By Burnett Munthali
The British Council, through the EU-funded Zantchito-Skills for Jobs Technical Assistance (TA) Project, held a workshop to validate toolkits for establishing Centres of Vocational Excellence. The event followed a comprehensive study conducted between January and July 2024, aimed at enhancing Malawi’s Technical, Entrepreneurial, and Vocational Education and Training (Tevet) system.
Ahmed El-Ashmawi, Team Leader for the Zantchito-Skills for Jobs TA Project, highlighted the workshop’s importance in bringing together stakeholders to ensure that the centres effectively foster private sector participation. “This initiative aims to strengthen the links between education and the labour market by fostering collaboration among government, education institutions, and the private sector,” he said.
The validated toolkits will guide the establishment of Sector Skills Councils, key mechanisms for sustainable employer engagement. These councils will act as bridges between the education system and the labour market, ensuring that the skills imparted align with industry needs.
“This effort will not only ensure that training is relevant and responsive to industry demands but will also promote entrepreneurship in Malawi,” said El-Ashmawi. “By supporting young entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas and enterprises, we aim to shift the mindset of Malawian youth from job seekers to job creators.”
The project also seeks to address economic growth and development by equipping young people with skills tailored to the evolving demands of the labour market. The initiative’s ultimate goal is to drive Malawi’s economic transformation by fostering innovation and entrepreneurial activity.
The workshop represents a significant step forward in aligning Malawi’s education and training systems with its economic aspirations, ensuring that technical and vocational education remains a catalyst for development.
