NewsTraining program for Uganda’s teachers on bamboo course management
Training helps deliver bamboo course curricula design and implementation skills to teachers in Uganda.
Bamboo is currently receiving a large amount of attention in Africa due to its potential for landscape restoration, climate mitigation, the promotion of green enterprises and the creation of green employment opportunities. However, meeting demands for skilled human resources in the bamboo sector poses a significant and formidable challenge. Enhancing the value chain nodes within the bamboo sector will help maximize benefits.
INBAR as part of the Dutch-Sino East Africa Bamboo Development (Phase-II) programme has made efforts to introduce a certificate and diploma-level course curriculum on Bamboo Resources and Technology (BRT). This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Nyabyeya Forestry College in Masindi and the National Forestry Authority of Uganda. The course curriculum is divided into four semesters, each consisting of theory, practical training and real-life projects focused on the bamboo industry and small and medium enterprises.
A three-day teacher training program was recently conducted with the assistance of Dr. Jayanta Choudhury, an Indian expert and Assistant Professor at the Department of Rural Studies at Tripura University. The training program was instrumental in enhancing the professional capabilities of the teachers at Nyabyeya Forestry College. It included Technical Vocational Training Education instructors, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Water and Environment and the National Curriculum Development Centre. The capacity building of the teachers covered the intake process, evaluation and grading systems, resource mobilization, and designing the reading materials. The field visit for the trainees took place at Kontiki Bamboo Works Limited in Hoima.
Dr. Jayanta Choudhury articulated that bamboo possesses remarkable versatility as a renewable resource with immense potential for delivering ecological, economic and social benefits. The National Forest Academy endeavours to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize bamboo resources in a sustainable manner across Africa through the provision of the Certificate and Diploma course on BRT.
Mr. Richard Kisakye, Principal of the Nyabyeya Forestry College in Masindi, mentioned that bamboo also possesses the potential to bring about sustainable transformations in both communities and ecosystems. This diploma program aims to equip individuals with valuable skills that will contribute to the conservation of Uganda’s abundant forest resources. Additionally, it seeks to create employment opportunities for women and youth, while also nurturing high-quality human resources for the sector. The course is scheduled to be introduced in the 2024 academic year, with an anticipated enrollment of 20 students. Additionally, the course aims to actively engage industry stakeholders who express interest in participating.
