GETTING YOUTHS IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ON DISTANCE

EDUCATION: USE OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IS THE MISSING LINK

Ruth Nsibirano and Stella AchenMakerere University (UGANDA)

and G.M.N Isabwe University of Adger (Norway)

Structure of Presentation•Introduction

–Objectives (CYP & Needs Assessment)

•Key finding•Way forward

•Distance Education•Why the change is needed for the youth [and in education]

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IntroductionCYP Diploma, now close to a golden Jubilee is anInternational program• Objectives:

– Empower young people – Ensure Young people's participation – Social justice for young people – The safety of young people – Respect for young people's human dignity and worth– Young people's connectedness to important people in their lives, such as family

and community – Promote positive health and wellbeing outcomes for young people

– Ensure positive transitions and healthy development of young people (Source: www.yacvic.org.au).

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Needs Assessment Study

Study Objectives were to• Conduct a context and user analysis

– Agencies, institutions and organizations that need youth workers

– resources available for the program (Staffing, learning materials, finances

– Acceptability of DE to potential students

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Key Findings

• Quite a number of agencies, institutions• More students now join technical institutions

– Interesting & Changing demographics• Age• poverty burden• So , most of them work to earn a living and to fund

further education• With added gendered social responsibilities

• Unfortunately, Vocational education is by F2F

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Findings continued

• And like Nelson Mandela said “ education is the most powerful weapon” that can be used to change the world

• Thus, promotion of distance education through appropriate uptake of educational technology should enhance youth programs, such as technical training.– Training, supported with ETs is a critical strategy

BUT is MISSING

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Acceptability & Way Forward

Willingness to Accept Distance Admission

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Male

Female

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Resources Available

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ICT Skills

Distance Mode & Way Forward

•Needs from “working student” youths •Awareness is raised on Distance Education•Youth have capacity to use ICTs•Positive perceptions about uptake of ICTs•Labour market interests

What are the NEW gains•Increased access to education for the youth particularly the female youth•Increased access & flexibility for the “committed” youth (Working, Married…)•A better option for the geographical and social variations• Enable the youth acquire skills, find and also maintain jobs & other livelihood strategies.

Conclusions

• A number of organisations in place

•Programs for the youth: universal education training & skills development, wealth creation and economic empowerment, Vocational health… should adopt ET supported delivery for better uptake & gender inclusiveness

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Thank you!

Mwebale Inhno !!