INFODEF is member of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships
INFODEF has recently joined the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), a European Commission initiative that unites governments and key stakeholders to enhance the quality, supply, and mobility of apprenticeships across Europe. Through this membership, INFODEF aims to support sustainable growth by focusing on sectors crucial for the green and digital transitions, helping to strengthen vocational education and align with Sustainable Development Goals like Quality Education (SDG 4) and Decent Work (SDG 8). The EAfA promotes the formation of national coalitions, encourages support for SMEs, and strengthens partnerships at various levels, engaging local and regional authorities as well as social partners in crucial areas like gender equity, social inclusion, and the internationalization of VET. This way, INFODEF reinforces its commitment to providing inclusive and accessible educational pathways aligned with European priorities. As a collaborative platform, EAfA also offers INFODEF opportunities to share experiences, learn from best practices, and connect with partners across Europe and beyond. Members gain access to the latest tools and news on apprenticeships, helping develop innovative strategies and strengthen apprenticeship initiatives. Key projects within the Alliance allow INFODEF to contribute to a skilled and resilient workforce, supporting SMEs and communities in achieving sustainable development.
Joining Erasmus+ 2024 Week for Sub-Saharan Africa
In line with its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all), INFODEF participated in the Erasmus+ 2024 Week for Sub-Saharan Africa, held from March 25 to 27 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Organized by the European Commission and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), this event brought together Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training institutions from Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, interested in the Erasmus+ program and establishing partnerships. INFODEF was present alongside other key players to promote digital education and international collaboration in the educational field. During this week of promoting the Erasmus+ program for Sub-Saharan Africa, INFODEF had the opportunity to actively participate in discussions with relevant stakeholders, establish connections, and exchange views on the crucial role of digitalization in education. This event not only facilitated the exchange of good practices and experiences between educational institutions from both continents but also promoted inclusion and equity in education through international collaboration. The central theme of digitalization in education highlighted how the digital transformation is shaping both the labor market and learning opportunities in a globalized environment. The presence of Erasmus+ National Focal Points, national agencies, and representatives of the European Union underscored the shared commitment to improving education and training in Sub-Saharan Africa through the Erasmus+ program. By participating in this event, INFODEF takes another step in its commitment to strengthening international educational capacities and promoting equitable opportunities for all students and professionals in the training sector. We continue to contribute to global initiatives that foster quality education and sustainable development in collaboration with our European and African partners.
Promoting international collaboration in VET in a meeting with U.S. Community Colleges
INFODEF recently participated in a vocational education internationalization event co-organized by the Department of Education of the Junta de Castille and León and the Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE). This meeting was introduced by the Regional Councillor for Education, Rocío Lucas, and featured a delegation of 15 representatives from U.S. Community Colleges. During the event, the partners of the HABITABLE project, which includes INFODEF, presented this innovative European collaboration initiative to the attendees. HABITABLE, co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program, aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in digitalization and the green transition within the European habitat sector through Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE). The Councillor for Education, Rocío Lucas, welcomed the U.S. delegation, made up of members from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). This organization represents 17% of the higher education system in the United States, including more than 500 colleges and universities focused on the success of the Hispanic community. For three days, the U.S. representatives visited Vocational Education and Training (VET) centers in Castille and Leon, the Basque Country, and Madrid, exploring Spain’s technical and professional education systems. These visits facilitated the exchange of experiences and best practices between Spanish and American educators. The working sessions organized during this event focused on creating a network to advance future collaboration agreements between institutions from both countries. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Spain and SEPIE, aims to promote research projects and facilitate student and staff exchanges.
GreenVET4U project captures media attention in Uganda
The launch event of the GreenVET4U project, held on March 21 in Kampala, has attracted the attention from several Ugandan media outlets. The project, coordinated by INFODEF and co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus Capacity Building in VET framework, has caught the interest of local press, highlighting its relevance and the expected impact on vocational education and training (VET) in Uganda. GreenVET4U is a three-year initiative aimed primarily at equipping young Ugandans with the necessary skills to thrive in the emerging green jobs market. To achieve this, the project aims to strengthen the capacity of VET providers and bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skills in the labor market by developing and implementing curricula focused on green job skills. In doing so, GreenVET4U seeks to increase the relevance of vocational education in Uganda’s labor market, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Below are some of the links to the news articles published about the GreenVET4U launch event in the following days: Softpower News: https://softpower.ug/e400000-greenvet4u-project-launched-to-promote-green-jobs/ Nile Post: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/193011/greenvet4u-program-was-launched-to-accelerate-the-growth-of-green-jobs-in-uganda Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-shs1-6b-project-will-spur-green-jobs-among-youths-4566476 This coverage highlights the GreenVET4U project and is a testament to INFODEF’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in vocational education and training. Through initiatives like GreenVET4U, we contribute to the development of key competencies that promote sustainable growth and the creation of green jobs, responding to the evolving needs of the labor market.
Launch of the GreenVET4U project to transform vocational education and training in Uganda
Finally, we can announce the launch of the GreenVET4U project, which took place on March 21. This event was held in Kyambogo, Kampala City (Uganda), where Ugandan and European partners (from Spain, Germany, and Italy) gathered to initiate collaboration that will last for the next three years. This meeting marks the beginning of a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Uganda to meet the growing demands of the labor market, especially in the field of green jobs. GreenVET4U is a project co-funded by the European Union within the Erasmus Capacity Building in VET framework, approved in 2023. Coordinated by INFODEF, the project aims to enhance the capacity of VET providers and private entities in Uganda. The main goal is to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skills by developing and implementing innovative curricula focused on Skills for Green Jobs. Through this initiative, GreenVET4U seeks to increase the relevance of vocational education in the Ugandan labor market, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. The launch event, organized by the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC), provided a platform for key stakeholders to share their ideas and visions for the project. Prof. Moses Muhwezi from Makerere University Business School emphasized the importance of integrating green entrepreneurship into education, highlighting the need for a curriculum aligned with sustainability principles. Patricia Lamour, Managing Director of Aspire Education Group in Germany, stressed the significance of long-term partnerships and capacity building to shape Uganda’s future. Dr. Richard Irumba, Deputy Director of NCDC, underscored the collaborative effort between Ugandan and European partners as a unique aspect of the initiative. Representing INFODEF, project coordinator Jesús Boyano highlighted the critical importance of collaboration in advancing skills and green jobs. He emphasized, “To create jobs, we need to identify what jobs are needed and provide the right skills. Businesses and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in delivering green solutions and addressing environmental and economic needs.” Expected Outcomes of the Project The GreenVET4U project aims to achieve several outcomes, including: – Establishment of a European Union-Uganda Community of Practice. – Creation of a virtual collaboration space and an innovation lab. – Implementation of a tailored training program for VET professionals and trainers in companies. – Development of an advanced multifunctional online platform and a WebApp solution to support the assessment and validation of learning outcomes in VET. – Preparation of guidelines for the Validation, Certification, and Accreditation of Skills for Green Jobs through micro-credentials, enhancing the recognition of green skills in Uganda. The GreenVET4U project represents a pioneering initiative that promises to revolutionize vocational education in Uganda. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, GreenVET4U seeks to tackle the challenges of youth unemployment while contributing to global efforts for environmental conservation and economic growth.