Muoria Says TVET Is Key To Sustainable Development In Africa

Muoria Says TVET Is Key To Sustainable Development In Africa. In a recent address at the 54th International Conference of the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA), Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), highlighted the crucial role of TVET in driving sustainable development across Africa. The conference took place at the picturesque Lake Naivasha Resort on Tuesday, and Dr. Muoria’s speech underscored the transformative potential of TVET in shaping Africa’s future.
The Transformative Power Of TVET
Dr. Muoria began by emphasizing the immense value of TVET in empowering Africa’s youth, whom she described as the continent’s greatest asset. She stressed that innovative training methodologies in TVET are vital for equipping young people with the skills needed to contribute effectively to sustainable development.
Success Stories Highlighting TVET Impact
One notable example cited by Dr. Muoria was the Ujuzi Manyattani program. This initiative aims to raise awareness about vocational skills among Kenya’s remote pastoralist communities. The PS shared an inspiring story about Peter Lepedo, a beneficiary of the program. Despite the significant challenge of losing a leg to cattle rustling, Mr. Lepedo successfully built a thriving mobile phone repair business after receiving training and support through Ujuzi Manyattani.
Dr. Muoria used Mr. Lepedo’s story to illustrate the broader impact of innovative TVET training, noting that his success is reflective of the many individuals who have benefited from similar programs. “Mr. Lepedo is just one of the many who have benefited from innovative training methodologies for sustainable impartation of skills and competencies,” she remarked.
The Need For Curriculum Re-evaluation
In her address, Dr. Muoria also emphasized the importance of re-evaluating TVET curricula to better align with the evolving needs of the modern job market. She called for stronger partnerships between TVET institutions and industries, advocating for hands-on learning experiences and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
The PS highlighted that addressing these areas would help overcome the challenge of rising youth unemployment and promote economic diversification. By modernizing TVET practices and aligning them with industry needs, Africa can better equip its youth to face the demands of the contemporary job market and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development.
Conclusion
Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria’s speech at the ATUPA conference reinforced the critical role of TVET in fostering sustainable development in Africa. Through innovative training programs, real-world success stories, and a call for curriculum updates, Dr. Muoria underscored the importance of TVET in preparing Africa’s youth for the future. As the continent faces various socio-economic challenges, TVET stands out as a key driver for positive change and growth.