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2017-06 eiNewsletter

Activities Profile Page

                        joint Newsletter of the Networks e+i and A&FS                            ​

 

Dear members of the e+i and  the A&FS network,

We are very happy to present you with this year's summer edition of our joint newsletter and wish you good reading.


Peter Beez                              Felix Fellmann​
Focal Point e+i                        Focal Point A+FS

 

e+i Reminder: Support by external experts

SDC e+i network members can use various experts up to one day of work (no bureaucracy, just inform the FP e+i) for thematic support such as commenting on documents like TORs, webinar on approaches and methodologies, brief literature overview on a certain topic, etc. If you need more time, ask ahead, maybe it is of general interest for the network:
​​Support PSD / FSD
Support VSD​​​


Selina Haeny

JPO e+i (SDC), seconded to Mercy Corps for AgriFin Mobile project

What do you love about your work, what is special about it?

Every day is different, and I get to live in and work with diverse cultures which spices up my work and inspires me. Currently I am based in Kampala where I am seconded to Mercy Corps to support SDCs AgriFin Mobile project as part of my JPO program. This is very special, as I get the chance to have hands-on field experience from an implementer's perspective and "changing sides". Furthermore, the project collaborates with private sector actors ranging from social enterprises to multinationals enhancing my cultural experience even more. Last but not least, and hopefully the driving force of our every day's work, is the aim of the game: challenging the status quo of today's world and improving people's life for the better.

Which is/ are your favourite instruments?

This is a no-brainer - of course the e+i shareweb and most importantly its smartsearch. ;) Furthermore, I am passionate about result chains and find cost benefit analysis (CBA) very useful. It does not have to be a full-fledged CBA, but already adopting the reasoning behind, looking at projects from an economical angle adds value by asking different questions, improving our work and creating more impact.

Your message to your colleagues?

While being tied up with writing reports, mails, meetings etc don't lose sight of our goal to reduce poverty, and remember your days in the field, with all its anecdotes inspiring your work today at the office. ​

The team from Handicap International produced a short and worth reading paper about their approach to achieve socioeconomic  inclusion for victims of mine/explosive remnants of war (ERW) and persons with disabilities in the departments of Cauca, Nariño and Córdoba of Colombia.
Both VSD and PSD elements are applied, and a participatory approach is practised. We are happy to distribute their work and would encourage other practitioners to share their experiences. Read the paper here.

SDC has joined the Business Call to Action (BCtA), a multi-stakeholder initiative hosted by the UNDP. The initiative asks companies to make concrete commitments to include people from the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) in their value chains, be it as clients, employees or entrepreneurs. By making these commitments public and verifiable, BCtA helps to bring the benefits of the markets to the BoP and is in turn helping companies to understand how to measure their impact through an impact measurement system.

To date, over 170 companies, ranging from multinationals to social enterprises, and working in 65 countries, have responded to the BCtA by committing to improve the lives and livelihoods of millions in developing countries through access to markets, financial services, affordable healthcare, water and sanitation, education and other critical services. BCtA member companies are market leaders that provide examples of successful, profitable and scalable models for reaching poor communities and contributing to global development.

During 2016 and early 2017 five SDC Market System Development (MSD) projects in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia were externally reviewed. All these MSD projects have the overall goal to create jobs that is addressed through PSD, VCA and VSD interventions. Overall all projects made good progress and based on these external reviews have planned second or exit phases. 

Learn about the main conclusions and recommendations that are common in many projects are.... >>more

23 May 2017
Project highlights in March to May 2017
Approved Product Upscaling Projects:  Enhancing client value through microinsurance offerings by AMRET in Cambodia and Ekphatthana Microfinance Institution in Laos: Financial education on Credit Life Plus. There are also several projects in the pipeline in Tunisia, Egypt, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nicaragua, Haiti, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe/Malawi, Madagascar and Mali.
SCBF General Assembly Meeting at SDC on March 2nd
SCBF held its bi-annual General Assembly meeting on March 2nd at SDC in Bern. The morning session included a thematic window with Marc Tison (MD ZingSure), Jason Perthel (Zing Founder & CEO) and Alex Mion (Zing CTO), with highly relevant presentation on their current and planned activities in Zimbabwe and Malawi. 
InsureCo 
SCBF supported ZingSure initiative in setting up an insurance company “InsureCo”, a partnership between ZingSure Limited and the Apostolic Council of Churches of Zimbabwe to increase insurance penetration and stimulate wealth creation. The partnership is in line with financial inclusion vision of the Zimbabwean government as contained in the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZimAsset – 2013). 

