Bulletin No. 23

Editorial
UNESCO-UNEVOC Bulletin 23

Last year was an important year for the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre. We celebrated a decade of the commitment of all UNEVOC staff, UNEVOC Network members and our partners by bringing them together at the International Forum in Bonn, Germany. The International Centre initiated efforts to strengthen the UNEVOC Network and make an effective contribution to TVET development globally. This year, it is our aim to continue these efforts and in this context we have undertaken various activities at this very beginning of 2013.

Earlier this year, I met with Ms Cornelia Pieper, Minister of State in the Foreign Office. I am happy to share that Ms Pieper extended her strong support to UNESCO-UNEVOC and expressed great willingness to collaborate with the International Centre.

From 18 to 21 of March 2013, we organized a consultation workshop on the UNEVOC Network “Regional Plan of Action” at our premises in Bonn, Germany. The meeting was attended by Cluster Coordinators and was organized to follow up on the discussions held at the 3rd International TVET Congress and on agreements made in the Shanghai Consensus, with particular reference to the issues of greening TVET and youth and skills. In the Arab States, UNESCO-UNEVOC is collaborating with the College of the North Atlantic - Qatar to organize an international conference on “Leading and Learning in Technical and Vocational Education” from 4 to 7 April 2013 in Doha, Qatar. The partnership between UNESCO-UNEVOC and College of the North Atlantic -Qatar demonstrates the role of the UNEVOC Network in the global pursuit to transform TVET for a sustainable future.

In the first quarter of 2013, the International Centre also welcomed the newly appointed UN Volunteers Executive Coordinator as well as representatives from Asia and Africa to the premises in Bonn, Germany. Such visits highlight the importance of collaboration and facilitate the exchange of information and best practises for the benefit of TVET worldwide. Along with our capacity development activities, we published the synthesis report on the e-Forum virtual conference on ‘greening TVET for the sustainable development’ which provides useful examples of how to integrate greener ways into our working.

With a fresh start into the New Year, the UNESCO-UNEVOC team is looking forward to working with all TVET stakeholders around the world in our endeavour to improve TVET worldwide. We are pleased to share with you Bulletin 23 of the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training and welcome your feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Shyamal Majumdar
Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre

Read Bulletin 23

UNESCO-UNEVOC organizes consultation workshop on regional plan of action 2013
18 to 21 March 2013, Bonn, Germany

From 18 to 21 March 2013, the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre organized a consultation workshop on the "Regional Plan of Action 2013" at the Centre’s premises in Bonn, Germany. As a follow-up to the International Forum in November 2012, the workshop aimed at discussing the modalities of improving communication, strengthening collaboration and enhancing the capacity of the UNEVOC Network and its respective clusters. Specifically, the objectives of the meeting were to finalize the thematic priority for 2013 in each region; identify and determine ways and means of producing promising practices on the thematic priority; to determine a detailed plan of action regarding the regional conferences to be held in each region; and to discuss issues, concerns and challenges related to Network consolidation.

The meeting was attended by 12 Cluster Coordinators from the Asia and Pacific, Africa and the Latin America and Caribbean region. Various group sessions were organized and revolved around discussing the role of the Coordinators in identifying and gathering evidence of promising TVET policies and practices in the proposed thematic areas in line with the 3rd TVET Congress recommendations, namely youth and skills and greening TVET. In small group sessions, Coordinators were requested to identify regional priorities and share recent initiatives undertaken in their respective clusters. The workshop also provided the opportunity for Network Members to share their concerns with regard to the coordination of the global UNEVOC Network. During the meeting, decisions were made regarding the thematic focus and sub themes, namely:

• Youth and Skills, with a specific focus on school-to-work transitions and entrepreneurship; and
• Greening TVET, with a specific focus on teacher training and curriculum development

These sub themes will guide the work of the Cluster coordinators and the International Centre in gathering promising practices and towards the organization of a regional conference to be held in each region later this year.

Earlier this month, Coordinators of the Arab States held a meeting via video conference to discuss the regional plan of action 2013, and Coordinators of the Europe and North America region will meet in April to exchange their plans for the upcoming months.

Interagency working group on greening TVET meets to discuss post-DESD framework

© ILO / M. Crozet

On 6 March 2013, UNESCO-UNEVOC attended the second meeting of the interagency working group (IWG) on greening TVET and skills development via videoconference. The working group, initiated by UNESCO-UNEVOC and comprising representatives of Asian Development Bank(ADB), European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), European Training Foundation (ETF), International Labour Organization (ILO), Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), UNESCO-UNEVOC, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), was set up to address the sustainable development challenges in TVET which require coordinated action.

