Climate change is a reality that must be curved through education and social commitment. Educating the youngest in environmental protection is at the core of raising people capable of facing future changes and challenges. Digitalisation and the different tools developed in the 21st century (e.g., the Internet of Things [IoT], Sensor technologies, and Arduino) are powerful tools that can be used to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. SUSTAIN-IT is being implemented in three African Countries to support youth training in environmental monitoring and development
Namibia, like many other developing nations, faces resource constraints, fight against climate change and transparency in using its natural resources. TVET centres lack adequate infrastructure, technology, and teaching resources to effectively deliver environmental education. Namibia has recognised the importance of sustainability in its National Development Plans. The NDPs emphasise the integration of green practices, including environmental conservation and sustainable resource management. This extends to vocational education, where green TVET would emphasise eco-friendly practices and environmental stewardship. With regard to digitalisation, there is a growing need to integrate technology, digital tools, and platforms into the educational curriculum. SUSTAIN-IT will provide Capacity building for educators to effectively integrate digital tools and IoT devices into their teaching methods thereby, aligning the TVET curriculum with national environmental policies to ensure students receive relevant and up-to-date information on climate action and environmental monitoring. According to Namibia’s Vision 2030, environmental sustainability is crucial for Namibia’s development. Within this context, SUSTAIN-IT will play a vital role in preparing the workforce to contribute to sustainable practices and address environmental challenges.
Zimbabwe faces challenges in health, economy, education, and human rights, which translates into increasing development needs. As such, the Zimbabwe National TVET policy emphasises the need to align education with the demands of the modern economy. It highlights the importance of strengthening human capital infrastructure through standardised qualifications, promotions, and conditions of service for TVET staff. The policy aims to enhance the accreditation system for TVET institutions, promote gender parity, and improve infrastructure investment. The EU’s approach emphasises a holistic and adaptive strategy, combining short-term interventions with longer-term support to address the country’s economic crisis, post-COVID-19 recovery, and climate-induced emergencies. Key areas of focus include promoting gender equality, climate-smart agriculture, natural resource management, clean energy, and social recovery. SUSTAIN-IT is an ERASMUS Capacity Building VET project funded by the European Commission to empower TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) teachers with the skills and tools to tackle climate change and inspire the next generation of innovators in Zimbabwe.
Rwanda like many African countries is faced with development crises leading to the country’s 2050 vision grounded on a five pillars agenda ranging from human development, competitiveness, and integration, agriculture for wealth creation, urbanisation, and agglomeration. The EU and its Member States rank as Rwanda’s second-largest development partners, collaborative efforts are channeled towards aligning interventions with Rwanda’s priorities. SUSTAIN-IT Project is an EU intervention designed to achieve the overarching aim of Rwanda’s Vision 2050 by enhancing access to quality Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), promoting Inclusive Development which aims to support Rwanda’s agricultural transformation to boost rural employment and income, with a focus on gender inclusion, as well as promoting environmental and climate sustainability through climate-smart and circular agricultural practices.