UNESCO and its partners have launched the first cohort of training for policy makers and decision makers under the Pan-African Initiative for the Digital Transformation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (EFTP) and Development Systems in Africa.
This first class of EFTP policy makers and decision makers will be trained in the development/update and implementation of policy and strategy for the digital transformation and skills development system, the UN agency said in a statement.
The initiative aims to create an ecosystem that promotes the acceleration of the digital transformation of EFTP and skills development systems in Africa.
It also aims to contribute to the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 themed: “A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development,” the statement added.
“Our aim is to foster and accelerate the digital transformation of the EFTP system and to develop skills in these countries in a holistic and long-term perspective. UNESCO will do what is necessary to continue to take responsibility and ensure the success of this initiative,” said UNESCO’s Regional Office Director for West Africa (Sahel), Mr Dimitri Sanga.
This programme has set as a major objective the achievement of ten targets, through the implementation of a joint programme structured in three components, including the implementation of a series of pan-African training courses.
These ten targets include the training of one million young people outside school and in the informal sector by 2030 and the establishment of a register of nearly 1000 experts/master trainers capable of responding to the technical support needs of African countries in this field.
Trainees through this pan-African initiative will be tasked with advocating for the digital transformation of EFTP and strengthening the use of ICT and digital technology in the education sector.
They should also be able to coordinate policy and strategy development work to integrate ICT and digital teaching and learning into the EFTP sector at national and regional levels.
This pan-African initiative is an integral part of the work plan of the CESA (Abidjan Centre for Advanced Business Studies) EFTP group institutionalised by the African Union with UNESCO as co-leader.
ARD/te/lb/as/APA