The meeting focused on discussing the role of the IWG in contributing to the post-UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) agenda and participation at the UNESCO World Conference on ESD to be held in Nagoya, Japan from 10 to 12 November 2014.

Workshop on “Policies and Practices on TVET Teachers and Instructors in the Arab Region”
20-21 February 2013, Paris, France

From 20 to 21 February, Mr Shyamal Majumdar, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, travelled to Paris to contribute to the workshop on “Policies and Practices on TVET Teachers and Instructors in the Arab Region”.

Organized by the International Task Force on Teachers for Education for All (EFA), in collaboration with UNESCO and the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre in Bonn, the purpose of the workshop was to launch a regional study that aims to close the policy and capacity gap and provide a framework for comparison of prevailing practices in TVET teacher education, and enable collaborations and partnership at regional level and beyond. Participants were Ministry officials from 10 Arab countries covered in the study: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia, as well as TVET experts and specialists from UNESCO.

Mr Majumdar delivered the opening remarks, in which he highlighted the need to identify strategies for better addressing the need of teachers and instructors of TVET, referring to the 3rd International TVET Congress and UNESCO’s strategy for TVET. He also advocated for evidence-based policy development and stressed the importance of identifying the policy - , capacity - and finance gaps of TVET teacher policies and practices in the Arab region. Finally, Mr Majumdar underpinned the potential of the regional study to be adapted and applied in other regions. Apart from his opening speech, Mr Majumdar facilitated the group work and chaired a session on country presentations.

During the 2-day workshop, participants exchanged experiences and views towards the development of common understanding of the objectives of the study, as well as the process of data collection and analysis, the reporting framework and the modalities for validation and dissemination of the outcomes.

Spotlight on TVET educators in the Arab Region (UNESCO)

Germany’s Minister of State in the Foreign Office extends strong support to UNESCO-UNEVOC

On 14 February 2013, Mr Shyamal Majumdar, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, was invited to Berlin to meet Germany’s Minister of State in the Foreign Office, Ms Cornelia Pieper. She was accompanied by Mr Max Maldacker and Ms Monika Tabaka. During the meeting, Mr Majumdar presented the meeting report of the International Forum (14-16 November, Bonn, Germany) and the 2012 Annual Report. Mr Majumdar also thanked Ms Pieper for her contribution to UNESCO-UNEVOC’s recent publication: Transforming TVET: from idea to action. One Decade of UNESCO-UNEVOC. Ms Pieper expressed her appreciation for the recent work carried out by UNESCO-UNEVOC and reiterated her full support to the organization.

The discussion also explored possibilities of extending support in the organizing of conference and workshops, as well as pilot projects for the benefit of TVET worldwide. Both Ms Pieper and Mr Majumdar agreed on the importance of involving the private sector in these efforts.

The meeting was arranged following an earlier meeting with Ms Pieper in November 2011, and was organized to follow-up on early discussions regarding collaborations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the area of TVET development.

We thank Ms Pieper for her continued support and look forward to welcoming her to the UNESCO-UNEVOC premises soon.

Expert meeting on TVET teacher education in Southeast Asia
25-28 December 2012, Bangkok, Thailand

From 25 to 28 December, an expert meeting was organized by SEAMEO VOCTECH with the support of UNESCO-UNEVOC and Rajabhat Universities Network. Ten Technical and Vocational Education and Training experts participated in the meeting. Those ten experts are from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal. Considering the crucial role of teachers in the development of TVET, the expert meeting focused on sharing the current status and identifying research agenda of TVET teacher education in Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific region.

During the expert meeting, participants presented reports on the current status and future research agenda in TVET education in their respective countries, especially related to teacher education and research initiatives. The experts also had the opportunity to participate in the International Conference organized by Rajabhat Universities Network. The experts actively participated in the parallel sessions of the conference addressing various topics under the theme of Excellence in Teacher Education and Research Innovation.

At the conclusion of the meeting the, “Synthesis Report on TVET Teacher Education in SEA” was written and published. The report includes a detailed comparative analysis on TVET Teacher Education for each country, a formulated future research agenda with details for critical themes, and recommendations for improving training programmes for teachers in the region. Some recommendations include developing stronger linkages with industry and their needs, creating practical and hands-on industrial exposure of TVET teachers, and creating an internationally accepted TVET teacher education standard framework for the region.