The team from Handicap International produced a short and worth reading paper about their approach to achieve socioeconomic  inclusion for victims of mine/explosive remnants of war (ERW) and persons with disabilities in the departments of Cauca, Nariño and Córdoba of Colombia.
Both VSD and PSD elements are applied, and a participatory approach is practised. We are happy to distribute their work and would encourage other practitioners to share their experiences. Read the paper here.

The Skills 4 Jobs project responds to the challenges of the Albanian vocational skills development (VSD) system:  low quality of VET courses, bad reputation, and both weak labour market orientation and private sector involvement. It promotes work-based learning, private sector cooperation and Swiss expertise. With its focus on vocational schools it complements other ongoing Swiss funded initiatives on policy level. In March, the project launched its new way of learning concept with an audience of more than 250 persons, including teachers, students, policy makers, international donors and partners. To read more about the event, click here.

In 2017 the Donor Committee for dual Vocational Education and Training (DC dVET) wants amongst others proactively promote the thematic exchange among its members in the countries of Western Balkans, the Republic of Moldova and South Caucasus as well as francophone countries of West Africa. The exchange includes a regional workshop in each of the regions, i.e. on the 27/28 June 2017 in Tirana (Albania) and in late November 2017 in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). In addition, the DC dVET is conducting a study in cooperation with Prof. Dr. D. Euler (University of St. Gallen) that reveals the roles and responsibilities of the private sector in dual VET and illustrates concrete experiences of its members in development cooperation. For more information see Information Letter 2017 or the DC dVET Website (www.dcdualvet.ch). 

Over the last two years Switzerland supported the initial and continuing education of organ builders and carpenters in Transylvania, Romania. The programme demonstrates how the cultural heritage can serve as basis for a comprehensive programme. Transylvania has the highest organ density in the world and some of the instruments are rarities. The programme helps to preserve that culutral and touristic highlight of the region.
Inter alia, 400 hours of work based and 100 school based master classes were organised last year. A few graduates participated in mangament courses. Learn more about the programme in its annual report [german only].

In the north of Kenya refugees in the camp and residents of the town Kakuma are taught professional skills to enable them to assure their livelihood. Young people between 15 and 25 are trained in farming, mechanics, bricklaying, waste management, blacksmithing or are developing skills in repairing computer equipment, sewing and hairdressing. FDFA produced a short video about the impact of the programme on the life of its participants and their families.

 
For more information please visit the A+FS Shareweb withhttps://www.shareweb.ch/site/Agriculture-and-Food-Security/news-overview/newsletter

It will afford exciting new opportunities to engage with key themes and key players in inclusive market development. More details will be announced >>here 

This training course, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) is aimed at programme staff and managers leading value chain projects, as well as donors, consultants and UN system agencies. The training focuses on how to facilitate the development of sustainable business models to secure lasting results and how to facilitate market system development, how to strengthen inclusive market systems how to engage the private sector and how to manage value-chain development programmes. >>more
The programme is aimed at experienced practitioners and decision makers in private sector development who are looking for deep insights from both theory and practice in how economies change and what the role of development actors can be to foster this change. This includes systematic approaches to how interventions can be designed in the often messy and complex reality of economic development. The content is relevant for practitioners who work in Local Economic Development (LED) or related approaches, Market Systems Development and M4P, and other Private Sector Development approaches. More information and registration can be found here
This unique workshop will bring together experienced results measurement practitioners to share lessons learned, solve common problems, exchange practical approaches to address identified challenges and build a supportive network.  We will design the workshop based on challenges, issues and cases identified by the participants. They will have opportunities to share specific problems, successes, tools and approaches with workshop colleagues.
Please note that to attend this workshop, participants must have at least 2 years of experience in applying the DCED Results Measurement Standard in practice. We are excited about this training workshop format, which will maximize the opportunities for tailoring the content around participants and learning from peers, while still maintaining the benefits of a training course in terms of organization and rigor.  >> more

This course targets intervention and results measurement staff and managers who are working in Private Sector Development programs. The course offers a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of all aspects that practitioners need to set up a practical results measurement system for internal learning and communicating credible results. Many practitioners have benefited from this reputed course over the past seven years. Its contents are constantly adjusted to the latest developments in results measurement. For more details see course flyer.   

