By Omukami Howard, Winfred Kithinji and Winston Massam
Bridging the gap between theory and practice is essential in shaping education programmes. Vocational training institutions offer a unique opportunity to observe firsthand how this is done.
Together with master’s students from the Aga Khan University’s Institute Educational Development, East Africa (AKU IED, EA), we went on a study tour to the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) in Dar es Salaam.
We knew we were in for a treat, but the reality far surpassed our expectations.
VETA Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s top vocational training school. It has an annual student base of 1,500 for the longer programmes courses and 6,000 for the short courses.
Students can choose from eight main fields of study: automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, printing, electrical engineering, fashion design, IT, and other related subjects.
Our goal was to delve into the experiential teaching of digital literacy, curriculum alignment, assessment practices, and gender equity within the institution.
Armed with questionnaires, interview guides, and observation checklists, the students were ready to immerse themselves in the VETA experience.
Meeting Mr Joseph Mwanda, the institution’s head, was an important lesson in leadership to the cohort.
His passion for experiential training was infectious, and his leadership style, characterized by openness, accessibility, and a deep connection with his students, was energizing.
It was evident that his commitment to creating a supportive learning environment was the bedrock of VETA’s success.
The students were equally impressed. They were amazed at the discipline and commitment of the trainees despite the large number.
The Registrar’s Office led by Ms Ziada and Ms Bahati said the institution’s culture was key on setting the right foundations upon admission, with continuous sensitization on contemporary issues such as entrepreneurial skills, drug and substance abuse, mental wellness and life skills.
From day one, trainees are instilled with a sense of purpose and responsibility. This, combined with a well-structured curriculum and hands-on training, fosters a high level of engagement and achievement.
Witnessing the synergy between theory and practice at VETA was inspiring. The tutors’ expertise and dedication were palpable.
The way they guided their students through practical exercises, fostering peer learning and problem-solving, was a masterclass in effective pedagogy.
The well-equipped workshops and laboratories provided the perfect environment for students to develop real-world skills in a competitive job market.
VETA’s success in teaching students starts with dedicated tutors who work together to share their best practices.
They combine classroom learning with lots of hands-on practice in well-equipped workshops. To gain even more experience, students also have the chance to work in real companies as part of their training.
Beyond the technical aspects, it was the human element that truly resonated with us. The joy and camaraderie among the students and staff were contagious.
It was clear that VETA has created a community of learners where everyone felt valued and supported.
Our visit to VETA was more than just a study tour. It was a transformative experience that challenged our assumptions and expanded our understanding of vocational education and experiential learning.
At VETA, we vividly saw how theory is authentically translated into practice, a signature modus operandi central to all AKU IED, EA programs.
As educators, we have a responsibility to prepare our students for the ever-evolving world of work.
VETA has shown us a model of excellence that we can strive to emulate.
The authors Omukami Howard, Winfred Kithinji and Winston Massam are faculty at the Aga Khan University, Institute for Educational Development, East Africa. Any opinions expressed are solely those of the writers
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Britam half-year net profit hits Sh2bn on higher investment income
Insurer and financial services provider Britam posted a 22.5 percent jump in net earnings for the half-year ended June 2024, to Sh2 billion, buoyed by increased investment income.
The rise in half-year net profit from Sh1.64 billion posted in a similar period last year came on the back of net investment income rising 2.5 times to Sh13.27 billion from Sh5.3 billion.
“We are confident in the growth and performance trend that Britam has achieved, supported by its subsidiaries in Kenya and the region. Our business is expanding its revenue base while effectively managing costs,” Britam Chief Executive Officer Tom Gitogo said.
“Our customer-centric approach is fueling growth in our customer base and product uptake, particularly through micro-insurance, partnerships, and digital channels.”
The investment income growth was fueled by interest and dividend income rising 34 percent to Sh9.1 billion, which the insurer attributed to growth in revenue and the gains from the realignment of the group’s investment portfolio.
Britam also booked a Sh3.79 billion gain on financial assets at a fair value, compared with a Sh1.8 billion loss posted in a similar period last year.
The increased investment income helped offset the 12.7 percent decline in net insurance service result to Sh2.13 billion in the wake of claims paid out rising at a faster pace than that of premiums received.
Britam said insurance revenue, which is money from written premiums, increased to Sh17.8 billion from Sh16.6 billion, primarily driven by growth in the Kenya insurance business and regional general insurance businesses, which contributed 30 percent of the revenue.
The group has a presence in seven countries in Africa namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Malawi.
Britam’s insurance service expense hit Sh13.6 billion from Sh11.3 billion, while net insurance finance expenses rose 2.6 times to Sh12.3 billion during the same period.
“Net insurance finance expenses increased mainly due to growth in interest cost for the deposit administration business driven by better investment performance. This has also been impacted by a decline in the yield curve, which has led to an increase in the insurance contract liabilities. The increase has been offset by a matching increase in fair value gain on assets,” said Britam.
Britam’s growth in profit is in line with that of other Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed insurers, which have seen a rise in profits.
Jubilee Holdings net profit in the six months increased by 22.7 percent to Sh2.5 billion on increased income from insurance, helping the insurer maintain Sh2 per share interim dividend.
CIC Insurance Group posted a 0.64 percent rise in net profit to Sh709.99 million in the same period as net earnings of Liberty Kenya nearly tripled to Sh632 million from Sh213 million, while Sanlam Kenya emerged from a loss to post a Sh282.2 million net profit.
Africa: Rwanda Gets a Grip Of Marburg, But Mpox ‘Not Yet Under Control’
Monrovia — The Rwanda Minister of State responsible for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, cautioned that while the country is beginning to see positive signals in its fight against the Marburg virus, the outbreak is “not yet over”. He, however, expressed hope that “we are headed in that direction”. The minister said the epidemiology trend, since the disease was first discovered in the country more than a month ago, is moving towards fewer cases.
Dr. Butera, who was giving updates during an online briefing yesterday, said in the past two weeks, only two deaths were recorded while 14 people recovered from the disease. He said Rwanda was expanding its testing capacity with 16,000 people already inoculated against the disease.
The priority right now, Butera said, is “rapid testing and detection”.
Marburg is a highly virulent disease transmitted through human-to-human contact or contact with an infected animal. The fatality rate of cases, which has varied over the period, is more than 50%, according to the World Health Organization. WHO said the highest number of new confirmed cases in Rwanda were reported in the first two weeks of the outbreak. There’s been a “sharp decline” in the last few weeks, with the country now tackling over 60 cases.
At Thursday’s briefing, a senior official of the Africa Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, said mpox – the other infectious disease outbreak that countries in the region are fighting – was been reported in 19 countries, with Mauritius being the latest country to confirm a case. He said although no new cases have been recorded in recent weeks in several countries where outbreaks occurred previously – including Cameroon, South Africa, Guinea, and Gabon – Uganda confirmed its first Mpox death. This, he said, is one of two fatalities reported outside Central Africa.
Dr. Ngashi revealed that there was an increase in cases in Liberia and Uganda. He said mpox cases were still on an upward trend.
“The situation is not yet under control.”
Source: allafrica.com
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Wananchi wengi hasa katika maeneo ya Mjini Unguja, wanalalamikia ukosefu wa maji safi na salama huku Mamlaka ya Maji Zanzibar ikikabiliwa na changamoto ya ukosefu wa ujuzi na wataalam katika masuala ya uandisi wa Maji na fani nyengine.Continue Reading
