UEW Researchers Secure €57,000 Grant for Innovative Project

A team of researchers from the University of Education, Winneba, has secured a grant award of fifty-seven thousand Euros (€57,000) for their innovative project, "Capacity Building in the Field of Vocational Education and Training," from the European Commission.

The team, comprising Dr. Charles K. Koomson, National Project Manager; Dr. Richard O. Agjei, Co-Project Coordinator; Dr. Bright Ankudze, Co-Project Coordinator; and Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, VET Curriculum Expert; is set to embark on a ground-breaking initiative known as REVIVER.

The REVIVER project, designed to advance regenerative agriculture and ecological sustainability, is poised to revolutionise the field of vocational education and training. This ambitious project aims to create a comprehensive educational programme, foster international partnerships between European and Sub-Saharan African organisations, develop a vocational curriculum in regenerative agriculture, and establish an inter-regional network of stakeholders.

At its core, REVIVER seeks to enhance awareness among Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers and young farmers about regenerative agriculture while equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills to transition from traditional to regenerative farming practices. Additionally, it will develop an innovative vocational curriculum tailored to the geographical, climatic, and ecological conditions of both Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring the relevance of the programme across diverse regions. The project will also establish online learning and training platforms, integrating digital tools and methods, and making knowledge accessible to a broader audience.

One of the standout features of the REVIVER project is its commitment to international partnerships with VET service organizations. These partnerships include three organizations from Europe and three from Sub-Saharan Africa, all dedicated to promoting knowledge sharing in regenerative agriculture, encompassing both theoretical and practical aspects. Their primary focus is on Sub-Saharan African countries, where the adoption of regenerative agricultural approaches can combat soil degradation, elevate food quality, and bolster climate resilience.

The project further concentrates on creating an innovative vocational curriculum in regenerative agriculture, which will enhance VET services in the six participating countries and beyond. By empowering VET educators with the latest expertise and aligning their teaching programmes with regional priorities, RIVIVER aims to strengthen the link between VET learners and the labour market in six countries. This will, in turn, bolster the positions of farmers, agricultural students, and food manufacturers, making them more responsive to labour market demands and creating opportunities for new business ventures.

The REVIVER project marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing educational opportunities, and fostering international cooperation. It is expected to have a lasting impact on regenerative agriculture and ecological sustainability, benefiting both Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.