Explore and share the GreenVET4U project leaflet
We are excited to share the official leaflet of the GreenVET4U project! This resource provides an overview of our project, objectives and project results to promote green skills and sustainable job opportunities through Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Uganda. Explore how we aim to build a greener future by enhancing skills, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities for growth. 📥 [Download the GreenVET4U brochure here] Feel free to share this resource with your networks and help us amplify the impact of GreenVET4U. Together, we can drive the change for a sustainable future!
Empowering Uganda’s youth: Green skills for a thriving economy
Despite Uganda’s immense potential for economic and social transformation, systemic barriers continue to hold back its progress. Making the most of this young workforce by offering the right skills and opportunities will decide whether Uganda can turn its youth into a driving force for sustainable growth or continue to face the challenges of untapped potential. Employment quality is low for most young Ugandans, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). This results into the majority of young people and the country failing to make the most out of their economic potential. Young people aged 15 to 29 with disabilities are up to five times more likely to be outside the educational system and not in employment or training than their peers without disabilities, according to the International Labour Organization. The latest UBOS labour market report concludes that Uganda’s population is growing at 3% per annum. Uganda is currently the 4th youngest country globally, with 75% of the population aged 30 years or younger. There is need to harness this demographic dividend by equipping the young people with the right skills, creating jobs and fully utilising their productive potential. It’s also important to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors to meet both national and international goals focused on decent work and moving the economy from informal to formal. Addressing these challenges, the GreenVET4U project emerges as a key initiative. By focusing on developing green vocational skills, the project not only aims to bridge the skill gaps but also ensures that the youth are prepared for the demands of the green economy. The initiative specifically prioritizes inclusivity, fosters sustainable job creation and contributes to Uganda’s transition toward an environmentally conscious economy. By aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), GreenVET4U has the potential to drive transformative change. It promises to empower young Ugandans, to unlock their full potential while addressing critical environmental and social challenges.
GreenVET4U Newsletter | October 2024
In our second edition of the GreenVET4U newsletter, we dive deeper into how our project is fostering green skills development in Uganda. This issue includes exciting updates on recent activities,and insights on the growing green jobs sector. Stay informed about our progress and upcoming events by downloading the full newsletter. Simply click the button below to access it! Download the Newsletter
GreenVET4U project partners convene in Frankfurt for Second Transnational Meeting
On September 26th, the GreenVET4U project partners gathered in Frankfurt for their second face-to-face working meeting, also known as the 2nd Transnational Partners Meeting (TPM2). This important event was organized by the project partner Aspire, providing a platform for partners to review the progress made so far and outline the next steps for the project. During the meeting, participants discussed the results of the tasks that had been completed to date, presented the status of the tasks currently in development, and planned the start of new activities across the various work packages (WPs). This thorough review ensured that all partners were aligned and ready to move forward with the next phases of the project. Study Visits to Green Initiatives in Frankfurt In addition to the internal discussions, the GreenVET4U partners had the opportunity to visit several institutions actively promoting sustainability and green skills: Sustainable Waste Disposal and Apprenticeships in Frankfurt Partners visited FES-Service center, a leader in waste management, where they learned about the city’s zero-waste strategies and sustainable apprenticeships. Green Skills VET School At Berufliche Schule Butzbach, the group explored how green skills are being integrated into vocational education and training (VET), particularly for young learners. Frankfurt’s Only Green Hotel A tour of the Hotel Villa Orange provided insights into how hospitality can be both environmentally friendly and economically viable, offering a model for sustainability in the tourism industry. German Development Bank (KfW) and GIZ Presentations Day two featured presentations from KfW and GIZ, focusing on climate change, women’s empowerment, and the green transformation in Africa. These sessions provided valuable insights into how financial institutions and development agencies are driving sustainability in developing countries. This meeting was a key step in the project’s journey. As GreenVET4U moves forward, partners will focus on upcoming activities and assessing how green vocational education can make a difference in Uganda.
