Technical & Vocational Education & Training (TVET)
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is concerned with the acquisition of knowledge and skills for the world of work. Throughout the course of history, various terms have been used to describe elements of the field that are now conceived as comprising TVET. These include: Apprenticeship Training, Vocational Education, Technical Education, and Technical-Vocational Education (TVE).
The issue of “vulnerability”, as defined by the World Bank, emerged as a common theme across SERVE’s partner countries. We also recognised common themes across our key target group (young people) and the importance and potential of Technical & Vocational Education & Training (TVET) in responding to the immediate needs of vulnerable young people. At an organisational level, SERVE works with our partners to capture the pathways of change, so we can deliver good development programmes for our target beneficiaries and learn from successes and failures.
SERVE’s Partners & TVET
Mozambique:
SERVE have been working in partnership with Young Africa since 2007. This partnership has included support for development projects, (including construction work on the YA campus of a crèche, two volunteer houses, and a girl’s hostel, as well as micro credit support) and the sending of short and long-term Irish volunteers to work in Beira, contributing to the development of the campus and ultimately the delivery of TVET.
‘Young Africa’ (YA) works in Zimbabwe and Mozambique offering skills training in dressmaking, building, motor mechanics, panel beating, electronics, electrical installation, metal, works, leather works, hospitality, cosmetology & hairdressing, carpentry, refrigeration, plumbing, computer applications and commercial subjects. Over 70% of the courses consist of practice through production. Business studies teaches students to set up a small-scale enterprise and earn a living. An on-going life skills program, with special attention for HIV/AIDS awareness, stimulates them to grow in self-confidence, so that they can shape their own destiny and that of the world around them.
Young Africa have developed a pioneering replicable TVET model that works in an African context. Young Africa has a proven track record with a proven model for success in the delivery of TVET, including:
> More than 21,000 youngsters trained, of whom 8,500 in vocational training
> An average of 1000 beneficiaries per year per Skills Training Centre
> Evaluations have shown that 80% of the educated youngsters feels economically and socially enriched after their training
> 83% of the graduated students in Mozambique find a job, apprenticeship or start a business
South Africa:
SERVE explored the role of employment and accessible TVET in reducing violence and anti-social behaviour in South African squatter camps, and looked at the impact of a community campaign focused on access to ABET that was inspired by local volunteer and helped by SERVE volunteers. These case studies document some of the “immeasurable” change that can be associated with volunteering and are available here.
The SDP & TVET
The SERVE Development Programme (SDP 2012-15) is a response to the challenges of vulnerability and low levels of livelihood security in targeted communities in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Through this programme SERVE are working with four partner organisations to improve the lives of poor children, young people and adult women and men. Our work focuses on the issues of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC), HIV and AIDS care and prevention, and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
SERVE Volunteers & TVET
