Global Programme Consultative Workshop

From 4^th – 8^th September 2023, Don Bosco Tech Africa organized a consultative workshop for participants from 11 countries implementing the Global Programme. This four-year project aims to increase opportunities for decent work and improve living standards for young people in Sub-Saharan Africa by enhancing the quality and relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Germany funded the project through Don Bosco Mondo, Bonn. The GP phase 1 ran from 2019 – 2023 and focused on five pillars: Capacity Building, Modernization, Job Service Office (JSO), Green TVET and Networking.

The participants came from eleven countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, South Sudan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola and Burkina Faso. Participants included Provincial Economers, Planning and Development Office (PDO) personnel, and Province Technical and Vocational Education and Training Coordinators (P-TVET). The objectives of the meeting were:

• To assess the key lessons learnt from GP 1
• Identify the unique features that made GP 1 successful in each country
• Discuss the key issues that must be addressed in GP 2 in each country, focusing more on the impact at the Meso and Macro levels with clear linkage to the National Development Plan (NDP) of each country, Sustainable development goals (SDG) and the African vision 2063.

Owing to the recommendations of the mid-term evaluation and the contributions of the members present in the consultative meeting, it was agreed that GP phase 2 will focus on three pillars: Capacity Building, Modernization and Networking and mainstream the JSO and Green TVET in the three pillars.

While giving his closing remarks Mr. Steffen Möhlendick, Project Manager Public Cooperation Partners – Don Bosco Mondo, expressed that embracing ownership and understanding among all is key to ensuring the intended goal is achieved. He emphasized that moving forward, all stakeholders from the various countries of the GP will be actively engaged and involved in the planning and execution of the project.

In his closing remarks, Fr. Maximus Okoro, the Director of Don Bosco Tech Africa, expressed his gratitude to all the participants for their active participation, creativity and enthusiasm during the workshop. He underscored that the brainstorming sessions have propelled all to think outside the box to explore new ideas and methods that enable all to move from a micro-centric approach to a more macro-impact-oriented one that will create strong systems for effective TVET transformation and delivery.

The participants appreciated DB Tech Africa for organizing this workshop, affirming that active consultation with key stakeholders is critical for any project’s success because it can enhance ownership and commitment that are necessary for the realization of the end goal.

This consultative workshop was moderated by Mr. Thomas Faber, the Program Coordinator of Don Bosco Tech Africa and facilitated by Br. John Njuguna, the Deputy Director of Don Bosco Tech Africa, assisted by the project officers.