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Undersecretary, Mary Pitiya of the Ministry of Labour at the opening remarks of the event. © UNESCO

The initial draft of a Unified National Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Policy prepared by South Sudan’s TVET Coordination Committee, led by the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) with the technical support from UNESCO was presented to the line ministries and relevant national stakeholders to gather their inputs.

South Sudan faces development challenges including political instability, strong import dependence with little manufacturing or services sector, one of the world’s lowest adult literacy levels, and a largely non-formal economy. Against this backdrop, national stakeholders recognize TVET’s potential to redress development challenges and are on the path to producing the country’s first ever Unified National TVET Policy.

“At present, the majority of skilled experts are working in South Sudan from neighboring countries...this Policy should direct us to see the other way around”, said Mary Pitia, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour during a workshop focused on reviewing the draft TVET Policy held during 15-16 December 2020 with UNESCO’s support through the Capacity Development for Education (CapED) Programme.

The workshop, aimed to gather input on the existing draft TVET Policy from wider stakeholders including the Government, private sectors and NGOs. Participants also reviewed the structure and function of the TVET Body of Authority and discussed resource mobilization for the sustainability of the TVET sector. It was decided that concerned ministries would continue to discuss the draft policy ahead of its finalization. The new policy will ensure effective planning, coordination and monitoring of the TVET sector going forward.

Hon’ble Pitia further emphasized that the TVET Policy should be inclusive and align to the policies and frameworks of other ministries that deliver TVET. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports explained that the budget allocation for TVET under relevant ministries is negligible and doesn’t address the urgent needs of youth and that the new policy will aim to address these gaps. Participants also expressed that the Policy will open the door for skilled labourers to formalize their skills and knowledge through testing, certification, guidance and support. This will be particularly important for disarmed youth and thereby contribute to a successful process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) in South Sudan.

The existing TVET Policy draft was prepared through a consultative process, by the National Ad-Hoc TVET Coordination Committee’s Sub-Committee of Policy and Legislation, chaired by the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare. The TVET Coordination Committee and its sub- committees were formed by the Government in 2019, with support from UNESCO, with a view to strengthen TVET in the country.

Representing UNESCO, Tap Raj Pant appreciated the commitment of the TVET Coordination Committee members for producing the draft despite the challenges caused by COVID-19 and assured the continuity of UNESCO’s technical support.

Looking ahead, Martin Tako Moyi, Deputy Minister of the MoGEI voiced his commitment for state level consultations on the Policy, which are planned for early 2021 after the feedback received from the national consultation workshop is incorporated.

This initiative was support by UNESCO’s , which is supported by Finland, France, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Dubai Cares. In South Sudan, CapED is improving the quality of TVET by supporting the development of policies, strengthening governance, advocating TVET, and supporting service delivery.