Along with the synthesis report, a “Compilation of Country Reports” was also published. Each country report includes details and charts, in each of the nine specific countries, as well as an overview of TVET teacher education, current policy and practices, challenges and strategies, and conclusions and recommendations.

Documents

Synthesis report

Compilation of country papers report

Expert workshop on the World TVET Database

On 18 December 2012, UNESCO-UNEVOC organized an expert workshop on the World TVET Database in Bonn, Germany. Representatives of the UNEVOC team, UNEVOC centres in the Netherlands, Germany and Norway and partner agencies Cedefop and UNITAR joined together to discuss, critically evaluate and provide feedback on the future development of the World TVET Database. This online database was launched in May 2012 and is UNESCO-UNEVOC’s endeavour to provide concise, accurate and up-to-date information on technical and vocational education and training systems around the world, in one single place.

Main topics discussed during the workshop were the target group of the database; current and potential obstacles in collecting, structuring, updating and validating TVET-related information; and the relation of the database to other UNEVOC online services.

The workshop was participatory in nature and valuable and constructive feedback was received from the participants, which will help UNESCO-UNEVOC to further improve and upgrade the World TVET Database.

Regional workshop on entrepreneurship education in Kingdom of Bahrain
10-12 December 2012, TVE Centre of Excellence, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain


From 10 to 12 December 2012, a regional workshop was organized on entrepreneurship education in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. In the context of the regional project Entrepreneurship Education in the Arab States (2009-2012), as well as two other projects which are implemented jointly in the Kingdom of Bahrain: "Support for the TVE Center for Excellence in Bahrain", and the "Development of Secondary Commercial Education Curricula and Textbooks", the workshop was organized to enhance cooperation between Arab countries, and to share experiences on policies and programmes for the integration of entrepreneurship education in both secondary education and TVET.

The workshop, jointly organized by the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre, UNESCO Regional Bureau-Beirut and the Bahrain Centre of Excellence for Technical and Vocational Education, aimed to facilitate the exchange of experiences between specialists and experts in the institutions and ministries of education on the applications of entrepreneurship education at the secondary and TVET programmes; review the curricula and teachers training guidelines/models developed for entrepreneurship education in the region; and develop mechanisms for cooperation and coordination between institutions and relevant ministries on entrepreneurship education initiatives and programmes.
The meeting was opened by the Bahraini Minister of Education Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi. In his opening address Dr Al-Nuaimi stressed the importance of international expertise and cooperation with UNESCO in promoting technical and vocational education.

The regional workshop was attended by 66 participants from 19 Arabic countries, namely: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Participants included representatives from education ministries, TVET institutes and other relevant government bodies that specialize in the area of curriculum development and training, as well as representatives from UNESCO and UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization).

The various sessions focused on identifying the achievements made as part of the UNESCO Regional Project and exploring initiatives of entrepreneurship education and enhancing work skills and employment for youth in the region. The workshop also featured a session on the results of the Third International Congress on TVET (Shanghai, 13-16 May 2012) and the importance of public-private partnership in entrepreneurship education programmes. The workshop highlighted success stories from women entrepreneurs in the region and provided a platform for open dialogue and exchange of experiences within the Arab region.

Documents


Meeting report Arabic| English

Links

Concept note

Agenda

Bahrain News Agency "Education Minister opens regional workshop"



© UNESCO-UNEVOC / Minister of Education Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi / Focal points of UNESCO Regional Project

UNESCO-UNEVOC extends support to a regional training programme for principals in Asia-Pacific
3-7 December 2012, ITE College West, Singapore

From 3 to 7 December 2012, Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore and in collaboration with UNESCO-UNEVOC, held a regional training programme for principals and government officials at the ITE College West in Singapore.

The five-day programme addressed innovations and developments for administration of TVET institutions as well as pedagogical topics such as leadership and organization transformation for sustainable TVET; curriculum design and development; and quality teacher developments. The programme also included a study visit of the ITE College East campus.

The programme was attended by 18 principals and senior officials from different TVET institutions and colleges from the Asia and the Pacific region.

