Strengthening VET Education in Uganda: Insights from the SASA-VET ToTs and Needs Analysis

Under the Erasmus+ SASA-VET Uganda project, VET educators from across the West Nile region took part in two impactful Training of Trainers (ToT) workshops. These workshops, supported by CINOP and Cordaid Uganda and Rikolto Uganda, focused on strengthening didactical capacity around Life Skills, Study & Career Guidance (SCG), and Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). Alongside these trainings, a Didactical Skills Needs Analysis was conducted to shape future interventions.

Training of Trainers 1: Life Skills & 21st-Century Competencies

Over three days, educators explored 8 essential life skills, the use of Project-Based Learning, and how to align teaching with real-world learning. A key output was the first draft of a tutor manual and institutional policies on life skills integration. Participants also learned how to use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to support lesson design and engagement.

Training of Trainers 2: Study and Career Guidance (SCG)

This second ToT centered on helping students find purpose and direction in their careers. Using frameworks like the GROW ME model, Euroguidance Career Compass, and Ikigai, participants contextualized SCG strategies for their own institutions. Attention was also given to shifting from teaching to coaching — and embedding career guidance into school policy.

Launch of the SCG Tutor Manual

A new tutor manual was developed to support the rollout of SCG across VET institutions. This practical guide includes ready-to-use tools, personality frameworks, career coaching strategies, and self-assessment materials for students.

Didactical Skills Needs Analysis: Key Insights

To ensure responsive capacity-building, a Training Needs Analysis was conducted across multiple institutions. Highlights:

  • Many tutors understand CBET but need support implementing it.
  • Project-Based Learning is welcomed, but lesson design remains challenging.
  • Organizing career talks is seen as valuable but hard to implement due to network and resource gaps.
  • Educators seek practical strategies for teaching life skills like financial literacy and emotional intelligence.

Next Steps

These insights shape the ongoing development of tutor support materials, workshops, and policy recommendations. By focusing on relevance, empowerment, and local context, SASA-VET continues to build a stronger, more inclusive VET system in Uganda.