Vocational Education in Developing CountriesMar 02


Vocational Education in Developing Countries

On a previous GCG conversation, GCG discussed the implementation and implications of the OLPC program (low cost computers) in developing countries. In the information technology age, it is natural to view the topic of “education” from a tech-savvy vantage point.

Does a sophisticated medium like a computer help address the immediate issues that many developing worlds face (food shortage, clean water, and rustic infrastructure)? Is it possible that vocational education (apprenticeship) complimented by modern day methodologies and resources is a more effective way to raise developing nations from extreme poverty?


One innovative example of vocational educational in third world countries resides in aquaculture development. Aquaculture is an initiative designed to bring protein rich Tilapia to economically weak and rural parts of Africa. NGOs will donate the necessary resources, and spend several weeks training “farmers” in those methods needed to sustain the facility. 0Ideally, the fish provide the community with both a sustainable food source, as well as an economic currency with which to barter.

GCG guiding questions included, does technology address the most serious issues facing the most impoverished countries and is vocational education a more effective substitute; does vocational education demand too much up-front capital (volunteer’s onsite presence and time); and can we identify other educational vehicles besides technology and vocational education?

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