan, Technical and Vocational Education and Training - Phase II-Project VIE/034 in 2019, the solar boat was a success. With the continuous support from Project VIE/034, upgrading from the solar car model, Mr Vu Xuan Nghia, teacher of Electrical Faculty at Bac Kan Vocational College (BKVC) has conducted the research and successfully assembled an electric boat powered by solar energy using photovoltaic cells. This solar boat is the first of its kind in Bac Kan province. It is now seen running on Ba Be lake, a famous tourist attraction nested in the majestic mountain ranges of the Ba Be National Park located in the Northeast of Vietnam. The lake has also been listed into the Tentative Lists of World Heritage nomination of UNESCO.

The ever-green Ba Be National Park

Ba Be lake was one of the most important reasons for Mr Nghia to make this solar boat. In 13 months of hard work, with frequent back and forth travel from Bac Kan city to Ba Be lake, upon facing any challenge, Mr Nghia always reminded himself the symbol that this boat would represent. The solar boat would be an excellent example of a new and green way to do business in tourism sector in Bac Kan province. He wanted to shift the thinking of conducting business into green and clean tourism and to help reduce environmental pollution starting in one of the most attractive places in Bac Kan and in the region. “I believe that a small action that could impact many people”, said Mr Nghia. Collectively, it would contribute to preserve the beautiful and richly endowed nature of the lake by removing the use of diesel and carbon emission which together are causing water and air pollution in the lake. Compared to the diesel boats that are widely used in the lake, the solar boat produces no carbon emission and has almost zero noise. For tourists, nothing is better than going around the largest fresh water body in South East Asia on a quiet and environmental friendly vessel. The boat has been tested by tourists in Ba Be and received the attention and excitement from them. Running at around 6 km/h, slower than the 25 km/h speed of the diesel counterpart, the solar boat gives the tourists a more leisured trip to fully capture the breath-taking scenes of the islands, the rocks, the water and the trees and to be completely absorbed in the nature that is more ancient than anyone of us.

The solar boat was received with excitement and enthusiasm at Ba Be lake

The environmental friendly yet tourist luxury goes hand in hand the with economic benefits. The solar boat has a slightly higher first-time investment cost by approximately 20 million VND compared to the diesel boat. But in the long run, the renewable solar energy proves to be superior than fossil fuel. Variable cost of a solar boat is much lower than diesel. Photovoltaic cells can last up to 18 years and the energy supply from the sun is endless. Boat owners can customize the speed of the boat, with an increase of 3 KW battery, the speed will increase by 20 percent.

Mr Nghia with his solar boat at Ba Be lake

The process of making this boat has been a tremendous learning journey for Mr Nghia and his students. For Mr Nghia, it was the chance for him to put into practice what he had been trained throughout the courses supported by Project VIE/034 on clean energy. His expertise has sharpened and his skills have been tested and upgraded with this initiative. Mastering the knowledge on clean energy and being able to transfer it to students is important, as a teacher of Electricity at BKVC. The learning lesson for both the teacher and the students is twofold. First, it instils and strengthens the awareness and responsibility for environmental protection by creating a product that serves the preservation of a place that is so close-to-heart. Second, making the boat is a valuable hands-on practice experience for the students where they were learning by doing. Students were very excited and enthusiastic in the process of making the boat. They had the chance to deeply engage with technology that is on-demand worldwide. They also carried an important mission of saving the nature that they are having. The initiative brought to them an upgrade to their vocational skills to serve with a purpose. Together with the country and the world, promoting the use of clean and green energy is crucial at both local and global level for the future of all lives on Earth. It should start from each individual, each student, each teacher and each school like BKVC.

Mr. Vu Xuan Nghia with his solar car

Going into the future, Mr Nghia hopes to make a second version of the boat which has a totally new body made of composite instead of iron in the current boat. He imagines that since the boat then would be lighter and leaner, it would definitely increase the speed range and aesthetically appear more appealing to tourists. The new version would be an excellent teaching tool for both Electricity and Tourism. And the practicality of it would make the dream of turning all the boats at Ba Be into solar closer to reach. Ba Be then, would become a place for people to visit not only for the spectacular sceneries but also for the pioneering work of using clean energy to develop green tourism in the region.

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