ACTEA

Training measures in STEM subjects are essential for East African countries, as the added value they generate represents an opportunity to improve the standard of living in these developing countries.

In addition, investors, non-governmental organizations and the emerging middle class in Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania have a high demand for technical specialists. Legislative efforts are also aimed at promoting employment among the local population.

In order to meet this demand, skilled workers are needed who are trained in the relevant technical professions. However, as the approach in universities tends to be theoretical rather than practice-oriented or skills-based, these are difficult to find.

This scenario is directly linked to a lack of modern engineering curricula and a lack of industry-ready equipment. The ACTEA project aims to

• meet the specific needs in engineering,
• better adapt qualifications,
• Provide course material for two specific disciplines (Computer Aided Manufacturing and Electrical and Automation Engineering),
• set up technical laboratories with virtual and remote access,
• introduce appropriate learning tools and
• offer additional further training measures for academic staff/scientific employees in the field of technology and the development of technology-related materials.

The results will be disseminated and applied through train-the-trainer sessions, workshops with subject matter experts and the training of a pilot group of internal and external stakeholders.

Best practices and results are presented to a wide audience through e-resources, radio and local media. The Business Integration Bureau supports collaboration with local businesses, whether as training institutions, employers for students or buyers of end products. All project work is carried out in accordance with a clearly defined quality assurance system.

The following effects are expected in the short term:

• Increased technological and pedagogical knowledge
• An increase in operational efficiency
• a higher number of engineering students
• Improved cooperation with local industrial companies

In the long term, the project aims to increase employability, boost local value creation, promote sustainable, lifelong learning and achieve long-term, high-quality knowledge growth in technological fields.