TVET

Mozambique:

SERVE have been working in partnership with Young Africa since 2007.  This partnership has included support for development projects, (including construction work on the YA campus of a crèche, two volunteer houses, and a girl’s hostel, as well as micro credit support) and the sending of short and long-term Irish volunteers to work in Beira, contributing to the development of the campus and ultimately the delivery of TVET.

‘Young Africa’ (YA) works in Zimbabwe and Mozambique offering skills training in dressmaking, building, motor mechanics, panel beating, electronics, electrical installation, metal, works, leather works, hospitality, cosmetology & hairdressing, carpentry, refrigeration, plumbing, computer applications and commercial subjects. Over 70% of the courses consist of practice through production. Business studies teaches students to set up a small-scale enterprise and earn a living. An on-going life skills program, with special attention for HIV/AIDS awareness, stimulates them to grow in self-confidence, so that they can shape their own destiny and that of the world around them.

Young Africa have developed a pioneering replicable TVET model that works in an African context.  Young Africa has a proven track record with a proven model for success in the delivery of TVET, including:

> More than 21,000 youngsters trained, of whom 8,500 in vocational training

> An average of 1000 beneficiaries per year per Skills Training Centre

> Evaluations have shown that 80% of the educated youngsters feels economically and socially enriched after their training

> 83% of the graduated students in Mozambique find a job, apprenticeship or start a business

South Africa:

SERVE explored the role of employment and accessible TVET in reducing violence and anti-social behaviour in South African squatter camps, and looked at the impact of a community campaign focused on access to ABET that was inspired by local volunteer and helped by SERVE volunteers. These case studies document some of the “immeasurable” change that can be associated with volunteering and are available here.