Transferring Competence-Based Knowledge and Education to Trainers

September 27, 2019

CBET course participants displaying their certificates in a group group photo

Juba, 13 September 2019: Two batches of twenty participants, including five females, representing instructors from vocational training centres across South Sudan, have completed one week of training on Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) promoting what learners are expected to do rather than focusing on what they are expected to know. 

The two consecutive one-week courses were implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and conducted by the Academy of Professional Development.

The trainees, who will train other trainers, have undergone intensive mentoring to learn about the differences between a traditional curriculum and a CBET curriculum, including teaching skills to create a competency-based learning environment. The shift to CBET curriculum is intended to take vocational training in South Sudan to a new level through improved chances of employment, higher earning levels, and increased lifelong job satisfaction.

At the closing ceremony held at Regency Hotel in Juba, the speakers highlighted the importance of vocational training for economic growth through capacity building, employment creation and availability of skilled human resources for South Sudan.

Hon. John Itorong, Advisor of the Ministry of Labour, Public Service, and Human Resources Development, stated that “capacity building is at the central stage of any development process. A fragile state like South Sudan cannot be developed without capacity building.” He further underlined “South Sudan is flooded with neighbors because we lack skills.”

His Excellency Michel Deelen, the Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, pointed out that “education is the cornerstone to any society that has developed. You [trainees] have the responsibility to translate what you learned here in your daily work and the work of the people that you are teaching”.

Elliman Jange, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, stated, “I first want to thank all participants for their active participation and genuine interest in CBET. Your positive attitude during this training showed how much you care about the future of your students and how hard you are willing to work to provide them with the skills they need.”

Elliman underlined that the knowledge gained on the competency-based education will not be limited to those receiving a certificate at the end of the training. He added, “This is a training for trainers, and the group of instructors standing in front of me will share the knowledge with their colleagues at their respective vocational training centres.”

Aida Gwonza, Deputy Director of MTC, speaking on behalf of the trainees, mentioned that “we’ve benefited a lot from the training. It allows us to know our weaknesses as skills providers for workers aspiring to join the labour market. CBET program is very important, and if you get and implement it well, it will allow our graduates to join the labour market with the skills that they have acquired.” 

Martin Lugala Tumba, Director of MTC,  also speaking on behalf of the trainees, stated that “we have acquired new knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

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