From 20 to 24 April 2026, 29 representatives of these four countries and UNESCO gathered in Seoul, Republic of Korea, for a study visit conference on ‘Connecting Skills, Technologies and Futures’, hosted by Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET). Organized in the context of the UNESCO BEAR III project, the visit brought together policymakers, education leaders, instructors and private sector representatives to exchange experiences and explore innovative approaches to technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
The study visit offered participants an opportunity to engage with the Korean skills development system and explore its design, which is aligned with rapidly changing labour market demands through strong partnerships between training institutions and industry. They also explored approaches to work-based learning, and the integration of innovative solutions and emerging technologies into TVET systems
Collaboration and peer learning were at the core of the exchanges, complemented by experiences drawn from the implementation of the BEAR III Project in all beneficiary countries.
The study visit highlighted that effective TVET systems are not built in isolation but rely on continuous collaboration. Visits to Korean training centres, innovation hubs, and vocational institutions demonstrated how practical learning environments can support both employability and innovation. Participants had the opportunity to directly observe industry-driven training programmes and cooperation models that help align skills development with labour market demands.
During this study visit we were able to see how curricula can continuously evolve to respond to new technologies, digitalization and artificial intelligence. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on how these approaches could be adapted within our own contexts.
Marie-Laure SidibteDeputy-Director of Educational Supervision from the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Côte d’Ivoire
The experience encouraged participants to think beyond traditional classroom models and reflect on how TVET institutions can become centres of innovation, entrepreneurship and community development. It also underscored the relevance of Korea’s experience in strengthening the sectors targeted by the Better Education for Africa’s Rise Project (phase III) and advancing youth employment initiatives in the participants’ countries.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the visit was observing how agricultural training is directly connected to local production and community needs. We saw how locally cultivated crops are further processed and used for school meals, creating practical learning and employment opportunities while supporting development and food systems.
Jasper AkafoNational Coordinator in charge of Agriculture TVET from Ghana TVET Service
The Study Visit Conference provided a valuable forum for exploring how TVET systems can adjust to technological, economic and social changes while continuing to respond to country-specific needs and their local communities. At the same time, it created new opportunities for cross-country cooperation and reinforced a mutual commitment towards equipping young people with relevant, future-oriented skills through quality, inclusive, and industry-responsive TVET systems.
The Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) project is a flagship project dedicated to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Africa. UNESCO has been implementing this project in the continent since 2011, with financial support from the Government of the Republic of Korea. The project is currently implementing its third phase, BEAR III (2023–2027), in four beneficiary countries in West Africa – Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/connecting-skills-technologies-and-futures-bear-iii-study-visit-tvet-republic-korea?hub=701