Unlocking Uganda’s future: How women can lead the charge in green jobs
A 2022 report by UN Women, titled “Green Jobs for Women in Africa”, highlights Uganda’s potential in green industries like renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, driven by its growing population and natural resources. However, women face challenges entering these sectors due to socio-cultural norms and biases, and an under-representation in decision-making roles, rather than purely educational access. GreenVET4U’s work in Uganda aligns closely with the findings of the UN Women report. By tackling socio-cultural barriers and offering women the skills, education, and opportunities needed to enter green industries, we aim to create a more inclusive and sustainable future. GreenVET4U is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth in Uganda by providing resources to develop innovative curricula for Vocational Education and Training (VET) that aligns with the emerging green economy. VET programs addressing these challenges, are vital for equipping women with the skills needed to thrive in these industries. The UN Women report emphasizes the need for policy interventions to improve gender equality, such as providing better access to training, inclusive policies, and encouraging the involvement of women in leadership roles. One of the key project results of GreenVET4U is the development of Guidelines with recommendations for the design and delivery of innovative curricula. This reference document, aimed at educational providers and policymakers, will provide a coherent set of practical recommendations for the creation of curricula and the validation of skills through micro-credentials for green jobs in Uganda. The guidelines are based on the Exploratory Report on Microcredentials-based validation for green jobs and feedback from testing phases in eco-tourism and waste management sectors.
International collaboration for a sustainable future: The impact of the GreenVET4U project
In an increasingly interconnected world, international collaboration has become an essential tool for addressing global challenges. The GreenVET4U project is a clear example of how transnational alliances can drive a sustainable future. This innovative project, which brings together partners from Uganda and three European countries (Spain, Germany, and Italy), aims to strengthen Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Uganda, adapting it to the demands of the labor market in the field of green jobs. Joining Forces for Change The GreenVET4U project stands out for its collaborative approach, integrating the experience and knowledge of different cultures and contexts. One of the great advantages of this international collaboration is the exchange of knowledge and best practices. This bidirectional exchange enriches the project, ensuring that the solutions developed are both innovative and relevant to the Ugandan context. Aligning with Global Visions and Agendas The GreenVET4U project aligns perfectly with Uganda Vision 2040, which aims to transform the country into a modern and prosperous society. By improving vocational education and promoting green jobs, the project contributes to Uganda’s sustainable development goals, facilitating inclusive and sustainable economic development. Additionally, this effort is in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goals of quality education (SDG 4), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and climate action (SDG 13). Looking to the Future The impact of the GreenVET4U project extends beyond its three-year implementation period. The established collaboration network and the innovative methodologies developed will continue to benefit VET in Uganda long after the project has concluded. Furthermore, the lessons learned and best practices can be replicated in other contexts, both in Africa and in other regions of the world.
Project update: Establishment of the EU-Uganda Community of Practice
We are pleased to announce that the GreenVET4U project is making significant strides following our kick-off meeting in Kampala. A major development is the establishment of the EU-Uganda Community of Practice (EU-Uganda CoP) for Designing and Delivering Innovative Curricula in Skills for Green Jobs in Uganda, which is a cornerstone initiative of our project. The EU-Uganda CoP brings together a network of private and public stakeholders. This international collaborative network, initially formed by VET practitioners, in-company trainers, and other educators from partner organizations and associated stakeholders, will collaborate and share knowledge. These stakeholders will co-design and co-create a suite of innovative resources and digitally supported tools. This collaborative effort is aimed at creating new spaces for collaboration and innovation, ensuring a lasting impact on vocational education and training (VET) in Uganda. Our objective is to establish a Community of Practice (CoP) that will not only be active throughout the project’s lifetime but will also continue to foster collaboration and innovation beyond its duration. This initiative serves as a new mechanism to involve the private sector in both the design and delivery of curricula and in the provision of work-based learning (WBL) for green jobs. It supports networks, exchanges of good practices, and fosters innovation among VET providers in Uganda and EU Member States. Members can share successful teaching methods, troubleshoot common barriers to overcome, and learn from each other’s experiences. Coordinated by ASPIRE Education Group, the CoP doesn’t just share knowledge but also aims to create new knowledge. It is planned that the CoP will generate a minimum of 3 new project ideas annually, 9 during the lifetime of the project. Key activities under this initiative include the development of the Strategy for VET Curricula Development and WBL Skill Provision for Green Jobs in Uganda and the establishment of a Virtual Innovation Lab. The Strategy for VET Curricula Development will serve as a guiding document for the subsequent implementations of the project, like the Competence Matrix and the training programs and digital solutions. Following this, the Virtual Innovation Lab will be established to foster innovative ideas among VET providers and practitioners in Uganda, Spain, Germany, Italy, and other EU Member States. The CoP and the Virtual Innovation Lab will continue their collaboration beyond the project’s duration. This ongoing partnership aims to ensure the sustainability and continuous impact of the GreenVET4U project’s initiatives.
