Education Development Center (EDC) and the Mastercard Foundation have partnered to create The Building Resilience in TVET Through E-Learning (BRITE) program, with the aim of responding to Rwanda’s commitment to integrate technology in education by providing interactive e-learning digital solutions for the TVET system. The e-learning materials that will be launched in Kigali include a Work Ready Now audio program, trade specific electronic-lessons (e-lessons), and electronic-Work Based Learning (e-WBL).
The first set of e-Learning materials channeled through audio tools provides access to transferable employability skills to students. The second set of e-learning materials will reinforce and/or increase the capacity of trainers to integrate e-learning, while the third set of the BRITE e-learning materials will improve the capacity of the trainers to prepare the students for industrial attachment and also serve as self-learning materials to students.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the challenge of delivering practical lessons remotely. It is now more than ever critical to look at the role of digitalization of TVET in equipping youth for the future of work as digital skills have become vital in a world of increasing adaptability skills. Projects like BRITE are key to start embracing this new normal and support this change in education,” said Rica Rwigamba, Rwanda Country Head at the Mastercard Foundation.
BRITE works closely with Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) and the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) to increase knowledge and assets to adopt a blended teaching and learning approach. Through the integration of a variety of interactive e-learning materials, BRITE will help enhance the quality and impact of face-to-face training while increasing the readiness of students, trainers, and institutions to adapt to unforeseen changes. This will enable continuity of learning in the event that in-person teaching is disrupted.
“One of the strengths of the BRITE project is that these e-learning materials are co-developed with trainers and students of TVET schools and IPRCs, building on their knowledge and direct experience in the real teaching and learning context, while introducing a blended approach to teaching and learning that is new for the sector,” said Alejandra Bonifaz, EDC Country Director.
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, BRITE will work with RP and RTB to supplement and strengthen their training delivery model and student transition to the workplace.
Building Resilience in TVET Through e-Learning (BRITE) is a 2-year project funded by the Mastercard Foundation, through COVID-19 recovery and resilience program. It is implemented by Education Development Center, in close collaboration with Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) and Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) and in partnership with Akazi Kanoze Access (AKA) to reach 8 Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centers (IPRCs) and/or some TVET Schools, 40,000 students across levels 3-7 and 133 trainers.
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management. (End)