ToT - training the TVET trainers
This week, participants in UNESCO’s TVET4Future Training of Trainers programme graduated during a ceremony held in Ramallah. After many hours of training in the classroom and a number of field visits, participants can now bring fresh skills and ideas to their own Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) trainees.
The graduation ceremony was attended in person by participants in the West Bank, while those based in Gaza tuned in via video link. UNESCO Ramallah’s Head of Office and Representative, Ms. Noha Bawazir, delivered remarks at the event, alongside representatives from the National TVET Commission, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Enabel's Policy Advisor, Mr. Khaled Rajab.
ToT - training the TVET trainers
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a powerful tool for tackling youth unemployment. UNESCO has been working with its partners in Palestine to further the development of a sustainable, green, and inclusive TVET sector that can keep pace with the rapid technological advancements happening in the 21st century.
A core element of UNESCO’s TVET4Future project, generously supported by the Belgian Govermnet through Enabel, is the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme which aims to upskill TVET trainers and personnel in digitalisation, 21st century skills, green skills, and entrepreneurship. The programme combines theory and practice, taking learning outside the classroom to allow the participants see examples of what they are learning in real-life contexts. In both the West Bank and Gaza field visits were conducted to support them in building knowledge and inspiration they can pass onto their own trainees.
ToT participants in the West Bank visited the Royal Industrial Trading Co. factory, the Smart College for Modern Education, Al-Qattan Foundation, The Palestine - India Techno Park, and Jericho Dates Farm. In Gaza, visits were made to Juhr Al-Deek Dumpster, Gaza Medical Waste Treatment Unit, Al-Sheikh Ajlin Wastewater Treatment Unit , Al-Saahel Sea Water Desalination Unit, Eta Company for Green Solutions.
During the graduation ceremony, participants provided feedback on the classroom-based learning, as well as the field visits they undertook as part of their overall training hours. Below, some of the participants give their perspective on the impact of the project on their work.
Participants during a field visit at the Royal Industrial Trading Co. Factory, Hebron.
Amir
Amir works within the Ministry of Social Development and coordinates youth rehabilitation centres in areas across the West Bank. Many young people who attend the centres come from marginalised backgrounds and may have difficult family or financial circumstances. The centres offer TVET which can support them to overcome barriers in accessing the labour market.
This training will have such a positive impact on our trainers and students. Some of our TVET students left school early and need additional support to catch up with their peers. Training in 21st century skills is especially important. I look forward to passing on the knowledge I am gaining through the programme to our TVET educators, who will in turn empower the students.
Eiman
Eiman is the Director of TVET at the Education Directorate of the Ministry of Education in Tulkarm. For her, the field visits are a welcome addition to traditional classroom-based training and have added value to the programme.
The training has been very beneficial so far. We have been introduced to green skills and the greening of TVET, which are very important in my work. The new non-traditional addition to the training is these field visits to build on theories and concepts with practical skills and examples. These can now be included and expanded upon on in our organizations.
Jacob
Jacob is one of the lead trainers in the Training of Trainers programme. For him, it’s crucial for the trainees to get out of the classroom sometimes and see the concepts they discuss being brought to life.
We can sometimes get stuck in the world of theory, where it is hard to imagine what we learn being translated into reality. I also think that at times students can get disillusioned when there is a lack of ‘green’ action to help the planet. But when students see it first hand, in practice, it’s inspiring. The trainers come back to the classroom full of energy and new ideas!
Participants during a field visit to a water treatment plant in Gaza.
Ala'a
Ala’a works with non-governmental organisations in Gaza, mostly training young entrepreneurs on soft skills, 21st century skills and more. She believes Gazan youth can make a hugely positive impact, when they are offered the opportunity to do so.
Youth in Gaza have amazing skills and ideas, they just need training, mentoring and coaching to turn them into reality. The ToT programme will really support me to help them realise their full potential. I didn’t even realise some of these places existed in Gaza!
Aiman
Aiman trains his students in the area of technology. While some are school students, many are teachers. He is confident that the training programme will have a positive impact on his trainees.
Teachers are definitely in need of the knowledge we learned during the ToT programme – particularly in the areas of greening and leadership. For me, I’m passionate about ensuring the sustainability of these types of training programmes and ensuring the transfer of knowledge. I am working on a website where teachers create their own interactive modules to help their students learn. I plan to do the same with this – it will ensure that teachers can help students to learn in a way that suits them.
Ashraf
Ashraf is a technical instructor in a college in Gaza, with an extensive background in mechatronics and energy technology. He plans not only to pass the knowledge gained in the programme to his students, but also to implement greening initiatives in his workplace.
There is progress in environmentally friendly initiatives in Gaza, but the pace of change is slow. I plan to bring the knowledge gained in the programme to my students and inspire them in ways they can tackle the climate crisis. Previously in the college, we had solar panels, but they were destroyed during an escalation. The training has inspired some ideas about other green initiatives we can implement.
Fatma
Fatma is a Project Coordinator at the Chamber of Commerce for Industry and Agriculture. She’s excited about what she has learned about the potential of the green economy and advancements in technology.
The world is changing, becoming increasingly digitalized and reliant on the green economy - we have to keep up. This training has really motivated me to pass on what I have learned to others and bring these concepts more to life in my own work.
Ahmed
Ahmed is from the National Institute for Environment & Development in Gaza, and a lead trainer on the programme. He is excited about the potential of the ToT programme, and the impact it has had on the participants. While he acknowledges the vast challenges facing people when tackling the climate crisis, he is optimistic that Gazans can implement positive change.
It’s crucial that this training goes beyond the theory and into practice. Trainees have to witness good practices in order to learn effectively and realise the importance of taking action on the climate crisis. The situation here is complex and creates challenges, but participants have the potential to create impactful green projects.
ToT field visit in Hebron
ToT field visit in Gaza
