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
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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
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
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