Scaling up Tunisian-Omani cultural cooperation relations notably in the heritage field took centre stage on Wednesday at a meeting between the Minister of Cultural Affairs Hayet Guettat Guermazi and Omani Ambassador to Tunisia Hilal Abdullah Al Sinani, according to a ministry press release.
The two sides examined ways of establishing lasting cooperation in the various sectors of shared interest under the memorandum of understanding signed on May 3, 2023 between the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
Emphasis was laid on a range of project proposals, including the organisation of live workshops on restoration and maintenance techniques for historic monuments, targeting experts from both countries, as well as field workshops for sharing expertise, notably in the field of heritage conservation and artistic lighting.
Among the proposals put forward is the consolidation of the artistic, cultural and literary presence of the Sultanate of Oman at major events organised by
the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, such as the Tunis International Book Fair and summer festivals, as well as the possibility of twinning the Muscat Opera Theatre with that of Tunis and the medina of Tunis with the medina of Oman, both of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In this regard, the minister ordered the creation of a small working group tasked with drawing up a clear programme defining the next projects and proposals with a view to submitting it to the Omani side, in collaboration with the Omani embassy to Tunisia.
Underlining the importance of the Omani collaboration in the effort to restore Tunisia’s historic monuments, she called to further broaden this cooperation to include other artistic, literary and cultural disciplines.
The ambassador, for his part, expressed his country’s willingness to step up bilateral cooperation in the various sectors of culture, art and creativity.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse
The Principal Secretary for State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Esther Mworia has advised the youth to engage in practical knowledge and hands-on skills that are directly applicable to the job.
Mworia said TVET institutions were crucial because they major in offering practical skills and competence to the youths and stakeholders that enable them to become self-reliant and to create employment.
Mworia added that in today’s rapidly changing and fast-paced world, traditional education does not always equip an individual with skills that enable them to thrive in their careers.
‘These TVET programmes often collaborate with industries to ensure that graduates are ready for jobs and possess the ability demanded by the employers,’ said the PS.
The PS made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by the Director of TVET in the Ministry of Education John Tuwei during the official opening of the 15th Higher Education Expo and Career Fair 2024 held at Kenyatta International Conf
erence Centre in Nairobi.
The Expo that will run from February 29 to March 1, 2024, creates a space where all youths could transition from TVET institutions to the job market.
The PS highlighted that the theme of 2024 is to educate, equip and empower which encapsulates the focus on future skills needed for the labour market in the 21st century.
Mworia said that the State Department for TVET is currently implementing competency-based education and training which focuses on 70 per cent industrial training and 30 per cent classroom training.
The PS said the 70 and 30 per cent models have an element of viewer training that ensures that trainees were mostly in industry, were gaining knowledge in classrooms and were also angled to give trainees absolute skills required in the industry.
Mworia noted that the traditional skills alone are no longer sufficient, adding that the advent of the 21st century has brought a new set of skills that are crucial for individuals to succeed in their chosen fields.
‘These fiel
ds are not confined to technical expertise but rather encompass a broader range which includes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication and digital interest,’ she said.
The PS said the ability to adopt innovation is vital in this era for constant technological advancement as TVET focuses on gaining 21st-century skills.
‘TVET must also pay attention to mental health, as competitive nature and pressure to succeed can take a toll on an individual. Stress, anxiety and burnout are increasingly prevalent affecting trainees and professionals,’ she added.
PS Mworia encouraged education institutions and workplaces to create an environment that prioritizes mental health, promotes work-life balance and offers resources for managing stress and seeking help when needed.
She urged entrepreneurs to educate, equip and nurture Kenyan youth to thrive and drive in their careers.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer Kenya School of TVET Edwin Tarno said that the institution would ensure all
youths transit to TVET to acquire skills and create job opportunities after completion.
He singled out Data Analyst, Artificial Intelligence, Data Scientists and Analysts, Remote and Hybrid work specialist, E-commerce and digital marketing professionals, software developers, Cyber Security, Renewable energy technicians, Environmental Science, Logistic and Supply Chain Manager are some of the jobs which will be in demand by 2025 and urged the youth to pursue them.
Source: Kenya News Agency