The Regional Forum of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) countries on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opened with great pomp this Wednesday, December 11 in Kinshasa, to the keen interest of key players in the region. This initiative, led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Vocational Training of the DRC, is part of a dynamic of improving the transmission of skills, the employability of young people and the implementation of programs adapted to current issues.
Placed under the stimulating theme of “TVET facing the challenges of youth employability in Central Africa: What prospects for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8”, this forum aims to lay the foundations for a solid regional strategy for the development of TVET in Central Africa. The aim is to make this training an essential lever for economic growth and improving the quality of life of the region’s populations.
The committed speeches of the Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa, and the UNESCO Country Representative in the DRC, Isaias Barreto da Rosa, underline the crucial importance of this meeting for the transformation of the education system in the region. Indeed, it is crucial to adapt to economic, environmental and social changes to promote the successful professional integration of young people and the harmonious development of skills.
The participants, whether experts in education, the economic world, the financial sector, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs or politicians, all converged towards a common objective: to develop innovative approaches for professional and qualifying training adapted to the contemporary needs and challenges of Central Africa. This desire to rethink educational models in line with current digital and ecological issues demonstrates a proactive and visionary approach.
The Minister of Vocational Training, Marc Ekila, thus committed to supporting the resolutions resulting from this forum, demonstrating the willingness of regional stakeholders to jointly advance the issue of youth employability and professional qualification in the region.
In short, the ECCAS Regional Forum on TVET in Kinshasa is presented as a catalyst for reflection and concrete courses of action for quality vocational education and training, capable of responding to contemporary challenges and actively participating in the economic and social development of Central Africa.