More information

Regional expert meeting on vocationalisation of secondary education
3-4 December 2012, Bangkok, Thailand

Technical and Vocational Education and Training at the secondary level has been of particular interest to many countries in the Asian region as a mechanism to provide graduates direct entry into the labour force. However, increasingly in both developing and developed countries, many graduates from secondary-level TVET programmes are continuing their studies after the completion of such studies. In order to assist the evidence-based and strategic decision making of governments in the transformation and expansion of TVET programmes at the secondary level (especially in formal education), UNESCO Bangkok, in collaboration with UNESCO-UNEVOC, is conducting a study on the various approaches in providing TVET at the secondary education level.

From 3 to 4 December 2012 UNESCO Bangkok, in cooperation with UNESCO-UNEVOC, organized a regional expert meeting inviting the experts involved in the study as well as government representatives from other interested countries, to discuss the preliminary findings of the study, to draw policy options and to examine potential issues that could be further discussed in the regional synthesis report. Mr Shyamal Majumdar, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, travelled to Bangkok to attend the meeting, provide expertise and facilitate the workshop proceedings regarding the transformation and expansion of TVET at the secondary education level.

The expert meeting discussed the regional and international trends of TVET provision at the secondary level and provided the opportunity to exchange policies, practices and lessons learned from a number of countries with experience in this area.

Links

UNESCO Bangkok

New UNEVOC Network Member in Paraguay

In February 2013, the Fundación Paraguaya, joined the UNEVOC Network. The Fundación Paraguaya is a non-profit civil association with the mission to develop and implement practical, innovative and sustainable solutions which eliminate poverty and create decent living conditions for all. Founded in 1985, the foundation has 17 regional offices and covers more than 136 cities in Paraguay. The association promotes accessible, relevant and effective education programme for all and places emphasis on entrepreneurship education.

The association offers programmes to equip students and teachers with skills to develop opportunities for productive work and personal empowerment, especially for youth and marginalized groups, and is therefore a welcome addition to the UNEVOC Network.

UNEVOC Network Directory

Representative from UNEVOC Centre in Jamaica visits UNESCO-UNEVOC

On 15 March 2013, Shyamal Majumdar, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre welcomed Dr Simon Yalams from the University of Technology(UTech), a UNEVOC Centre in Jamaica, to the Centre’s premise in Bonn, Germany. Dr Yalams visited the International Centre to present on the activities recently implemented by the University in the context of the UNEVOC Network.

During the visit, Dr Yalams informed the UNESCO-UNEVOC team about a meeting organized by UTech for TVET stakeholders in the Caribbean and Latin America region in December 2012. The meeting was attended by representatives from the UNESCO Cluster Office in Kingston, University of West Indies (UWI), Vocational and Training Development Institute (VTDI), Ministry of Education of Jamaica (MOE) and served to exchange views on improving the modalities in organizing and coordinating UNEVOC Network activities at the sub-regional level. Dr Yalams was also pleased to inform the team about the TVET symposium entitled 'TVET for Transformation and Economic Development' which was organized by Dr Marcia Rowe-Amonde from the HEART Trust/NTA, a UNEVOC Centre in Jamaica, on 7 March 2013 at the Jamaica Conference Centre. The symposium engaged relevant stakeholders in Jamaica and focused on a variety of topics, including curriculum development, inclusive programme delivery and leadership in TVET.

After the presentation, the discussion was focused on how to effectively empower UNEVOC Centres in implementing TVET strategies at national, regional and global level. In the discussion, Mr Majumdar highlighted the important role of Cluster coordinators in facilitating communication and collaboration among UNEVOC Centres in the region.

Message from Teeluck Bhuwanee, Head of UNEVOC Network
In January 2013, Mr Teeluck Bhuwanee retired from his role as Head of the UNEVOC Network. The team of UNESCO-UNEVOC thanks him for his great work and wishes him all the best for his retirement.

Dear UNEVOC friend,

As I mentioned in our November meeting last year, I would reach age of retirement at the end of January 2013. Over the last 2 years I have been Head of the UNEVOC Network, we have, together, initiated a process of revamping the Network with the sincere wish to have a more dynamic, efficient and effective network that will respond to our needs in a world where TVET is increasingly being seen as the “master key” to development. Throughout this phase of revamping I am happy to say that I received every bit of support from all our Network friends, and I noticed a sincere wish to make the UNEVOC Network one of the most profitable and useful TVET networks working on a global level. For this I am most grateful to all of you.

