Preface

Close linkages between technical and vocational education and the world of work are of primary importance to the relevance of education for the world of work.

There are many ways to establish such linkages. UNESCO has, within its UNEVOC Project, sponsored a series of studies on existing approaches to cooperation between technical and vocational education institutions and the world of work. These studies have been carried out and published on various countries in Africa, the Arab States, and Europe.

Furthermore, seminars on cooperation between educational institutions and the world of work in technical and vocational education were held for Asian and African participants (Berlin, Germany, 1995; Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 1997).

The present study “School Enterprises: Combining Vocational Learning with Production” is another effort to disseminate information on modalities and experiences on interaction of educational institutions with the world of work.

Two issues have inspired the present study in particular:

· linking the process of technical and vocational education to real work and market situations, and

· self-financing mechanisms for technical and vocational education institutions.

The first aspect relates directly to the mission of technical and vocational education, including the need to incorporate entrepreneurial skills and know-how into vocational programmes. The second aspect is becoming increasingly important as many governments find it difficult to supply their institutions of vocational learning with the funds required for their operation.

The case studies documented in this publication have been identified by the author or through direct communication with selected institutions. Others have been communicated to UNESCO in response to a call for case studies published in issue 10 of the newsletter UNEVOC INFO 10: We wish to thank all those who have contributed by readily supplying documentation.

The study provides insight into features and characteristics of school enterprises of various types and in a variety of environments. Thus others can benefit from their experiences. However, education systems, economic and legal environments as well as political and administrative parameters vary from country to country and even within countries. There may be reservations, e.g., relating to the problem of child labour, or to unfair competition between public or semi-public educational institutions and private enterprise in a market economy. Therefore, tailor-made adaptation is required rather than mere transfer of experience.

Readers are invited to draw their own conclusions from the materials presented.

Hans Krr
Chief
UNESCO-UNEVOC
Implementation Unit Berlin