Fatshimetrie has been hosting, since Tuesday, December 10, 2024, an event of capital importance: the Regional Forum of the countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Organized by the UNESCO Country Office in collaboration with the National Ministry of Vocational Training, this forum aims to develop a regional strategy for the development of TVET in Central Africa, with the main objective of improving the transmission of skills, the employability of young people, programs related to digital and green transitions, as well as the mobility of young people within the ECCAS Member States.
In the opening speech, the Prime Minister underlined her government’s commitment to making vocational training an essential pillar of economic growth and improving the quality of life of the population. To this end, ambitious reforms have been initiated to transform the education system, particularly in the technical and vocational fields, in order to meet current and future challenges.
The Minister of Vocational Training, Marc Ekila, stressed the importance of the resolutions that will be taken at this forum for the future of TVET. He pledged to actively support the results obtained, thus demonstrating the DRC’s desire to be part of the regional dynamics of ECCAS.
For the UNESCO Country Representative in the DRC, this meeting is of crucial importance for the transformation of the education system in the region. It is an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between countries in order to adapt to current economic, environmental, social and cultural changes.
The event brings together experts from the public and private sectors, economic actors, development partners, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs and policy makers. They are thinking together about innovative approaches to improve vocational training for young people in Central Africa, both in the formal and non-formal sectors.
In its Action Program, the Fatshimetrie Government has placed vocational training at the heart of its priorities to promote the employability of young people. The construction and strengthening of vocational training and apprenticeship centers are planned to contribute to reducing delinquency and unemployment among young people.
This regional forum is therefore expected to be a key moment to define strategic orientations and concrete actions in favor of the development of TVET in Central Africa. The discussions and proposals that will result from it will help to stimulate a regional dynamic favorable to the evolution of education systems and the professional integration of young people.