As national respondents, in all UNEVOC Centres, you have shouldered a heavy responsibility for the development of TVET in our national Centres and our countries. The UNEVOC brand has gained a lot of impetus and recognition this year. Certainly there are many expectations. After my departure from the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre, it will continue to support, develop and engage your Centre, as a mutual and reciprocal relationship develops. Our different regional Contact Points in Bonn will be here to assist and provide you with your requirements, of course keeping in mind the limited human and other resources. We are certain that all UNEVOC Centres, more especially the Cluster Coordinators in all regions of the world, will play a more active role in all our activities, at national, regional and global levels.

Though I am leaving the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre, I hope to remain in touch with all of you via the e-Forum. Those of you who want to write to me please feel free to use my new email address: tbhuwanee(at)ymail.com.

I would love to see more Centres using the Network Portal and post more pictures of their Centre, of their activities and of themselves as we connect more and more. Let us show the world our tremendous potential and long live the UNEVOC Network.

Teeluck Bhuwanee

University of Eldoret is organizing conference on "Knowledge and Technological Innovation for Global Competitiveness"
3 to 5 September 2013, Eldoret, Kenya

The University of Eldoret, Kenya, a UNEVOC Centre, in collaboration with Anambra State University, Nigeria is organizing the first Interdisciplinary International Conference on the theme “Knowledge and Technological Innovation for Global Competitiveness” (IIC-KTIGC 2013).

The international conference takes place from 3 to 5 September 2013 in Eldoret, Kenya. The IIC-KTIGC 2013 is an international conference dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practices in knowledge and technological innovation.

The aim of IIC is to provide an opportunity for academics and professionals from various fields to interact, share experiences and promote research and practice.

More information and call for papers

University of Eldoret in UNEVOC Network Directory

NBTE Centre of Excellence for TVET organizes national workshop on “Determination of Criteria for Ranking of Nigerian Polytechnics”
26-28 February 2013, Kaduna, Nigeria

From 26 to 28 February 2013, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Centre of Excellence for TVET, a UNEVOC Centre, organized a national workshop on "Determination of Criteria for Ranking of Nigerian Polytechnics and Similar Tertiary Institutions", in Kaduna, Nigeria. Declared open by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. M.A. Kazaure, the workshop drew impressive participation from senior management officers from polytechnics and similar institutions across the country, including Deputy Rectors, Deans and Directors of Academic Planning as well as other Directors and similar academic staff. The workshop was attended by over eighty participants and was characterized by lively discussions and syndicate sessions.

The workshop concluded that ranking of Nigerian Polytechnics and similar tertiary institutions shall greatly benefit the sector and the Nigerian educational system as a whole. It could promote academic excellence and a healthy competition among the member institutions and bring up institutions that have been at the bottom of the ladder in academics excellence. Immediate action will be put in place by the NBTE to jump-start the process of ranking of the Polytechnic system in Nigeria.


Report

NBTE in UNEVOC Network Directory

Global Innovators 2013: Leading and Learning in Technical and Vocational Education
4 to 7 April 2013, Doha, Qatar

From 4 to 7 April 2013, the College of the North Atlantic – Qatar, a UNEVOC Centre, in partnership with UNESCO-UNEVOC, UNESCO Doha Office and Qatar Petroleum, organized Global Innovators 2013 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha, Qatar. With the theme “Leading and Learning in Technical and Vocational Education,” Global Innovators 2013 was the first international TVET event in Qatar and the region. The three-day event aimed at bringing together the world’s leading practitioners in TVET to discuss the global challenges in TVET development placing learners at the centre of the dialogue. The global event attracted 650 participants from 42 countries, including government representatives, practitioners, and researchers from the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Latin America, Europe and North America.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ms Anna Paolini from the UNESCO Doha Office. In her opening speech, she highlighted how Global Innovators 2013 contributes to the sharing of experiences and development of new ideas towards innovate pedagogical approaches to better prepare students for the demands of the labour market and enable them to reach their aspirations. James Knight, President, from the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), a UNEVOC Centre, and Bill Lucas, a renowned TVET expert also presented in the opening panel. Keynote presentations and concurrent sessions touched upon a wide range of themes and initiatives focusing on teaching and learning; supporting learners; leadership and innovation; applied research; counselling; and regional cooperation. Keynote speakers included Patch Adams, John Baker, Markus Maurer, Roger Fisher, Maryellen Weimer, Eric Chester, Mark David Milliron, Brian Little, Bill Lucas and Guy Claxton.

