Smart Learning Institute

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide, leading to the near-total closure of schools, universities and colleges, which also affected youth enrolled in technical and vocational education and training. Along with cessation of field activities, alternative measures are needed to develop and train employees working in TVET institutions in Iraq, as part of a capacity building program that aims at empowering teachers and trainers.

In this context, the UNESCO Office in Iraq, in partnership with the Middle Technical University-MTU, implemented two online training courses. The first one was a 3-day training course (19-21 May 2020) entitled" Competency-Based Training and Assessment Process”, with the attendance of 56 participants. The second was also a 3-day training course (2-4 June 2020) entitled "Curriculum Developing for TVET in Iraq", with the attendance of 93 participants. 

Brendan Cassar, Head of the Culture Unit and Manager of “Reviving Mosul and Basra Old Cities” project, commented that the partnership between UNESCO and the Foundation of Technical Education-FTE in Iraq has brought great achievements in the field of technical and vocational education and training in the country. He also drew attention to the distinguished efforts made by the Middle Technical University team for this initiative and to the contribution given for the successful outcome of the courses, as well as the commitment and participation of the trainees. 

The Head of the FTE and President of the Middle Technical University, Dr. Abdulmohsen Naji Al-Muhaisen, praised the strong partnership between the FTE, especially the MTU and UNESCO, highlighting the importance of the online training workshops to overcome the difficult circumstances resulting from COVID-19.  The implementation of training courses on Competency-Based Training and Curriculum Development has resulted in excellent professional discussions, which we hope soon to be repeated in different colleges and departments.

The Dean of the Technical Engineering College at MTU in Baghdad, Dr. Nabeel Jamil Yassin pointed out that, within the plan of the Technical Engineering College to develop and improve the capabilities and skills of teachers and trainers of Iraqi universities, there were many online workshops and courses.  These two courses, training in Competency-Based and Curriculum development, had a great impact, enhancing participants’ knowledge and extending their understanding, thereby raising the professional and personal level of the participants. 

Bilal Alhamaydah, one of the Project Officers of the “Reviving Mosul and Basra Old Cities” project, funded by the European Union, said that these training courses come as a part of the impact of the project activities. In fact, the Project includes providing training to a number of Master Trainers from Iraqi universities in the field of Competency-Based Training and Curriculum development of TVET in the country.  These two online training courses have been implemented by one of the Master Trainers who  participated in the earlier courses. Training materials developed by UNESCO were used, focusing on building the capacities of teachers and trainers in TVET institutions in Iraq.

Lead trainer Dr. Ayman Rashid Al-Jawari said that his sense of leadership came as a result of his participation in the TVET Capacity Building and Professional Development program, included in the UNESCO/EU project.  He felt the importance of developing himself on a professional and personal level, and decided to share the knowledge he gained with his fellow teachers and colleagues. He remarked the excellent interaction demonstrated by the participants. Dr. Ayman has recorded these sessions and uploaded them on YouTube for easier access.