Botswana delegation in Ghana to study TVET framework and policies

The Ministry of Higher Education in Botswana has praised Ghana's TVET Service. They commend its innovative approach to skills development.

A delegation from Botswana is visiting Ghana for a week. Mr. Prince Maele, the Sector Minister, leads this group. They aim to learn about Ghana's unique TVET framework and policies. The focus includes institutional alignment and industry partnerships.

The delegation will study various aspects of Ghana’s TVET institutions. This includes administrative structures, curriculum, and gender enrolment. They will also look at student employability, entrepreneurship, and funding mechanisms.

This visit aims to support policy reforms in Botswana. It seeks to improve TVET governance and enhance curriculum relevance. Ultimately, it will boost youth employability for economic growth.

Strengthening diplomatic ties is another goal of this visit. Academic tourism and cultural diversity between the two countries will be enhanced as well. Ghana and Botswana established formal diplomatic relations on October 28, 1975.

Recent interactions have included knowledge-sharing missions between both nations. Botswana’s leadership has called for deeper ties in education and skills development.

During a visit to Biriwa Technical Institute near Cape Coast, Mr. Maele spoke about TVET's importance for sustainable development in Africa. He noted that Botswana’s strategy focuses on improving access to quality TVET.

This strategy aims to create a competent workforce that can compete internationally. Such a workforce would contribute to job creation and poverty reduction.

Mr. Maele emphasized developing competence-based skills aligned with market demands. He also addressed the negative perception of TVET as "education for failures."

He described Africa’s youth as its greatest asset. Tackling youth unemployment requires a strong focus on practical skills through TVET.

Mr. Maele acknowledged Ghana’s pioneering model as an example for other nations. He encouraged reciprocal visits between institutions in both countries to share best practices.

Mr. Seth Botwey, Deputy Director of the Central Region's TVET Service, welcomed the visit too. He called for more exchanges between Botswana and Ghana's TVET institutions.

He highlighted how Ghana integrates technical and vocational education under one umbrella effectively. This integration standardizes quality and strengthens collaboration with industry.

Mr. Botwey emphasized empowering Ghanaian youth with relevant skills for the workforce. This contributes significantly to national development and industrialization efforts.

Mr. Samuel Kwashie Amegbor, Principal of Biriwa Technical Institute, praised government reforms in TVET programs aimed at attracting youth, especially females.

He mentioned ongoing restructuring efforts within the TVET Service for better quality management systems across institutions.

Biriwa Technical Institute was established in 1974 to address unemployment in its community. It has trained over 9,000 youths since then.

A tracer study showed that 35% of graduates pursued further education after training at the Institute.
Additionally, 39% found employment while 19% became self-employed; eight percent are still seeking jobs.

The Institute offers eleven programs including Electrical Engineering and Hospitality Management among others.
They plan to expand their pilot Oil and Gas Technology program soon.