The assertion that Entrepreneurship has been removed from the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum has been disclaimed by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC). Dr Richard Irumba, the deputy director for research and consultancy at NCDC, stated during the launch of the GreenVET4U project at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) on March 22, that the purported removal of Entrepreneurship was solely a personal opinion by certain officials and not an official decision.
Dr Irumba clarified that the review of the TVET curriculum involves consultations with various stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives. He emphasized that Entrepreneurship has not been eliminated and dismissed the claims as untrue.
This statement contradicts the previous announcement from officials at the Education ministry’s TVET department, indicating plans to remove eight subjects, including Entrepreneurship, from the TVET curriculum. This decision was said to align with the implementation of the 2019 TVET policy, which introduced the Competence-Based TVET Curriculum and potentially rendering teachers of the affected subjects redundant.
Dr Irumba, however, stressed that the government acknowledges the importance of Entrepreneurship in imparting skills to the youth. He highlighted the mismatch between the number of graduates and available jobs, emphasizing the role of Entrepreneurship in equipping young people with valuable skills.
The GreenVET4U project, co-funded by the European Union, aims to enhance vocational education and training (VET) providers and employers in Uganda to develop and implement innovative curricula for green jobs. The project will focus on training youth and trainers in waste management and eco-tourism, critical for equipping the youth with skills in entrepreneurship and environmental protection.
Acting MUBS Principal Prof Moses Muhwezi underscored the importance of the program in nurturing entrepreneurship and promoting environmental conservation. He emphasized the interconnectedness between entrepreneurship and environmental protection, highlighting the significance of addressing environmental concerns for the well-being of future generations.
Jesus Boyano from Infodef, a project partner, highlighted the role of TVET practitioners and in-company trainers in testing innovative practices in green skills. The testing of these practices aims to prepare learners and VET providers to become agents of change, contributing to the creation of inclusive environments responsive to the needs of the wider community.
The assurance from NCDC regarding the retention of Entrepreneurship in the TVET curriculum signifies the government’s commitment to promoting skill development among the youth. Through innovative projects like GreenVET4U, Uganda aims to equip its young population with the necessary skills for entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.