Commemorating more than 45 years of collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

For immediate release.

Press Release

25 January 2023

Commemorating more than 45 years of collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

On the 25th of January 2023, the “Strengthening Employment Relevant TVET II” project (SER TVET II), implemented by the German Development Cooperation Agency GIZ, hosted a closure event to mark the end of the project and take the opportunity to commemorate the joint efforts by Botswana, European Union (EU) and Germany towards implementing TVET reforms in Botswana looking back at more than 45 years of partnership.

Honourable Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe, Minister of Education and Skills Development (MESD), in his key note address thanked the EU and Germany for their contributions to revitalize the TVET sector by jointly working on solutions to overcome challenges relating to a fragmented TVET provision, quality and relevance, social recognition and multiple accountabilities of institutions, which compromised efficiency in the system.

During the event, a panel including Ambassador Margit Hellwig-Bötte of the German Embassy and Ambassador Petra Pereyra from the European Union Delegation to Botswana as well as Mr. Norman Moleele, CEO Business Botswana discussed not only the cooperation but also addressed challenges in the sector. Highlighting the necessity to ensure that employees and students are equipped with relevant skills in order to reduce unemployment and encourage lifelong learning, panelists also stressed the need to promote more private sector involvement and a gender sensitive TVET in Botswana.

As part of the event, a complimentary exhibition displayed the works of students from the various brigades and colleges supported by SER TVET II. Additionally, two NGOs supported by the BACKUP Initiative (Building Alliances, Creating Knowledge and Updating Partners) co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) showcased their work. The BACKUP Initiative supports African partner countries in implementing digital solutions to improve the quality and continuity of education services.

The “Strengthening Employment-Relevant TVET II“ (SER TVET II) project was initially commissioned by BMZ and then joined by the European Union, in the common efforts of European Union Members States to cooperate together (Team Europe) to maximize the effects of their contributions. The project worked jointly with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MESD) to realise the main objective of providing high-quality TVET and pre-vocational education.

European Union (EU) is currently contributing to the TVET Sector with the project “Support Programme for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Reforms in Botswana (2019 - 2023)“ – with an overall objective to reduce unemployment - through direct support to the State Budget of Botswana and delivered its Technical Assistance joining the SER TVET II project. The overall goal of the budget support programme is to reduce unemployment, especially youth unemployment.

For a brief overview about SER TVET II please click here: Improving the quality and job-market relevance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) (giz.de)

For more information contact: Ms. Marina Janssen, GIZ TVET Advisor marina.janssen@giz.de