Transcript Slide 1

Education and Employers Taskforce Research Conference 2011
October 12, Warwick University
Entrepreneurship Education and Youth Employability
in the Arab Region:
Partnership between Public and Private Sectors
Dr. S. Sulieman, UNESCO-Beirut
Ms. M. Zarini, TVET Centre – Bonn
Outline
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Regional Context
Entrepreneurship Education and Learning:
International Perspectives
UNESCO and StratREAL Foundation Cooperation
EPE Programme Focus Areas
Major Achievements in the EPE Project
The Role of NGOs and the Private Sector
Conclusions
Regional Context
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The Middle East and North Africa (Arab region) has the
highest rates of unemployment between the world
regions- around 20% in 2007 (ILO Statistics);
The region is characterized with very fast growth in the
youth population;
Groups of youth are leading the process for new political
and social changes, through the use of modern ICTs
(internet and communications);
EPE is a useful strategy in providing youth with
knowledge and competencies that empower them to
face socio-economical challenges and self employment.
Entrepreneurship Education and Learning:
International Perspectives
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A New approach of teaching and learning in the
classroom and school environment;
In 2009, the WEF considered EPE a major tool in
compacting economic and financial crises around
the world;
Integration of EPE knowledge and skills in general
and higher education can resolve social problems,
such as poverty and unemployment;
Cooperation between public and private sectors, as
well as NGOs is possible through EPE initiatives.
UNESCO and StratREAL Foundation Cooperation
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The project was launched in Dec. 2008;
UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET-Bonn is
the lead Unit in the implementation of the project;
UNESCO Regional Bureau-Beirut is provide the necessary
technical support and coordination;
The project involve Ministries of Education, R&D
Institutes, and UNEVOC Centres in the Arab region;
Regular reporting, consultation, and feedback on
implementation is usually conducted between UNESCO
and the donor (StratREAL Foundation).
EPE Programme Focus Areas: Curriculum
Development
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EPE and life skills, citizenship, and community
welfare;
Economic and ecological literacy;
Entrepreneurship skills;
Social entrepreneurship skills;
Employability skills.
EPE Programme Focus Areas: Content
PERSONAL FACTORS
Abilities and competences
 Knowledge
Skills
Attitudes
Self-learning
Initiative
Creativity
Innovation
Problem-solving
Critical-thinking
Risk-taking
Self-confidence
EXTERNAL FACTORS
Framework and influence
 Education System
 Social factors
 Cultural factors
 Economic factors
 Political factors
 Community involvement
 Work environment
Entrepreneurship competence and performance
EPE Programme Focus Areas: Teaching and Learning
Employability
Skills
Personal Skills
Development
Development
EPE
Focus Areas
Business Skills
Social Skills
Development
Development
Major Achievements in the EPE Project:
Component One (2009-2010)
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Four case studies of Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and
Tunisia had been prepared, published and
disseminated to policy makers and professionals in
the region;
Based on the four case studies and the international
perspectives, a Regional Synthesis Report had been
prepared and published to guide EPE actions;
Coordination with other UN/International
Organizations (i.e. ILO, ETF, UNIDO) was arranged for
mobilization of joint effort (i.e. Lebanon).
Major Achievements in the EPE Project:
Component Two (2010-2012)
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Four countries (Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and
Tunisia) were selected to receive technical and
financial support to develop national EPE
strategies/frameworks ;
A Fifth country (Oman) is expected to join the group
by the end of 2011;
The EPE strategies/frameworks will focus on policy
and coordination, curriculum development, teacher
training, equipment and infrastructure, and
networking.
The Role of NGOs and the Private Sector
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EPE is a good example on involving NGOs and the Private
Sector in the development of the educational systems;
INJAZ AlArab and Junior Achievement International (JAI)
is a model for regional and international cooperation on
EPE Initiatives;
INJAZ-Jordan (and other countries) is targeting
development of entrepreneurship skills through
education and learning;
Other initiatives and experiences (mainly by business
and industry) are available in the region.
Conclusions
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EPE is gradually becoming a mean for knowledge and
skills development related to business, industry, and selfemployment through the education system;
The regional and international experiences reflect
growing needs in all regions to target youth
competences in a wider range, covering life skills,
personal development, business development, and
social entrepreneurial skills development;
Coordination mechanisms between partners and
stakeholders on EPE initiatives are not clear, with an
immediate need for better coordination.
UNESCO Regional Bureau – Beirut
[email protected]
www.unesco.org/beirut
UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre for TVET – Bonn
[email protected]
www.unevoc.unesco.org