Abidjan, Ivory Coast – October 21 – 25, 2024
The Pilot Project OVERSTEP concluded with a memorable event at Hotel Capitole, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, celebrating its achievements and partnerships. Attendees included key stakeholders like Yavo Alain, METFPA representative, Koffi N’Guessan, and Anne-Catherine Claude from the EU Delegation. The ceremony highlighted success stories, panel discussions, and testimonials from partner schools and beneficiaries, showcasing OVERSTEP’s positive impact on lives and its contributions to education and vocational training in the region.
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Details of the Project
The project, titled “OVERSTEP Pilot Project (EAC-2019-0572): A Joint Alliance to Develop a Mobility Scheme and Share Best Practices Between African and European VET Systems”, is a comprehensive programme launched in 2019 and concluded in October 2024. It was developed through a transnational partnership of three European VET/training providers: the coordinator FMTS Experience (Italy), NewDeal Institut (France), and ForMalta (Malta/Spain), alongside 11 African VET schools spanning Western, Central, and Southern Africa.
These include:
- Benin: Lycée Technique, Tertiaire et Industriel de Djakotomey
- Cameroon: Institut Supérieur d’Agriculture et de Gestion D’Obala; Institut Supérieur des Sciences Agronomiques de l’Environnement et de l’Entrepreneuriat Rural
- Cape Verde: Escola Básica e Secundária “Olavo Moniz”
- Gabon: Lycée Forestier et Agricole “Maurice Betote”
- Ivory Coast: Lycée Professionnel Hôtelier d’Abidjan
- Kenya: Thika College of Banking and Accountancy
- Nigeria: Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Secondary School
- Senegal: École Nationale de Formation Hôtelière et Touristique “Cheikh Amala Sy”
- South Africa: Unicom Agricultural Secondary School
- Tunisia: Lycée Agricole de Thibar Project Goals
Project Goals
OVERSTEP aimed to establish a sustainable educational and vocational training environment that meets modern labour market demands in both Europe and Africa. To achieve this, the project facilitated 431 transnational mobilities, encompassing missions and partnership meetings. Participants included 76 recent graduates, 93 students, 37 African accompanying teachers, 89 African staff from 10 African countries (Benin, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia), and 66 European educators (from France, Italy, and Spain). This rich exchange fostered best practices across continents.
Key Outputs and Strategic Guides
The project delivered four core dossiers designed for global adoption:
- Competence-Based Curriculum Development: A framework guiding schools to design practical curricula aligned with labour market needs.
- Strategic School Plan: A comprehensive approach to long-term educational planning.
- Roadmap to Work-Based Learning: A model integrating vocational education with on-the-job training to bridge theory and practice.
- Integrating Mobility in VET: A toolkit for implementing global mobility programmes, offering strategies for international collaboration, curriculum alignment, and cross-cultural preparation.
These tools enhance student employability and promote the mutual recognition of skills across borders.
A Lasting Legacy
As OVERSTEP concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of collaboration and an empowered network of educators and students across Europe and Africa. The project has bridged skill development and cultural exchange, setting a precedent for future international educational initiatives. By aligning education with modern labour market needs, OVERSTEP has equipped participants with practical skills, opening doors to personal and professional growth. This initiative exemplifies how cross-continental partnerships drive sustainable progress. As its methodologies inspire future programmes, OVERSTEP stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when nations unite to invest in human potential, fostering an inclusive and skilled global workforce ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
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Author of the article: Simona Puddu and Giada Migliaccio
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