The objective of the project was to improve vocational education at lower secondary level in order to promote the development of a skilled labour force adapted to the needs of the country. Technical and advisory services were provided to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the HRDP 2.
The expected results and related activities of our technical assistance project were:
Result 1: (Access) Increase the access to lower secondary level vocational institutions through the provision of support to:

• analysing of labour market trends and projected demand and supply at provincial level to identify vocational lower secondary infrastructure and training requirements;
• auditing human and material assets of the lower secondary VET system and decide on optimal use for grade 8 leavers;
• developing infrastructure in selected locations where lower secondary VET institution development/rehabilitation will have high impact on employment prospects for lower secondary level students;
• raising the awareness of employability prospects resulting from enrolment in quality vocational lower secondary education among families and students.

Result 2: (Quality) Improve conditions for quality education delivery through the provision of technical assistance to:

• expanding of students’ knowledge and skills through workshops and workplace coaching;
• improving managers’ and staff skills in leadership and teaching/instruction through training and updated on-the-job experience;
• increasing on-site accommodation for managers, teachers, instructors, and students of selected vocational institutions;
• implementing the School Learning Implementation Plan (SLIP) for immediate grade 8 leavers and recording students’ progress towards employment.

Result 3: (Management) Improve VET system governance, increase state capacity for cooperation and coordination at national and provincial levels, and promote a greater involvement of the business community through the provision of support to:

• producing, implementing, supervising and monitoring well-structured and budgeted TVET development plans in provinces, following project-provided capacity building in Public Financial Management;
• refining of specific sub-sector or thematic areas within the approved TVET SMP 2011-2020 as well as a VET policy plan for vocational lower secondary level (as part of the TVET SMP 2011-2020);
• facilitating the development of a national VET policy and strategy, linked to overall general education policy and consistent with national employment policy.
• facilitating the development and discussion of options for the establishment of a national VET and TVET authority.