meeting with the undersecretary

Minutes from the meeting with the undersecretary at the ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Juba on 29th Oct 2008.

· She welcomed us very well in her office.

· Asked about where the capacity building will take place.

· She has been in office for 3 weeks.

· Inquired about how we can together raise enough money for the project.

· Mentioned that the combination of general and vocational education is important for the reconstruction of South Sudan.

· Also mentioned that there is no appointed person for vocational training at the ministry.
· She was very excited about teaching students how to do things and not just accumulation of knowledge.
· Having practical skills will enable people to develop and set up their own small businesses to earn a living.
· There is a problem of lack of exposure in Sudan.

· There is need to improve the quality of teachers if learning at primary and secondary level has to be achieved.

· We need to consider spreading the project to different parts of S.Sudan rather than concentrating on the pilot.

· Highlighted the need for an awareness campaign through media (television, newspapers and radios) about the importance of vocational training.

· She needs a prospectus of Kyu
· There is a need for de-stigmatization in order to create awareness.
· Encouraged a preparatory course in English for people to improve their communication skills.
· A Sudan school certificate combing general education and vocational practice is relevant.
· We were requested to have a draft where the ministry can fill in.

· Considering the issue of gender is very important especially if business oriented courses are to be introduced in order to motivate ladies to participate in the vocational training.
· She promised to work once given the full responsibility of teaching and managing the vocational education at the ministry of education and when the ministry of labor is only left to give short courses or more of in-service training.