UNESCO enhances the expertise of management and leadership across TVET institutions in the Arab States
The UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in the Arab States organized and led the “UNESCO ToT Leadership Project”, which was implemented by the partner Al Fayhaa Association, to strengthen the TVET systems in the Arab states. Between November 2020 and April 2021, the program has trained forty-five mid and senior-level TVET managers, as well as leaders from eleven countries in the region (namely Jordan, UAE, Algeria, KSA, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Qatar, Libya, and Mauritania), in contemporary management. It also provided them with teaching knowledge and practices, in order to assist institutions in delivering quality education and training, and increase the resilience and proactivity of vocational centers in the Arab Region.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is one of the most effective ways to develop and enhance the workforce skills with market-needed competencies and fill the gaps that exist in various sectors of the economy. It is regarded today as the most practical avenue for acquiring readily employable skills for the world of work. TVET systems require highly skilled administrative and management personnel to understand labor market changes and design programmes that are compatible with evolving socio-political and economic circumstances. However, TVET is not a popular option for young people when faced with academic and career choices. It is also not highly favored by the public with the perception that TVET is an underprivileged track for employment that offers low-waged jobs, poor working conditions and prospects of informality.
To ensure the delivery of quality TVET online training, an online survey was developed and disseminated across TVET members and respective individuals influencing TVET practices in the Arab region, before the official set-up of the training sessions. After collecting information and advice from 270 directors of TVET schools, institutes and training centers from eighteen countries, ten modules of management and leadership (five for each category) were designed. They covered the topics of Developing Strategies and Implementing Plans, Budget Planning, Resource Planning, Flexibility and Proactivity, Roles and Responsibilities for Improving Quality Education, Monitoring and Evaluation, Governance, Leadership Development Plans, Building Partnerships, and Motivation and Engagement.
The training sessions were designed and delivered in interactive and engaging ways. According to the training evaluation results, around 80% of respondents found the training content well comprehended, and most of the participants indicated that the effective interaction and application of real examples helped much for their understanding.
UNESCO continues to work actively with all parties to promote the reform and optimization of the TVET systems.