Each year, over 500 youth and economic development experts from more than 50 countries gather at the GYEO Summit to connect, exchange, and collaborate. The 2017 Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit theme will explore what the future of work holds for young people in developing contexts and for professionals working to expand youth economic opportunities globally in a changing world of work. >>more

25 Jun 2017 To 02 Jul 2017 in University of Zuerich
Microfinance - State of the Art

The one day introductory course on June 27th gives a basic understanding and overview of the topic.  It is directly followed by this two-day advanced course. Participants gain an in-depth understanding of the main issues, problem areas and current trends in financial systems development. They apply state-of-the-art tools for monitoring and evaluating the financial and social performance of investments in microfinance and financial sector development. Participants can also characterise different microfinance investment instruments and vehicles and understand the key principles of risk management of microfinance investments.

 Hurry! There are only a few places left.                                   >> more

26 Jun 2017 To 30 Jun 2017 in University of Zuerich
Introduction to Microfinance

This introductory course of one day allows participants to gain basic understanding of how microfinance works, how it relates to financial systems, how product development responds to demand and addresses financial market imperfections, and what tools exist to analyze success and risk factors.


This one day course is directly followed by a two-day advanced course.  Participants gain an in-depth understanding of the main issues, problem areas and current trends in financial systems development. They apply state-of-the-art tools for monitoring and evaluating the financial and social performance of investments in microfinance and financial sector development. Participants can also characterise different microfinance investment instruments and vehicles and understand the key principles of risk management of microfinance investments.​ (>>more​)

Application closed, waiting list.                                   >> more

01 Jul 2017 To 06 Jul 2017 in University of Zuerich
Microinsurance - Training
This course of two days allows participants to gain a basic understanding of microinsurance. They explore theory and practice of offering microinsurance products to low-income customers in developing countries, where social security systems typically fail to reach the majority of the population. Through a simulation tool that introduces market uncertainty to classroom learning, they experience the key aspects of managing a microinsurance scheme. In a simulation case study, course participants analyse a business scenario, and decide and implement appropriate action to achieve strategic objectives. Also, participants get a better understanding of how the process and components of a microinsurance scheme interrelate and impact upon each other, and discuss financing and institutional options for the microinsurance scheme.
 
Hurry! There are only a few places left.                                         >> more 
08 Sep 2017 in UniS, Schanzeneckstrasse 1, Bern, Switzerland
r4d Forum Employment
The r4d Forum 2017 Employment takes place with the aims:
- To provide the opportunity for research team members to meet and exchange about their (planned) research
- To provide the opportunity for Panel members to to interact with the research teams
- To familiarize the new research teams with the r4d programme
- To build and enlarge the r4d community
The workshop provides a platform for the DC dVET members (ADA, BMZ, LED & SDC) and their projects for mutual exchange, learning and joint action.
Based on prior exchanges the exchange will focus on the two thematic areas:
1. Experiences and challenges in reforming VET systems with regards to dual Elements.
2. Shared responsibility between the state and private sector, focusing on the role of the private sector.
Personal invitations to the workshop have been sent out by mid-Mai 2017. Eligible to participate are DC dVET members and implementing agencies in the Western Balkans, Republic of Moldova & South Caucasus. For more information visit the dedicated website.
22 Nov 2017 To 27 Nov 2017 in Graduate Institute Geneva
Philanthropy in Education: Inagural Symposium
The symposium series Philanthropy in Education: Global Trends, Regional Differences and Diverse Perspectives is a new initiative launched and co-sponsored by NORRAG, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation and the Open Society Foundations. It seeks to facilitate greater understanding and collaboration between philanthropic organizations, national policymakers, representatives of international organizations and academics working in the field of education. The series consists of an inaugural symposium in Geneva, six regional symposia, and a closing symposium. In addition to the overall symposium theme, the regional symposia will address topics that are relevant for the specific region. Click here for more information.
The objective of the conference is to forster the coherence and coordination between federal agencies (SERI, SDC, SECO, directorate for political affairs, SEM and SFIVET). All stakeholders, that contribute actively to international cooperation in VPET or show interest for this field, are invited to participate. The conference will take place in Biel, 14 September  2017. Conference languages are german and french. Simultaneous translation will be provided. Registration is possible from June 2017. For further Information, check out the brochure in German and the brochure in French.
 
