The SuRE Program, funded by a grant from the US Embassy in Gaborone, is designed to develop the institutional and human capacity of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MESD), the Vocational Schools, and the Brigades by implementing a curriculum development and training of the trainers at the Brigades level in collaboration with the MESD Department of Skills Development, BA ISAGO, and BUIST. There will be four engagements by the FIU team: (1) the first will be the development of the curriculum in close collaboration with the above-mentioned partners; (2) a period of online interactions to give time to the MESD to finalize the approved curriculum; (3) the second in-person engagement with take place in three locations (Gaborone, Palapye, and Maun) to train the trainers from the Brigades; (4) workshop, with relevant stakeholders, geared to address the Brigades teaching staff capacity building and how to enhance their knowledge and skills in renewable and sustainable energy technology and management; (5) study tour to Miami by four Brigade representatives and one MESD representative; (6) online virtual follow-up with the MESD and other stakeholders.
The proposed program will focus on three objectives as described below:
- Objective 1: Technical assistance in curriculum development and alignment of the Learning Program to the Qualifications for Certificate Level III, IV, and V in sustainable and renewable energy technology and management at Brigades.
- Objective 2: Teacher training at the Brigades on the appropriate teaching pedagogies and assessment strategies in sustainable and renewable energy technology and management thus gaining global perspectives from experienced academics and professionals.
- Objectives 3: The promotion and facilitation of university partnerships to promote capacity building and the retooling of teaching staff at the Brigades on theoretical and practical aspects of renewable and sustainable energy technology and management to enhance their knowledge and skills in this field.
Some of the activities that have taken place so far include:
- A visit to FIU by Dean Branko Cavric, Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment, Arts, and Science at BA ISAGO, Gaborone, Botswana. The purpose of the visit by Dean Cravic was for him to familiarize himself with FIU and its programs. Hosted by Dr. Boukerrou during his visit, Dean Cravic met with faculty and administrators in the College of Engineering and Computing, FIU Global, and the Office of Global Learning Initiatives. For the photo gallery of the visit please click here.