Greening the Trades: TVET Curricula Undergo Review for a Sustainable Future

A recent workshop was held on the 16th and 17th December 2024 under “The Gender Matters for Green TVET program” which focused on reviewing and enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curricula in electrical/solar, agriculture, and plumbing, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and meeting evolving market demands. The initiative aims to equip graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world, particularly in the face of climate change. Greening TVET Curricula is one of the activities intended to achieve a Market relevant, gender responsive, green TVET programme offered in all five (Kamuli, Bombo and Palabek for Uganda and Gatenga and Muhazi for Rwanda) participating DB TVET programmes.

The workshop brought together Departmental heads of the priority courses (Electrical/Solar, Agriculture and Plumbing) from the Five DB TVET center in Uganda (Kamuli, Bombo and Palabek) and Rwanda (Gatenga and Muhazi), industry professionals, and other stakeholders from National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO), Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers’ Forum(ESAFF) Uganda, Uganda Solar Energy Association (USEA), Nexus Green, Vermipro Ltd, Pistic Engineering Rwanda, Uganda national Plumber’s Association, Plumbing Technicians Association (PTA), National Water & Sewerage Corporation to collaboratively address the need for updated and relevant training programs. Recognizing the crucial role these trades play in building a sustainable future, the review process centered on integrating green technologies and practices into the existing curricula.

Br. John Ngigi Njuguna the Deputy Director of Don Bosco Tech Africa in his opening remarks gave an in depth history of Fr. Don Bosco the father and teacher of the youth and his passion for working with the youth at the time until now, he also based his discussion on The Bonn Declaration of 2004 declares, “Since education is considered the key to effective development strategies, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) must be the master key that can alleviate poverty, promote peace, conserve the environment, improve the quality of life for all and help to achieve sustainable development” (UNESCOUNEVOC 2006,

29).

The workshop embraced different methodologies of power point presentations, group discussions, Q&A sessions among others. They looked at the following in their in depth group discussions;

Focus Areas:

• Electrical/Solar: The review for this sector prioritized incorporating renewable energy technologies, automation and remote monitoring systems, auditing and metering, solar productive use measures among others.
• Agriculture: With climate change significantly impacting agricultural practices, the curriculum review in this area emphasized sustainable agriculture techniques. Discussions included topics like water conservation, soil health management, organic farming practices, climate-smart agriculture.
• Plumbing: The plumbing sector plays a vital role in water conservation and sanitation. The discussions focused on integrating irrigation system and biodigesters, solar water pumping, heating and proper waste management.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry:

A key element of the workshop was the active participation of industry professionals. Their input was crucial in ensuring the revised curricula accurately reflect current industry needs and technological advancements. By aligning curricula with real-world demands, the initiative aims to improve graduate employability and contribute to a skilled workforce capable of driving a green economy.

Looking Ahead:

The outcomes of the workshop will inform the development of updated TVET curricula in electrical/solar, agriculture, and plumbing. These revised programs will not only provide students with the technical skills necessary for success but also instill in them a deep understanding of sustainability principles and the importance of environmentally responsible practices. By investing in green skills training, this initiative is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The Gender Matters for Green TVET program, funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and Jugend Eine Welt, a four-year initiative (2023-2026) implemented in five Don Bosco TVET Centers across Uganda and Rwanda is supporting the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) of the AGL to address the mismatch between TVET programmes and skills market demands, DB TVETs is undertaking an ongoing systematic engagement with industry actors along the (solar, electrical, agriculture and plumbing value chains to identify skills market demands and opportunities for “greening” the respective trades. This workshop has engaged the stakeholders to review and up-date teaching/learning materials that will be used alongside standard curricula for the four-priority course.