On June 14, 2024, the Management for Development Foundation Training & Consultancy, Eastern and Southern Africa (MDF ESA) and the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), brought together various stakeholders to create awareness of a programme to be rolled out on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). of relevance to MWAKA was the opportunity for 150 masons between the ages of 18 to 35 to receive training and certification in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
This programme falls under the auspices of the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA), an initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC) supported by the German Government to strengthen the occupational prospects of young people in Africa. SIFA is funded by German Cooperation (GIZ) through the African Union Development Agency New Partnership for Development (AUDA-NEPAD).
Recognition of Prior Learning: A Game-Changer
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a transformative concept that acknowledges skills acquired outside formal education systems, such as on-the-job training, informal apprenticeships, and experiential learning. For MWAKA members, particularly those in the masonry trade, RPL offers a pathway to formal certification, validating their expertise and significantly enhancing their career prospects.
RPL’s value proposition is profound. It provides artisans with the credentials needed to compete effectively in the job market, paving the way for career advancement and greater economic stability. For employers, RPL streamlines the hiring process by highlighting skill gaps, facilitating targeted training, and reducing redundant learning efforts.
Partnership for Skill Development
This strategic partnership between MDF Training and Consultancy Eastern and Southern Africa (MDF-ESA) and the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) offers the industry, including prospectively some members of MWAKA, the opportunity to participate in a groundbreaking skills development project designed to bridge the gap between informal skill acquisition and formal certification. MWAKA lauds the programme which aligns well with our mission to enhance the employability and entrepreneurial potential of our membership.
For MWAKA members in the masonry trade, this initiative represents a unique opportunity to gain formal recognition for their hard-earned skills. By leveraging the power of RPL, members will not only be taking the opportunity to validate their expertise but also open doors to new employment and entrepreneurial ventures.
We envisage seeing that our members’ skills and competencies are recognized and rewarded and we encourage you to elevate your skills and expand your growth through the power of Recognition for Prior Learning. For more information contact the Secretariat via email: membership@mwaka.org.
