Dr Godfrey Tubaundule
In October 2023, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) hosted a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) conference, where nine TVET centres showcased their social innovations. The event was praised by stakeholders, but critics argued that a lack of financial opportunity would hamper further improvements.
This article explores the potential of creating a TVET Innovation Fund as a vehicle that can be used to implement the concept of social innovation expressed in the 2021 TVET policy framework.
A TVET Innovation Fund is a funding mechanism that can be designed to support innovative initiatives and projects within the TVET sector.
When it is created, it ought to have as its goals the advancement of relevance, quality improvement, and innovation among TVET providers.
Namibia’s TVET industry requires the fund for several reasons.
First, it can promote and assist creative methods of instruction, curriculum development and skills enhancement.
It can also help TVET institutions experiment with innovative concepts, approaches and technology that can raise the calibre and applicability of vocational education by giving them financial support.
Second, the TVET Innovation Fund can be used to redress the country’s high rate of youth unemployment and the critical skills shortages the country currently suffers from.
Once created, the fund can guarantee TVET graduates have relevant and in-demand skills by promoting creative projects that correspond with market demands and developing sectors.
Besides improving the employability of graduates, the fund can advance the nation’s economy.
Additionally, the fund has the potential to foster partnerships and collaborations between TVET colleges, universities, industry stakeholders and other pertinent organisations.
It may open doors for research, knowledge exchange and the creation of best practices, which would ultimately benefit the TVET industry.
In summary, the TVET Innovation Fund can play a significant role in Namibia’s TVET sector by promoting innovation, raising educational standards, filling skills gaps and making vocational training more relevant to the nation’s development objectives and labour market demands.
Although Namibia’s TVET institutions are home to many outstanding men and women, who are committed to fostering innovation countrywide, the current funding mechanisms will continue to suffocate their desire to take a lead in the government-promoted struggle for socio-economic independence and self-emancipation.