Over the last 20 years or so, there has been a shift in the provision of vocational training in Africa from government run organisations to the private sector, often NGOs. The independent nature of informal institutions means that they are better able to respond to local needs, and the wide variety of institutions results in a rich mix of types and levels of training. However, one of the disadvantages of independent institutions is that they are independent! Small training schools provide a local service, but usually with the minimum of external support and coordination, which can result in duplication of effort and mistakes.

One of the areas where modern information and communication technologies offers most potential in development is in networking. Independent vocational training centres are just one of many types of organisation that stand to benefit from the ability to share information and experiences cheaply and quickly. DFID have recently commissioned Big World and Gamos to work with a number of NGOs in East Africa to investigate how ICTs can be used to support their existing vocational training programmes. These run a wide range of programmes covering basic carpentry, tailoring and metal working, advanced vehicle maintenance, building, equipment manufacture, handicrafts etc.

A central theme of the research will be the development of local content to enhance existing curricula e.g. use of video for teaching craft techniques, photography and electronic media for documenting designs. Language is a barrier that needs to be overcome for effective networking but new technologies, such as digital video editing, now offer cost effective ways of overcoming these. Throughout the project, the focus will be on existing training activities rather than the introduction of new computer training.

The project will look at the needs, resources, and ways of operating of different vocational training centres, with a view to using ICTs for networking organisations together. Networking will help strengthen institutions in both their core activities (training curricula and methods), and management. Centres will be able to share locally generated content, including ideas on products and teaching methods, all of which will help stimulate innovation. Managers will benefit from improved information e.g. awareness of statutory requirements and how to meet them, and from the sharing of ideas and experiences e.g. how to generate income.

The project collaborators include a well established technical training centre in a capital city, a small centre providing basic skills to orphan children in a rural town, and a women's training centre. By working with these different NGOs, each of which provides different types of training to different groups in different contexts, the project will gain a broad understanding of the issues involved, and look for ways in which ICTs can help them support one another in achieving their common goals.

contact:
Mike Webb (Big World) – mike@big-world.org
Nigel Scott (Gamos) – nigel@gamos.org