Preparing TVET schools to reintegrate young single mothers into education

forthcoming

Many young single mothers (YSM) in Rwanda and Kenya are dropped out of school & placed in a vulnerable condition. Resuming their studies is not compatible with childcaring and generate income. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) flexibility would make it easier for them to reintegrate into education and develop relevant skills for job. Tech4SM aims to develop a pioneering ICT-based curriculum tailored specifically for YSM. Objectives: To enhance the capacity of TVET schools in Rwanda and Kenya to effectively reintegrate YSM into education to provide them with market-relevant digital skills. To design an innovative ICT-based curriculum that addresses the unique needs & challenges of YSM, incorporating key elements such as digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. To promote gender equality& social inclusion by empowering YSM to become economically self-sufficient and active contributors to society. To foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders, to support the holistic development of YSM in Rwanda and Kenya to escalate the experience into the African region. Tech4SM will adopt a design thinking approach to curriculum development. Through a participatory process involving stakeholders, giving voice to YSM as protagonists, we will co-create a curriculum that is responsive to their needs and aspirations and that can be replicable in Rwanda, Kenya and the region. Outcomes: Development of ICT-based curriculum tailored for YSM, addressing digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. Capacity building of TVET schools to effectively support the reintegration of YSM into education and design innovative curriculums to respond to specific vulnerable target groups. Empowerment of YSM to enter the job market or start their own businesses, and contribute positively to their communities. Establishment of a collaborative local, national and regional network of stakeholders committed to advancing gender equality & social inclusion in vocational education and training.