by Simon Junker – The afternoon session from the VSD part started with the statement that the three networks on Education, Food Security & Agriculture and e+i are all working with a slightly different perspective on education in rural contexts. Thus the aim of the session was to get to know these different perspectives, and to see on which points we could collaborate more closely and use synergies on programme and policy levels.
In the presentation of his input paper Peter Porten advocated for an additional jigsaw piece to connect Rural Advisory Services, Basic Education and Vocational Skills Development, which would be able to link the three topics better and which allows the participants to take a more active stand vis a vis the other actors, be it advisors, trainers or others. Peter called this missing link agricultural or contextual education.
[slideshare id=21337226&doc=ppt-vsdjohann-peterporten-130517103540-phpapp02]
Trouble viewing? Try fullscreen mode or download the PDF here: Linking VSD, BE and RAS [PDF]
This input was illustrated by a presentation of Alex Salihou Mamadou on the recently started PAFPAA programme in Benin. The programme itself links agricultural and artisanal training and education with both concrete inputs on regional level and policy inputs on the level of national and regional governments and on professional organisations. Furthermore it is closely linked to two other programmes in SDCs Benin programme, which focus on literacy training and non-formal education on one side, and on strengthening rural advisory services on an other. In a certain sense, the Benin programme thus tries to put in place already the links we were discussing about.
[slideshare id=21337517&doc=ppt-formationprofessionnelleagricoleaubnin-alidousalihoumamadou-130517104235-phpapp02]
Trouble viewing? Try fullscreen mode or download the PDF here: Formation Professionnelle Agricole au Bénin [PDF]
The discussion first showed a certain difficulty to grasp the common bases but furthermore showed interesting insights and potential fields for collaboration. Thus, the goal to get to know the different perspectives and to discuss potential starting points for common endeavors was met. The focal points from the three networks will elaborate a proposal for potential joint learning and see how we can build on concrete collaborations between them.
Discussion notes