GreenVET4U Newsletter | April 2024
The GreenVET4U project has just begun, and we are excited to share its purpose, initial progress, and expected outcomes. Throughout the project’s lifespan, we will share more informative newsletters, and you can download the first one at the following link. Download the Newsletter
The GreenVET4U project in the media
As we mentioned in our previous post, GreenVET4U project partners participated in several meetings between Thursday, March 21st, and Friday, March 22nd in Kampala to present the project, discuss common objectives, and expected outcomes. Several media outlets in Uganda have covered the news of the project kickoff meeting. Here are some of the highlights gathered from each news platform: Addressing journalists, Dr Diana Nandagire, the director at MUBS’ Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Incubation Centre, expressed excitement about the initiative which she said will help in defining green skills through collaborations with different actors. “So, what we see here is collective action, working together with people with whom we have a shared understanding of where we want our people to be in the future. I like this because, every partner has something to bring to the table so that at the end of the day, we have a wonderful project that we have developed together,” Nandagire said. Nile Post: New Programme Launched to Accelerate Growth of Green Jobs in Uganda. Click here to read more. In his remarks, the deputy Director of Research, Consultancy and Library Services at NCDC, Dr Richard Irumba said that they will support the project ensuring that the entrepreneurship subject is included in all course units so that it helps learners. “We as a government are aware of the available mismatch of the number of graduates and the available jobs that is why we value the role played by entrepreneurship in imparting skills among youth and for this program, we shall provide the necessary required support,” he said. Monitor: How Shs1.6b Will Spur Green Jobs Among Youths. Click here to read more. Meanwhile, Prof Moses Muhwezi, the acting principal of Makere University Business School, said the project is about having green jobs produced. “That’s what we do, the way we teach entrepreneurship, the curriculum, is to aim at having green jobs. We are bothered about the environment, we are bothered about sustainability, and since entrepreneurs and business, these elements take a greater percentage of activities in the country, in the economy,” he said. Soft Power News. €400,000 GreenVET4U Project Launched to Promote Green Jobs. Click here to read more.
GreenVET4U project kickoff meeting in Kampala: Pioneering sustainable vocational education in Uganda
We’re excited to announce the successful launch of the GreenVET4U project, with the participation of project partners and key stakeholders from Uganda and three European countries (Spain, Germany, and Italy). At the forefront of this endeavor stands the recent kickoff meeting, held last week in Kyambogo, Kampala City, where all partners eagerly convened, ready to kickstart their collaborative efforts. This significant event marks the beginning of a transformative journey aimed at strengthening Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Uganda to meet the evolving demands of the job market, particularly in the field of green jobs. GreenVET4U is a three-year initiative funded by the European Commission. It is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of VET providers and private entities in Uganda. The primary goal of the project is to bridge the gap between skills demand and supply by developing and implementing innovative curricula focused on Skills for Green Jobs. Through this endeavor, GreenVET4U seeks to enhance the relevance of vocational education to the Ugandan labor market while fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. Insights from the Kickoff Meeting The kickoff event, hosted by National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC), provided a platform for key stakeholders to share their insights and visions for the project. Prof. Moses Muhwezi of Makerere University Business School stressed the importance of integrating green entrepreneurship into education, emphasizing the need for a curriculum aligned with sustainability principles. Patricia Lamour, Managing Director of Aspire Education Group in Germany, underscored the significance of long-term partnerships and capacity-building in shaping the future of Uganda. Dr. Richard Irumba, Deputy Director of the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC), highlighted the collaborative effort between Ugandan and European partners as a unique aspect of the initiative. Representing INFODEF, the project coordinator, Jesus Boyano, underscored the critical importance of collaboration in advancing green skills and jobs. He emphasized, “For creating jobs, we need to identify what jobs are needed and provide the right skills. Companies and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in providing green solutions and addressing environmental and economic needs.” The day after the kickoff meeting, a visit was arranged to two of the project partners’ facilities: Great Lakes Safaris (GLS) and the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Incubation Centre at Makerere University Business School (MUBS). Expected Outcomes and Project Results The GreenVET4U project aims to achieve several outcomes, including the establishment of an EU-Uganda Community of Practice, the creation of a virtual collaborative space and innovation lab, and the implementation of a tailored Training Programme for VET practitioners and in-company trainers. Additionally, the project will develop an advanced multifunctional Online Platform and a WebApp solution to support assessment and validation of learning outcomes in VET. Guidelines for Validation, Certification, and Accreditation of Skills for Green Jobs through Micro-credentials will also be provided to enhance the recognition of green skills in Uganda. The GreenVET4U project represents a groundbreaking initiative that promises to revolutionize vocational education in Uganda. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, GreenVET4U aims to address the challenges of youth unemployment while contributing to global efforts for environmental conservation and economic growth. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey towards a greener and more prosperous future for Uganda and beyond!