The event included an exhibition, which featured local and international organizations, and also included a UNESCO booth where visitors could find key TVET publications and information materials. Alongside the conference, a Think-Tank session was organized to call attention to Qatar’s progress in TVET, and how this focus is helping the country to realize its National Vision 2030 and along with it, the goals of the National Development Strategy.

The conference provided the opportunity to continue the debates held at the 3rd International TVET Congress and highlighted the importance of identifying the needs and aspirations of learners and teachers in TVET by utilizing technology and stimulating innovative solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.

All proceedings of the conference will be made available online on the conference website

Polytechnics International New Zealand Limited (PINZ) presents at Indian Ministry of HRD Conference

Polytechnics International New Zealand Limited (PINZ) CEO, Honè McGregor attended India’s International Conference on Community Colleges – "Mainstreaming Skills in Education – Creating Relevant Human Resources" in New Delhi in February 2013. The themes of the conference were access, equity, excellence and employability. Particular focus was on exploring best practice for industry engagement in order to produce work-ready graduates.

In a session on Education for Work, Honè provided an overview of the New Zealand ITP sector and PINZ's mechanisms for industry engagement in governance, teaching, and program and qualification development. Participants included government agencies, industry partners and training institutions that have been designated as community colleges. In a pilot scheme to start in 2013, these institutions will undergo significant change management processes involving new models in governance, organizational structure, curriculum development, industry engagement and quality assurance. PINZ was one of two New Zealand representatives in an international field. Participation was supported by Education New Zealand.

PINZ (UNEVOC Network Directory)

UNEVOC Centres from the North America Cluster meet in Ottawa, Canada

On 3 December 2012 a regional Network meeting of UNEVOC Centres of the North-America cluster was convened by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO in Ottawa, Canada. As a follow up to the third International TVET Congress in Shanghai, China and the International Forum held at the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre in Bonn, Germany, the meeting was organized to deepen communications and strengthen the collaboration among UNEVOC Centres in the region. UNEVOC Centres from Canada and the United States participated in the meeting, namely: the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), the Centre of College Studies Baie des Chaleurs, the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development Inc. (CAHRD), the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture and the Culture and Heritage Institute of Centennial College, and the U.S. Centre on Education and Training for Employment.

David A. Walden, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, delivered a welcoming speech in which he highlighted the growing role of TVET in addressing current issue of youth unemployment from education perspective. The meeting revolved around exploring the potential of the UNEVOC Centres in the North American region in fostering TVET development, and the opportunities to expand its outreach to Europe and the Caribbean and Latin America.

In light of the Shanghai Consensus and the recommendations made at the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Forum, representatives of the UNEVOC Centres proposed to promote education for ‘green’ economies and ‘green’ societies as part of TVET qualifications and programmes in the region, with the aim to further the greening TVET agenda towards sustainable growth and development. The representatives also underlined their commitment to contribute to the development of effective policies aimed at improving teaching and learning processes, in particular policies and frameworks for professionalizing TVET teachers and strengthening teaching standards at all levels.

Hiromichi Katayama from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics delivered a presentation in which he argued that the lack of international standards for international comparison is an issue and advocated for more dialogue with policy-makers.

The meeting provided a great opportunity to strengthen the UNEVOC Network in the North American region, and deepen an understanding of the role of partnership in global TVET development.

UNEVOC Centre in Costa Rica co-organizes a workshop on 'green' jobs

From 11 to 15 March 2013, the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in Latin America and the Caribbean and the National Institute of Apprenticeship of Costa Rica, a UNEVOC Centre organized a workshop with the theme of "reorienting technical and vocational education and training towards the green economy" in San Jose, Costa Rica. The objective of the workshop was to share good practices and experiences between countries and the region, to identify challenges and opportunities for the reorientation to strengthen TVET for 'green' jobs, come up with recommendations to strengthen TVET for 'green' jobs in the region and to develop competencies in the management of solid waste.

Green jobs refer to those new jobs and occupational profiles that will develop in response to the emerging needs of the green economy, for example jobs that arise in the area of solar technology and eco-tourism. However, at the same time, it is crucial to make existing occupations ‘greener’ by making workers more aware about how working processes impact on the environment and teach them about green ways of working.

