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GreenVET4U project kickoff meeting in Kampala: Pioneering sustainable vocational education in Uganda

GreenVET4U

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!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Project Number: 101129455 – ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CB-VET