TEVET Curriculum Launched to Tackle Climate Change
The Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati has launched 19 priority curricula in the TEVET (Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training) sector aimed at equipping Zambia with skills for climate resilience.
This newly developed curriculum aims to directly address climate change challenges by focusing on sustainable practices in areas like Irrigation Systems, Solar Energy for Agriculture, Ground Water Exploration, Farm Management, and Animal Husbandry.
The new curricula are a response to President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive for policies that enhance national resilience against climate impacts. With the country experiencing drought-induced food and energy insecurity, Hon. Mutati emphasized the critical role of energy in strengthening the economy.
“The TEVET sector is being remodeled to reinforce the country’s defenses against climate impact,” said Mutati, in a speech delivered by Eng. Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science.
The redesigned curriculum targets transforming Zambia into a prosperous middle-income nation by addressing agricultural gaps and equipping citizens with vital skills.
Technical Education, Vocational, Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) Board Chairperson Ngoza Nkwabilo stated that the curriculum aligns with the Eighth National Development Plan to support Zambia’s economic goals, building resilience through skill development.
In addition, TEVETA Director General Cleophas Takaiza revealed that the authority is in discussions with various colleges to introduce training in solar energy, aimed at mitigating the national energy deficit.
Several colleges, with support from German NGO GIZ, already operate solar mini-grids and are primed to offer solar energy training for interested youth.
Notable institutions with this setup include Saint Mawagali Trades Training Institute in Choma, Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies, Fountain Gates Craft and Trade School, and the Zambia College of Agriculture in Monze.