UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

12/19/2024 | News release | Archived content

UNESCO workshop with BEAR III project’s support in Sierra Leone explores the establishment of a Sector Skills Council for Agriculture

On October 8th, 2024, UNESCO organized a pivotal workshop in Freetown, Sierra Leone, focusing on the creation of a Sector Skills Body (SSB) for the agricultural sector. The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including members of the Better Education for Africa's Rise III (BEAR III) Technical Committee and TVET experts, to discuss the essential role that SSBs play in aligning education and training with the labor market's needs.

Establishing an SSB for the agriculture sector in Sierra Leone is expected to significantly enhance the relevance and responsiveness of agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). With the support of UNESCO's BEAR III project, the SSB will focus on creating standardized occupational standards, conducting skills forecasts, and promoting deeper private sector involvement in training and curriculum design. These efforts will ensure that training programs are aligned with labor market demands, leading to improved productivity and economic growth in the agriculture sector.

A tour of one of the farm's feed factory in Abuja
UNESCO/Michael Madukwe
Two key outcomes emerged from the workshop:

A tentative list of TVET stakeholders who may serve as members of the SSB.
A preliminary list of roles and responsibilities for the SSB's operation.
The workshop provided participants with an in-depth understanding of the potential structure, role, and mandate of the Sector Skills Body, emphasizing its impact on the agriculture sector's development. Participants were also tasked with identifying key national institutions and stakeholders needed to drive the establishment and successful operation of the SSB.

As part of the BEAR III project, the workshop aligns with the overall objective of making TVET more relevant to the economy, improving training quality, and enhancing the perception of TVET in Sierra Leone. The discussions and outcomes of the workshop are expected to serve as the foundation for the successful creation of the Sector Skills Body, contributing to the country's agricultural development and offering better opportunities for youth employment.

The Better Education for Africa's Rise project is a five-year initiative funded by the Republic of Korea and implemented by UNESCO. It aims to support better TVET systems in West Africa.