Education and Employers Taskforce Research Conference 2011October 12, Warwick University

Entrepreneurship Education and Youth Employability in the Arab Region:

Partnership between Public and Private Sectors

Dr. S. Sulieman, UNESCO-BeirutMs. 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

KnowledgeSkillsAttitudesSelf-learningInitiativeCreativityInnovationProblem-solvingCritical-thinkingRisk-takingSelf-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

EPE Focus Areas

Personal SkillsDevelopment

Employability Skills

Development

Business SkillsDevelopment

Social SkillsDevelopment

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 self-employment 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 – Beiruts.sulieman@unesco.orgwww.unesco.org/beirut

UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre for TVET – Bonnm.zarini@unevoc.unesco.org

www.unevoc.unesco.org