More information about the workshop

Workshop Agenda

HEART Trust hosts symposium on TVET for Transformation and Economic Development

In order to engage the TVET community in Jamaica with pertinent issues in TVET and as part of the wider efforts of the HEART Trust, a UNEVOC Centre, the Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI) – the tertiary arm of the HEART Trust/ National Training Agency, hosted a symposium on 7 March 2013 under the theme ‘TVET for Transformation and Economic Development.’ Issues such as quality in TVET programmes, strengthening linkages between TVET and industry, the impact of TVET on economic development and TVET at the tertiary level were explored. Ann Buller, President of Centennial College, Canada was the guest speaker. She spoke on transformative leadership emphasizing the student at the centre of the transformation.

A special feature of the day included demonstrations on innovative products and services in TVET. There were demonstrations from the field of ICT, Solar energy, GPS Technology and Theatre Makeup Artistry. The day ended with discussions on the Shanghai TVET declaration and strategies for implementing it in Jamaica. The audience included TVET policy makers and practitioners and were drawn from the Ministry of Education, the national training agency, the community colleges, schools and industry.

Transforming TVET - from idea to action
One decade of UNESCO-UNEVOC

Just published

On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of its establishment in Bonn in 2002, the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre published a brochure retracing its activities over the last decade, in order to reflect on past achievements, present ongoing projects and look towards the future. The brochure provides information on UNEVOC’s aims, actions and themes.

Through this publication, UNESCO-UNEVOC would above all like to pay a tribute to the many partners that have accompanied UNESCO-UNEVOC on its path, and to acknowledge their contribution to the development and the activities of the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre, which originally started as a UNESCO-funded TVET project in Berlin in the 1990s before taking up its activities at the United Nations premises in Bonn in 2002.

This publication is also closely linked to the photo competition organized by UNESCO-UNEVOC earlier this year, depicting the diversity of work and learning. The aim of the photo competition was to highlight the diversity of occupations and ways of training for work in different parts of the world. The winning photos can be viewed in our web gallery.

The brochure was officially launched during the three-day International Forum on the role of the UNEVOC Network in transforming TVET for a sustainable future, held in Bonn, Germany from 14 to 16 November 2012, in the presence of the Mayor of Bonn Angelica-Maria Kappel, the Head of the TVET Section of UNESCO Borhene Chakroun, the German Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Dr. Michael Worbs, and the Head of the International Department of the German Federal Office for Vocational Training (BIBB) Ms Birgit Thomann.

Transforming TVET - from idea to action. One decade of UNESCO-UNEVOC (English, pdf, 3.9 MB)

Transformer l’EFTP – de l’idée à l’action. Une décennie avec l’UNESCO-UNEVOC (Français, pdf, 3.7 MB)

Transformar la EFTP – de la idea a la acción. Un decenio de UNESCO-UNEVOC (Español, pdf, 3.7 MB)

TVET 转型——从理论上升到实践 - UNESCO-UNEVOC 十年 (Chinese, pdf, 5.0 MB)

(Russian, pdf, 4.9 MB) [http://www.unevoc.unesco.org/fileadmin/up/10yrs_unesco-unevoc-ru_bonn.pdf Преобразование ТПО – от идеи к действию. Десять лет с UNESCO-UNEVOC]

To request a copy, please contact us at unevoc.publications(at)unesco.org

Published by the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training

2012

149 pages

English

ISBN 978-92-95071-29-2 (print)

ISBN 978-92-95071-29-2 (online)

One decade of UNESCO-UNEVOC



Prezi presentation on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre in Bonn, Germany in 2002: our aims (what we do), our actions (how we do it) and the themes we advocate for.

Meeting report of UNESCO-UNEVOC's International Forum 2012
The role of the UNEVOC Network in transforming TVET for a sustainable future’

From 14 to 16 November 2012, the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre organized a three-day International Forum on ‘the role of the UNEVOC Network in transforming TVET for a sustainable future’ in Bonn, Germany. The Forum was also organized to commemorate UNEVOC'’s 10 year anniversary. The meeting report includes a summary of the different sessions organized during the Forum, and provides an overview of UNEVOC's plans for 2013.

The International Forum, which was attended by 120 TVET experts from over 55 countries, discussed various key issues in TVET with a focus on the importance of empowering teachers and the need to transform TVET for a greener future.The Forum concluded that effective partnership is key in strengthening and revamping the UNEVOC Network. In 2013, the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre will reinforce its efforts to actively engage the UNEVOC Network in the planning, design and implementation of activities to be undertaken in 2013.

