African Education Watch calls for higher budget allocation to TVET as students interest surge

Executive Director of Education think tank African Education Watch, Kofi Asare, is calling for increased budgetary allocation to Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, schools to match rising youth interest in skills training.

Speaking as the main speaker at the International Conference on Education and Humanities at the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, USTED, he said Ghana must commit more funding to meet population demands in the skills sector.

 “The youth are getting interested in acquiring skills and training. Students offering TVET courses at pre-tertiary institutions has moved from five percent in 2019 to 14 percent,” Mr. Asare revealed.

He described the growth as a clear indication of changing attitudes toward technical education.

However, he cautioned that poor infrastructure and inadequate funding are forcing many young talents away from TVET.

He appealed for improved TVET infrastructure across the country to reduce overcrowding and expand access.

Dean of the Faculty of Education and Communication Sciences, Professor Faith Ben-Daniels, said the conference was aimed at changing negative narratives about TVET.

 “We aim at intensifying awareness on the need to invest in TVET education and encourage more youth to take TVET courses,” Prof. Ben-Daniels stated.

She expressed optimism that the forum will serve as a platform for reshaping perceptions about technical training.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng