Govt hails TVET policy impact
TECHNICAL and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has direct influence on the development of human resources as it directly produces the right person with skills that influence positively on the development of an individual and the nation.
This was said by Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Secretary Dr Desire Sibanda yesterday in Harare when he addressed stakeholders attending a one-day workshop for developing a TVET Policy for Zimbabwe.
“We are gathered here to review and validate the contents of the document (draft document produced by the UNESCO experts) and contribute to the improvement of the document so that it facilitates development of a TVET Policy.
“As you may be aware, Zimbabwe does not have a TVET Policy. This is a positive development towards the TVET development process. In order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals with special emphasis on SDG4 and our national aspirations as espoused in Zim-Asset and other national development agendas the TVET system has to be well-coordinated and this can only be possible if the policy is in place,” he said.
He said TVET was the way to go as it was non-discriminatory and promoted inclusivity.
“It empowers individuals, organisations, communities and the nation through increased and efficient production capacities. It is also an area where lifelong learning can be promoted and can fit very well at any level of academic achievement.
“Above all TVET programmes promote inclusivity and no one should be left behind as it can be tailor-made to suit individual and societal needs,” said Dr Sibanda.
“In modern day societies bedevilled by socio-economic challenges, those with skills can exploit their talents and abilities to lead normal and comfortable lives that contribute to the national economy.”
Director and Representative for UNESCO Regional Office in Southern Africa Professor Hubert Gijzen said the implementation of TVET was vital.
“Focusing on skills and TVET is of strategic importance in that skills are vital for poverty reduction, private sector development, job creation and self-employment. It helps generate income, supports livelihoods of individuals, families and of entire communities,” he said.
Prof Gijzen said the programme would also provide an opportunity for Zimbabwe to “build up a new strong and diversified economy — not merely building back the old agro-based economy”.
“Given the country’s knowledge base and abundant human, mineral, natural and cultural resources, Zimbabwe has the potential to be among the top countries leading growth in sub-Saharan Africa by 2015,” he said.
The workshop saw UNESCO, the UN Inter Agency Task Force on TVET in conjunction with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development working on a roadmap for the policy before its finalisation.