WfW aims to increase the quality of water structures and services in Zambia and is therefore working with vocational training schools.
In cooperation with the Mansa Trades Training Institute (MTTI), WfW is strengthening water related skills development for a solid base of highly skilled water supply and sanitation operations since 2022.
These activities at the MTTI are part of the ongoing nationwide reform of the water sector, which brings together authorities, training institutions and employers to jointly decide on improvement measures. In 2020, WfW was appointed by the Zambian Ministry of Higher Education as a member of the Skills Advisory Board under the reform program.
BASELINE SITUATION
Water-related skills development in Zambia
Effective vocational training and high-quality skills for water professionals build the foundation for reliable water supply systems and a resilient infrastructure in any country.
In Zambia, vocational training in water-related professions has been experiencing challenges for years: institutes have been struggling to provide adequate quality, proper facilities, equipment and to retain trainers due to lack of funding.
Consequently, students graduated with having been taught outdated curricula and with having attended classes that lacked practical application.
“Effective vocational training and high-quality skills for water professionals are the bedrock of reliable water supply systems. That is why we recognized the importance of skill development in the water sector and are therefore supporting the Vocational Training Education (VET) in Zambia.”
Tumba Mupango, WfW Zambia Coordination
VET in Luapula Province
Luapula Province in Northern Zambia is one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged regions of the country, with a population of more than 1.2 million. In a province known for its abundance of water bodies and for heavy rainfall, the respective infrastructure is not existing or to a large extent deteriorating. The Mansa Trades Training Institute (MTTI) is the only vocational training centre in this area to offer courses in water-related professions. A training programme for prospective water operators was launched just two years ago, but still based on an outdated curriculum.
“Therefore, in a first phase of our program, the aim is the overall strengthening of the Water Supply and Sanitation Operations (WASSOP) course at the MTTI.”
Jessica Altenburger, WfW Concept & Product Development
MEASURES AT MTTI
Our vision is to have a transnational strengthening of the vocational training for water-related professions, thus increasing the quality of water structures and services, and supporting Zambia’s youth to become more competitive and successful in the job market.
The following measures will be piloted at MTTI, however other vocational schools shall follow:
STUDENT SUPPORT
Providing support for students of the Water Supply and Sanitation Operations (WASSOP) course program through partially sponsored scholarships will make the program more accessible and inclusive.
NEW CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION
The new, updated national curriculum for WASSOP will be implemented through a highly professional and well outlined course program to ensure course quality.
PRACTICAL TRAINING
Increased practical and hands-on training opportunities on the institute’s premises or with industry partners in the field are elemental to raise the quality of the training. This prepares students for their transition into the job market.
TRAINING AND ACCREDITATION OF TRAINERS
The training of trainers will be focusing on didactics, course development and curriculum implementation as well as use of new equipment. Furthermore, trainers will be officially certified.
Rehabilitated Workshop.
RENOVATION AND REFURBISHMENT
The workshops, classrooms and bathrooms at MTTI will undergo renovation and refurbishment to accommodate the relevant courses and to provide access for students of all genders.
IMPACT
1
Rehabilitated workshop and classroom plus new equipment and tools
2
Adequate and gender-specific water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities
3
Financial support for a total of 40 students in the Water Operation course
INAUGURATION CEREMONY
On February 9th the ceremonial handover of the new infrastructure took place. The ceremony was attended by special guests including the Ministry of Technology and Science (MOTS), Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS) and Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) and was covered by the national tv station ZNBC.
Rehabilitated Workshop.
Rehabilitated Classroom.
New Equipment and Tools.
New Ablution Block.
Our next step is to strengthen the cooperation between the schools and the industry and to provide support for internship placements. All this is done to close the skills gap that currently exists between the institution and industry.
STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS AT MTTI
As a kick-off, in November of 2021, WfW co-hosted together with project partner GIZ a stakeholder meeting with the most relevant industry members in the province and with staff of the training institute. The objective was to identify the needs of the industry and to introduce these stakeholders from the sector to the program as suitable partners.
