Project synthesis

ITEC, one of the leading non-governmental organisations in the Eastern Cape Province, has a reputation for providing innovative educational programmes to disadvantaged communities. Their long experience in education in the province has enabled them to have a well-grounded knowledge of the dynamics of the province. This has resulted in their development of Further Education and Training pilot projects.

Strategy/Objectives

ITEC´s overall goal for FET is to contribute towards the establishment of a Further Education and Training System that is dynamic and responsive to the socio-economic developmental needs in the Eastern Cape Province.
Other objectives include:
· To develop and implement senior school FET programmes, particularly the life skills and entrepreneurial components of the FET, using the cluster-based model which will ensure sharing of the limited resources.
§ To develop a process which ensures that the School Management Teams and School Governing Bodies are committed to support, manage and sustain the implementation of the programme.
· To keep schools and districts informed on emerging policy and practice in the implementation of Further Education and Training in schools.

Target group

ITEC targets learners from disadvantaged communities. Potential entrepreneurs are also included in the project.

Activities and Expected Results

Over the next three years the project will impact on four districts in the Eastern Cape. Approximately 7000 learners, School Governing Bodies and educators will benefit from entrepreneurship and counselling skills. Learners will also have a much more informed understanding of the financial aspects of life. Schools will set up entrepreneurship clubs and learners will be encouraged to attend the National Sanlam Business Leaders' Week.

ITEC will assist clusters of schools and Department of Education Development Officers with school development planning to improve learner capacity to acquire relevant work-place and life skills, focusing on equipping Further Education and Training phase learners for the world of work.  ITEC will establish and maintain links with National and Provincial Government Departments, the South African Qualifications Authority, and independent role-players to acquire and share information on FET.

Partner

ITEC works in collaboration with;
·    the departments of Education and Labour. Other NGOs, among them the Eastern Cape NGO Coalition, form part of ITEC´s network.
· tertiary institutions like Border Technikon.
· the private sector, including the Border Chamber of Commerce.

Project duration

This project is for three years, starting from 2002 until 2004.

Funding

ITEC has been SDC´s partner since 1996. Between 1996 and 2001 ITEC has received about R9, 4million from the SDC. For this phase, an amount of R3.2 million have been allocated.

Geographical area

Although ITEC collaborates with other national organisation, it operates mainly in the Eastern Cape province.

Contact address

ITEC
8 Park Avenue
East London 5201
Tel: (043) 743-8333
Fax: (043) 722-9263
E-mail: mail@iteced.co.za