From September 15th to 21st, Mundus, as part of the TourEdu4All project, participated in two impactful study visits to Namibia and Kenya. These visits are part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen Tourism Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a special focus on promoting inclusion in the tourism industry.
Objectives of the Study Visits
The study visits aimed to achieve several important goals:
- Boosting Youth Employability
By observing successful models and strategies, we explored how vocational education in tourism can better support youth employability, especially for disadvantaged groups and women. - Understanding Tourism Trends and Best Practices
The visits provided valuable insights into current tourism trends and best practices in hospitality education, which are key to adapting to an evolving industry. - Promoting Holistic Education Approaches
We examined how holistic models of education can integrate various aspects of tourism training, ensuring that learners receive a well-rounded vocational education. - Analyzing Socio-Economic Contexts
The visits also involved an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic challenges and opportunities in Namibia and Kenya, focusing on how tourism education can address these issues to better support vulnerable learners.
Key Practices Observed
During the visits, the TourEdu4All project consortium had the opportunity to visit several VET institutions specializing in tourism and hospitality in both countries. Among the noteworthy practices observed were:
- Distance Learning in Tourism: Kambaku Hospitality College in Namibia has developed a successful on-the-job training model through distance learning, enabling students to gain practical experience while studying remotely.
- Support Services for Vulnerable Groups: Kibondeni Hospitality College in Kenya offers comprehensive support services for vulnerable groups attending VET courses, helping them to overcome barriers and thrive in their education.
Fostering Inclusion in Tourism Education
The TourEdu4All project continues to focus on creating an inclusive tourism sector in Sub-Saharan Africa by equipping VET institutions with the tools and knowledge to support vulnerable learners. Through partnerships with local institutions, we are helping to develop inclusive training models that empower disadvantaged youth and women to build successful careers in tourism.
The knowledge and experiences gained during these study visits will play a crucial role in shaping the future of inclusive tourism education.
