VUT International Relations & Advancement Manager to explore how things are done in the United States of America
VUT International Relations & Advancement Manager to explore how things are done in the United States of America
Siyabonga Kohli, International Relations & Advancement Manager
Qhawekazi Memani
Siyabonga Kohli, International Relations & Advancement Manager, has been nominated by the United States Department of State to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the United States of America themed ‘Post-Secondary Workforce Development’ that will be held from 29 October to 17 November 2017.
He will be among 14 currents and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of field. The other 13 participants come from Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, India, Liberia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
The objectives of the project are to explore the role of government, business and the academic community in promoting workforce development; highlight public private partnerships and collaboration among community colleges, vocational schools, four year academic institutions and the business community; analyse the US higher education model and the ways in which it provides greater access to higher education and ensures students have the essential skills needed for careers in the 21st century, and examine best practices and new technology in classroom instruction, experiential learning, internship programmes, continuing education and professional development.
Furthermore, the project will examine the important role vocational education plays in providing Americans with training and skills tailored to fit targeted employment needs. This project supports the Department’s strategic goal of enhancing education and supporting democracy through an educated public. While the majority of employment opportunities in the United States do not require an undergraduate or graduate degree, they do require evolving skills sets.
The participants will consider the history and evolution of community colleges and trade schools and how faculty and administrators adapt the curriculum to the economy’s present and forecast needs. They will meet with students and also businesses that offer student internship opportunities or employ them upon graduation. They will also explore administration’s commitment to increased investment in lifelong learning for older adults.
His city stops as well as the other participants will be in four states: Washington, DC; Cincinnati, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon.
