By Maslah Mumin | BORESHA project
The undermining of blue-collar jobs in our societies is a mentality borne out of a twisted notion of the role and importance of education in our societies. We have been programmed to prioritize the passing of examinations and continuous assessment tests over comprehensive learning of diverse disciplines. In addition to this, the perception of manual labor as dirty and low paying job as compared to white collar jobs has been sustained over time. However, this narrative is changing and TVETs are being embraced by many who have realized its importance
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) plays a special role in the social and economic fabric of any country. It is crucial for young people’s economic and social participation. It is an investment in innovation and development that needs to be invested in and fully supported. In today’s world young people who have undertaken any form of TVET have a much better chance of finding decent employment and making a living. It is with this backdrop that we bring you the story of Daud Ibrahim, a 22-year-old newly married TVET graduate from Mandera, Kenya.
Meet Daud Ibrahim
On a sultry Friday afternoon, a team of BORESHA staff visited Eymole in Mandera and were received by Daud Ibrahim, TVET graduate. About 100M from the entrance of his home, elegantly stood the newly constructed garage shop that he is very proud of. As they say, the first thing Somalis talk about after greetings and salutations when they meet, is the weather and Daud confirms this after he jocosely said, “Hope you are not feeling uncomfortable out here in this September heat”. We get down to business and he notes, in response to a question on how he has benefitted from the 6-month TVET course he took, “I want to take this opportunity to thank BORESHA, my teachers and my parents for this far I have come, I have gained practical skills that have enabled me to open up a business albeit a modest one.” When asked what motivated him to take the course he responded “One of my primary goals growing up was to acquire quality education in order to become a responsible citizen just like my father, the yearn for skills that can enable to meet not only my needs but that of the country’s economy drove to pursue this venture. Honestly, if you ask me, people without education are like a phone without battery, hence my deep desire to further my skills and learn more.”
Support
BORESHA supported Daud by enrolling him in a six month technical and vocational education and training where he undertook a motor mechanic course, the sessions were not only intense but also hands on since there was a trainer that was attached to him, and this made the course lively and interesting. ‘’The role played by TVET in imparting skills to our young people and contributing to the growth of our town and country at large cannot be over emphasized, Daud has consistently endeavored to meet the demands of this grueling course that is both technical and practical as well, I have been impressed by his sharpness and appetite to learn more. Training young people and equipping them with technical and entrepreneurial skills is not only necessary for him but also for our national development,’’ said Mohamed, TVET trainer. Daud was also provided with business skills training that will be of use when it comes to setting up a business. Upon graduating he was provided with start up kits that are essential for a motorcycle repair.
Sustainability
“Together with two other likeminded youth, we have opened up a garage repair and motorcycle spare parts shop in Eymole town, what made me proud was that I used the savings from the repair works I have been doing to contribute towards the establishment of the garage, which is one of a kind in the village” said Daud. One of the main reasons he chose to undertake the motor mechanics course is that there was need for such skills in the village, it also had the potential to earn him a good income.
As a consortium, we will continue to invest in TVETs since good, demand driven technical and vocational education and training is potentially one of the most important tools for developing young people’s skills. Young people need quality education coupled with favorable conditions to build and horn their skills, with this taken care of you can be guaranteed they will be an asset to their society. The importance of education and certainly TVETs cannot be overemphasized. The youth can easily misled due to lack of education whereas if they are educated they can make informed and balanced decisions.