In early December 2023, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) hosted a workshop on the implementation of institutional strategies on open, distance and flexible learning (ODFL) in technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training (TEVET)  in Ndola, Copperbelt Province, Zambia.

TEVET institutions whose ODFL in TEVET strategies had been developed through support from COL and approved by their respective Boards of Management made use of the workshop to develop action plans for the implementation of their strategies. Participants included TEVET leaders from the Northern Technical College, Solwezi Trades Training Institute, St. Mawaggali Trades Technical Institute and the Zambia University College of Technology.

In her opening remarks, Ms Phyllis Kasonkomona, Director: Development, TEVETA, stated that “the implementation of blended learning in TEVET is timely due to the current trends in the training landscape that affect skills training.”

Mr Robert Okinda, Skills Adviser at COL, said COL is supporting TEVET institutions across Commonwealth countries to enhance skills training for both employment and entrepreneurship by ODFL approaches and technologies. This involves strategic development and implementation. He emphasised the necessity of adopting an ecosystem approach to ensure increased availability of accessible, high-quality and affordable skills training opportunities that are both gender-responsive and inclusive, with a focus on climate-smart initiatives for all.