Click here for Registration until the 23th of August!
27 Sep 2017 To 04 Oct 2017 in Washington D. C. , USA
11th Annual Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit

Each year, over 500 youth and economic development experts from more than 50 countries gather at the GYEO Summit to connect, exchange, and collaborate. The 2017 Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit theme will explore what the future of work holds for young people in developing contexts and for professionals working to expand youth economic opportunities globally in a changing world of work. >>more

​​This year’s Annual Swiss Development Cooperation Conference t​akes a look at vocational education and training in different countries, sheds light on specific challenges an​d shows how vocational education and training can create local prospects for people. The focus is on young people who are affected by unemployment and underemployment. The aim is to work with these young people to find ways to help them access employment, an approach which fights poverty while strengthening the economy Please find everything you need to know about the upcoming annual conference in the invitation (click here for the english version). We are looking forward to welcome you.
 
For more information please visit the A+FS Shareweb withhttps://www.shareweb.ch/site/Agriculture-and-Food-Security/news-overview/newsletter

Beginning of April a dynamic e-consultation on the revised guidance for managing MSD projects in SDC has taken place. Network members from SDC as well as implementing agencies have very actively shared their observations on the revised guidance and their experiences and best practices in implementing MSD projects. Their observations have been incorporated into this  restructured, user friendlier and easier accessible document. Find it >>here



Beginning of April a dynamic e-consultation on the revised guidance for managing MSD projects in SDC has taken place. Network members from SDC as well as implementing agencies have very actively shared their observations on the revised guidance and their experiences and best practices in implementing MSD projects. Their observations have been incorporated into this  restructured, user friendlier and easier accessible document. Find it >>here



The very first SDC strategy covering both, Basic Education and Vocational Skills Development is launched. Representatives from SDC, SECO, the Swiss civil society and educationalists emphasize the relevance and timeliness of the strategy.  More guidance with regards to SDC program implementation for VSD projects will be given to HQ and Field staff during the e+i network meeting on 4 July. The meeting will be streamed live (more).

The e-discussion aims at exchanging experiences and good practice examples related to youth work and other approaches in the context of VSD interventions. The event will take place between 19-30 June 2017 on the DGroup platform of the e+i VSD community. We are looking forward to read your thoughts in the following languages: English, French and Spanish. You find everything you need to know here

In this call for proposals all interested parties are invited to submit their presentation on a current topic in VPET, to be given at a congress workshop on Friday 8 June 2018. In general, these workshops will address the issue of how VPET can be made fit for the future in the light of structural change and shifts in values (i.a. digitalisation and pluralisation). The focus will be on the adaptability of training content (curricula), ensuring that the systems continue to equip apprentices appropriately for the labour market. The workshops will also look at instruments and approaches to making the system and its training opportunities more flexible in order to respond to the need for individual educational pathways and to foster lifelong learning in VPET. The workshops will take place on the morning of Friday 8 June and are repeated in the afternoon (10.30–12.30am and 2–4pm). To learn more about the topics, submission deadline et cetera, click here.
During a ceremony on May 01, 2017 the first two winners of the FoBBIZ prize were announced. Both awarded projects are successful examples for innovative and sustainable approaches in the development cooperation for vocational skills development. Besides the recognition of their work, the winning projects will receive 5000 respectively 3000 Swiss francs for further investments. The five members of the jury stated unanimously that the competition for the prize was strong. The projects are awarded for distinctive qualities. One project is mainly focussed on the specific needs of professional education in a regional tourism sector a certain region, whereas the other project follows a broader approach to enable adolescents to live a self-reliant life. With its decision to award to projects with distinct approaches, the jury ​underlines the fact that a careful situation analysis automatically leads to different designs of VSD projects (more).

The Pôle de Dakar of the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO) has launched a web portal for its Platform of Expertise in Vocational Training - Pefop: www.pefop.iiep.unesco.org

As a space for information and knowledge exchange, the site is designed for vocational education stakeholders in Africa and offers multiple services, such as discover current developments of the African vocational education sector, access documentary resources dedicated to vocational education, share the tools of vocational education and promote good practices, and many more.

 
For more information please visit the A+FS Shareweb withhttps://www.shareweb.ch/site/Agriculture-and-Food-Security/news-overview/newsletter
Lucho Osorio-Cortes-Beam Exchange

Increasing use of market systems approaches in international development has led to a growing demand for skilled practitioners and high-performing teams. However, the current system of training and building capacity falls short of meeting the needs of programmes. This constraint threatens to undermine the effectiveness and credibility of the approach.

This paper is structured into three main parts: (i) the problem and the context; (ii) an analysis of possible solutions and (iii) recommendations.

