Student Activity: Toward a More Sustainable Campus through Innovative Design and Practical Application
Part of BIP projects in Erbil, supported by Norwegian Foreign Affairs Department
Sulaimaniya, August 24, 2023 – Cihan University Sulaimaniya recently took a step towards tackling unemployment by addressing and participating in a conference organised by the Public Aid Organisation PAO, as part of BIP projects in Erbil, which is supported by the Norwegian Foreign Affairs Department and supervised by the Embassy of Norway. The conference centred around ‘Vocational Education and Its Impact on Unemployment Reduction’. The event gathered representatives from various stakeholders, including government officials and education experts, to deliberate on critical issues and potential solutions.
The conference, held on August 24th, brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the multifaceted aspects of vocational education and its role in alleviating unemployment. The central theme revolved around exploring how vocational education can bridge the gap between the labour market and workers, thereby creating more opportunities for employment.
Diverse subjects were put under the spotlight during the conference’s comprehensive agenda. The program included a series of meetings, roundtable discussions, and interactive workshops aimed at fostering a collaborative approach to addressing unemployment through vocational education. Representatives from both the public and private sectors, along with relevant civil society organizations, contributed their insights and perspectives.
Mr Hemen Rasheed Agha, public law lecturer at Cihan University’s Department of Law, also holding the position of Director of University Quality Assurance, represented Cihan University addressed the conference. Several crucial topics received special attention throughout the conference. These included the significance of small loan projects in promoting self-employment, the need for heightened awareness regarding available financial resources, and the role of government initiatives in supporting vocational education. Another point of emphasis was the often-overlooked challenge of communication between the labour market and aspiring workers.
In particular, Cihan University Sulaimaniya argued that:
- Underlining the need to review the amount of funding allocated for small-scale projects.
- Acknowledging and distinctly establishing the roles of government bodies and civil society groups; certain parts of the government possess more expertise and are better equipped, both in terms of necessary budget and funds, to address unemployment through vocational education and training. This involves creating a clear framework and outlining the specific responsibilities of each entity involved.
- Proposing a method where job opportunities match individual skills and expertise, and emphasizing the need to find a mechanism to address this issue.
- Highlighting the crucial role of trade unions, which serve as advocates for the rights and responsibilities of both job seekers and employers.
- Creating a central institution, known as the “Job Center,” which acts as a valuable connection between job seekers and potential employers in the ever-changing job market.
- Highlighting the importance of having unemployment insurance.
- Supporting the idea of labour mobility, which means workers have the freedom to find jobs in other countries.
- Urging the creation of a comprehensive law that covers vocational education and training.
- Encouraging employers to actively provide financial, administrative, and humanitarian assistance to promote the progress of vocational education.
- Suggesting adjustments to the procedures that oversee the distribution of small loans for potential projects.
As the conference drew to a close, a series of findings and recommendations emerged from the extensive deliberations. Notable among them were:
- Governmental Neglect: The absence of a cohesive strategy and attention from the government towards vocational education was identified as a significant hurdle.
- Lack of Coordination: The absence of coordination between vocational education, training programs, and study curricula was highlighted as a barrier to creating a more streamlined transition into the job market.
- Empowerment: Recognizing the importance of empowering both educators and students, the conference highlighted the need to educate them about small project entrepreneurship.
- Youth Awareness: The conference underscored the lack of awareness among the youth regarding available financial resources for funding small projects.
- Public-Private Disconnect: The importance of fostering coordination between the public and private sectors, along with relevant civil society organizations, was emphasized to enhance employment opportunities.
The conference succeeded in shedding light on the intricate dynamics between vocational education and unemployment reduction. By bringing together diverse perspectives and promoting collaboration, Cihan University Sulaimaniya paved the way for a more comprehensive approach to addressing unemployment challenges in the region.
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