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DON BOSCO TECH AFRICA 7th ANNUAL STAKEHOLDERS ASSEMBLY

DON BOSCO TECH AFRICA 7th ANNUAL STAKEHOLDERS ASSEMBLY

Don Bosco Tech Africa held the Annual Stakeholders Assembly (ASA) from 28th February to 4th March 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Assembly was guided by the theme ‘Enhancing Skills Development through Innovative Approaches that are Based on Sound Governance and Management of Don Bosco TVET Centres in Africa-Madagascar’. It brought together 65 participants both in person and online.

During the opening ceremony Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, Regional Councillor Africa-Madagascar, based his speech on the theme ‘What Kind of Salesians for Today’s Youth?’ He remarked that our skills and identity determine the effectiveness of our project. All were urged to make each of the congregation priorities their own; identity, training of trainers, the collaboration between Salesians and laypeople, missionary spirit, adoption of sustainable education and development. He emphasized it is the duty for all to contribute to making a more just and fraternal society, especially during this time when the world is experiencing a series of wars.

In his keynote address, Fr. George Tharaniyil, Don Bosco Tech Africa Executive Director focused on four key areas: research and innovation, quality management, qualification of Salesians and lay collaborators and networking and partnership. These four components are to be incorporated to ensure the theme being addressed is achieved. He also urged all to grab the capacity-building opportunities offered by DBTech Africa and to use the expertise gained to enhance the TVET centres in the Provinces.

Different people presented their inputs in line with the theme of the meeting. Br. Jean Paul Muller, the Economer General, highlighted that TVET centres need the highest level of resilience. For this to be achieved he urged TVET managers to develop an interest in recognizing the individual values of their staff. Recognizing what every person can offer will help all to contribute to the growth of the centres in the best way possible. He underscored that the corona pandemic is an eye-opener and marks a time for new beginnings. People need to think boldly and innovate for the better future of the young people we serve.

Mr. Steffen Möhlendick, the Project Manager Public Cooperation at Don Bosco Mondo, challenged the participants to ask themselves whether their TVET offer is relevant, effective, efficient, sustainable and impact-oriented to overcome the challenges they are facing. Strategic plans should guide them to be efficient and sustainable ecologically, economically, and socially. When all these are adhered to then there is a guaranteed positive impact on the lives of the youth who are our main focus.

Representatives from Toolkit iSkills Kenya, Dolang – China, Festo Didactic and African Union gave reflections on the future of work. Their presentations denoted that digital skills and innovation are the way forward. Advanced technology is making work easier, more efficient and ignoring this trend is not a possibility; rather, TVET centers need to adapt to the changing world.

During the discussions of the week, governance was emphasized. If we want to evolve, achieve TVET sustainability, enhance the lives of young people, then TVET centres need to be managed by qualified and competent personnel. In line with this, collaboration between Salesians and lay workers was accentuated. The establishment of Provincial TVET action plans should be adhered to which will keep them on their toes with their activities and help do their work systematically.

The sharing of best practices revealed that capacity building for TVET centre staff is vital. This is one of the elements that has made Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute, Malawi, and Tech Don Bosco Spain outstanding in their mission to the young people.

Green-TVET is one of the main interventions of Don Bosco Tech Africa, geared towards safeguarding and protecting the environment. Green energy, green skills and green economy were emphasized during the assembly. ANN and AOS Salesian Provinces presented their best practices on the use of solar energy. It has helped them to cut diesel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the quality of the TVET offer.

Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA-AFE) presented the best practices of their mission to young people. They revealed that gender equality is highly valued in the selection of their trainees. Graduates are also helped to form cooperatives as a part of moral support and building their self-confidence.

Partnership and networking also emerged as key issues. Building numerous networks and sustainable partnerships expose people to new innovative ideas.  Mr. Alfredo Garmendia of the Supporting Alliance for Africa Mobility (SAAM) project had an opportunity to showcase the benefit of the partnership with Salesian TVET Centres in the region. The exchange program of teachers from Africa to Europe is ongoing.

Respect and protection of children’s rights are at the core of the Salesians’ work. Don Bosco Tech Africa organized an exchange with participants on how to best safeguard the young people and to be at the forefront in ensuring Child Safeguarding and Protection are achieved in Africa.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants were reminded that this meeting was an eye-opener, a starting point, and all participants should use the ideas that were presented and discussed for progress and innovative change. It’s a personal responsibility for each one to bring positive change in the TVET centres, and help young people to become job creators and leaders of the future.

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