Beam exchange
What does market systems development mean? What does business and private enterprise have to do with reducing poverty? And how does this compare with more conventional aid?
Using a practical example, this short video animation (4 minutes) explains the market systems approach: creating widespread and lasting improvements in access to income, jobs, services and products for people living in poverty.
Dr. Shawn Cunningham, Marcus Jenal-Beam Exchange [468 kB]
This technical paper provides an in-depth review of the fields of evolutionary economics, new institutional economics and complexity and social change. It is argued that economic development is a complex, non-linear and continuous evolutionary process. Both market and non-market institutions matter greatly in shaping economic performance. The paper explores the consequences of this understanding for market development practice. It discusses how market development practitioners can engage in and shape an intentional change processes. A discussion paper presents the key messages
DCED

This document draws together resources and guidance on integrating gender and WEE into PSD programmes. This guidance is based on the practical experience of economic growth programmes integrating WEE.The document is structured according to the elements of the DCED Standard (Version VII). >> find it here

The Springfield Centre-SDC [1.3 MB]
Guía operacional del enfoque “Lograr que los mercados funcionen para los pobres (M4P)” 2015: The second edition of the well-known operational guide for the M4P/MSD approach is now available in Spanish! Check it out here: 
SDC [2.1 MB]
Le Guide Operationnel de la demarche “Faire Fonctionner les Marchés au Benefice des Pauvres (M4P)”, 2015: The second edition of the well-known operational guide for the M4P/MSD approach is now available in French. 
IFC, GIZ

A compendium of technical notes and cases studies.

Published by IFC, GIZ and WWB. The compendium comprises of three parts:

  • Part 1: The Industry Perspective
  • Part 2: Government Stakeholder Perspectives
  • Part 3: Case Studies
BIBB
The articles of this omnibus, issued by the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), analyse the impact of the digitalisation on the labour market and the required skills from different perspectives. You can purchase the whole book or specific articles here. The book is published in German.
SECO [5.6 MB]
The paper outlines on twenty pages SECO's position on vocational skills development. 
SDC [2.4 MB]
In the Federal Council’s Dispatch on Switzerland’s International Cooperation 2017–2020, education is a priority theme and comprises both basic education and vocational skills development. The SDC Education Strategy sets out how we will reach this objective through our bilateral and multilateral engagement. It provides guidance to the SDC’s South Cooperation, Cooperation with Eastern Europe, Global Cooperation as well as Humanitarian Aid and inspires the SDC’s cooperation strategies and its global and multilateral programmes.
Rudolf H. Strahm; Bruno Geiger; Erik Swars-SFIVET [1.8 MB]
This book delineates the Swiss dual track vocational and professional education and training systems coherently and compares with the European educational systems. Besides describing the success factors of this dual track educational system practical examples are illustrated from all over the world to elucidate the possibilities to transfer it in other countries.
This book is written for the interested English speaking foreign delegates, executives and professionals in the field of education, skill development and entrepreneurship. With a foreword of Federal Councilor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, Minister of Economics, Education and Research.
To purchase the book, fill in the order form or visit the publishers website. The book is available in German and French
OECD
Higher level vocational education and training (VET) programmes are facing rapid change and intensifying challenges. What type of training is needed to meet the needs of changing economies? How should the programmes be funded? How should they be linked to academic and university programmes? How can employers and unions be engaged? This report synthesises the findings of the series of  country reports done on skills beyond school.
 
Chapter 1. The hidden world of professional education and training
Chapter 2. Enhancing the profile of professional education and training
Chapter 3. Three key elements of high-quality post-secondary programmes
Chapter 4. Transparency in learning outcomes
Chapter 5. Clearer pathways for learners
Chapter 6. Key characteristics of effective vocational systems
Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)

The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) hosts a series of webinars on different topics. We particularly recommend to watch the video of the webinar on Informal TVET and Training Systems (presented on 18th May 2017, for the moment only available in French). The presentations by Dr. Ayele M. Adubra highlights approaches to reform a system of traditional informal apprenticeships into a more dual system. This is explained through examples from Ghana, Benin and other countries. It is shown that despite the existence of these reforms, the informal TVET system is still confronted with many challenges. There is a need to focus on quality, on access to include neglected populations and, more importantly, on integration into the labour market. Effective measures should be envisaged in these areas.

The documentations of the webinars can be accessed here: https://www.aau.org/webinars/

 
For more information please visit the A+FS Shareweb withhttps://www.shareweb.ch/site/Agriculture-and-Food-Security/news-overview/newsletter