Documents

Meeting report

Just published: Synthesis report on greening TVET for sustainable development

From 22 October to 2 November 2012, a moderator-driven discussion was held on the topic of greening TVET for sustainable development. Moderated by Mr Kai Gleissner from the Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany, a UNEVOC Centre, the virtual conference brought together almost 150 participants from more than sixty countries.

Various issues in greening TVET for sustainable development were discussed during the twelve-day conference. The discussion identified the relationship between sustainable development and green development, and clarified different definitions of green jobs and green skills. Participants also shared different examples of greening TVET, and highlighted that greening TVET does not only consist of developing green jobs and greening TVET concepts, but that it should also incorporate societal and cultural aspects.

Links

Read the full report

Read all contributions

TVET expert from South Africa visits UNESCO-UNEVOC

On 19 February 2013 UNESCO-UNEVOC welcomed Dr Andre Kraak, an independent education research consultant from South Africa. Dr Andre Kraak is currently commissioned by the Human Resource Development Council of the South African government to lead a project on ‘Benchmarking international best practice in respect of skills development system design’. The aim of the visit was to learn more about the work of the International Centre and obtain resources and advice with respect to his research on skills development systems.

The visit was started with a comprehensive presentation delivered by Dr Kraak on his current project on international case studies on sector-based skills development systems. Dr Kraak elaborated on the existing vocational education and training models in South Africa and particularly focused on the issues around the country’s sector skills councils. After the presentation, a discussion was held on reviving the role of TVET in socioeconomic development and the team of UNESCO-UNEVOC provided input regarding relevant resources and good practices. After the discussion, Mr Kraak visited the Knowledge Management Centre, where he had the opportunity to access several publications and other resources useful for his current research activity.

Representatives of the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation

visit UNESCO-UNEVOC

On 6 February 2013, UNESCO-UNEVOC welcomed Mr Matthias Wichmann and Mr Aru David from the Asia Society for Social Improvement & Sustainable Transformation(ASSIST) to the premises in Bonn, Germany. The ASSIST representatives visited UNESCO-UNEVOC to learn more about the work of the International Centre and its global Network, and explore common areas of interest, particular in the areas of ICTs and TVET including e-learning toolkits, public-private partnership and related capacity development.

The Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) is an international non-government organization focused on capacity building. It seeks to promote sustainable practices to address social problems in Asia.

UNV Executive Coordinator visits UNESCO-UNEVOC

On 25 January 2013, Mr Shyamal Majumdar, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre, was honoured to welcome Mr Richard Dictus, the new United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Executive Coordinator, to the Centres’ premises. Mr Richard Dictus visited the International Centre to learn more about its work and explored the possibilities of having collaboration between UN Volunteers and UNESCO-UNEVOC.

After an informal discussion, Mr Majumdar showed Mr Richard Dictus around the premises and visited the Knowledge Management Centre, where a short presentation was given about the International Centre’s interactive kiosk and its online services.

UNV programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide.

Visit the UNV website

UNESCO-UNEVOC organizes workshop for BIMUN participants
14 December 2012, Bonn International Model United Nations post-programme

On 14 December 2012, UNESCO-UNEVOC held a post-conference workshop for students from the Bonn International Model United Nations (BIMUN) conference, which took place in Bonn from 9 to 13 December 2012 in Bonn, Germany. Students from different universities in the world participated in the workshop with a view to gain insights into the work of the UN agencies based in Bonn, and UNESCO-UNEVOC in particular.

The team of UNESCO-UNEVOC welcomed students to join the workshop which started with an introductory presentation by Ambassador Harald Ganns about the history of the UN in Bonn. During the workshop, students shared their views and experiences in addressing the global challenge of youth unemployment linked to the current economic climate in the context of a case study. Following the discussion the team of UNESCO-UNEVOC informed students of its current activities in tackling the issue of youth unemployment from the perspective of advancing the quality and access to TVET and transforming TVET to meet the needs of the sustainable development agenda. Students showed a strong interest in a range of TVET issues and exchanged their knowledge on the subject.

The workshop provided a great opportunity for UNESCO-UNEVOC to connect with young people and inform them about the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

Quote of a participating student: "(..) Familiar, cosy yet exceptional professional working environment characterized the workshop. We experienced some of the activities of the UNESCO-UNEVOC by doing it ourselves: interactive, fascinating and eye-opening"

Links

Photos of the workshop (on the UNESCO-UNEVOC Flickr page)

BIMUN (website)