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!
Exploring green jobs and skills: Drivers of sustainable development
In the quest for a more sustainable future, green jobs emerge as a catalyst for positive change. From their impact on environmental protection to their contribution to inclusive economic growth. Green jobs are those that significantly contribute to the conservation or improvement of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources. These jobs encompass a wide range of industries and sectors, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable transportation, organic farming, and sustainable construction, among others. Green jobs are crucial for sustainable development for several reasons. Firstly, they directly contribute to environmental protection by reducing the ecological footprint of human activities and promoting more sustainable practices. Additionally, green jobs foster inclusive economic growth by creating employment opportunities for a diverse range of workers, including youth, women, and individuals from marginalized communities. This promotes equity and equal opportunities in society while driving innovation and competitiveness in the job market. As well as specific green jobs, it’s important to highlight the role of the green skills in transitioning to a more sustainable economy. These skills, such as the ability to utilize clean technologies, efficiently manage resources, and understand sustainability concepts, are increasingly in demand across various sectors. By acquiring these skills, workers can apply them to a wide range of jobs, promoting more sustainable practices in their respective fields. At GreenVET4U, we are committed to equipping workers to be part of this transformation towards a green and fair economy. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future!
The crucial role of Vocational Education and Training in shifting towards a green economy
The world is facing urgent challenges related to climate change and sustainability. In this context, the transition to a green economy has become a global priority. In this first post, we explore the crucial role that education and vocational training play in this transition. From acquiring green skills to preparing workers for future jobs, adequate training can make a difference in building a sustainable future. Education and vocational training are essential to equip workers with the skills needed to thrive in a green economy. This involves providing training in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and clean technologies. Training in green skills not only provides workers with the necessary tools to perform in emerging sectors but also helps them adapt to a constantly changing job market. This includes the ability to innovate, solve complex problems, and work in multidisciplinary teams, skills that are essential in a green economy. GreenVET4U partners are committed to driving this transition by empowering tomorrow’s professionals with the skills needed to build a greener and more prosperous future in Uganda. Join us on this exciting journey towards sustainability!
