More than 300 technical and vocational educators from over 15 institutions across Zambia have enrolled in a national training programme on blended delivery of Technical Education and Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET), developed with support from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL). The initiative, grounded in Zambia’s national Open Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL) standards, marks a major step in institutionalising blended learning in the country’s TEVET sector.
The Technical and Vocational Teachers’ College (TVTC), in collaboration with COL, recently commenced a training programme aimed at strengthening skills training in Zambia. This initiative seeks to equip pre-service and in-service TEVET educators with digital and blended provision capabilities and empower them to spearhead initiatives that foster the adoption of blended learning within their institutions.
The Planning for Blended Delivery of TVET (PBDT) programme commenced with training sessions at TVTC on accreditation of ODFL programmes and training centres, which were facilitated by state officers from Zambia’s TEVET Authority (TEVETA) and the Ministry of Technology & Science (MoTS). During the opening event, Mrs Phyllis Kasonkomona, Director of Research and Development at TEVETA, emphasised the importance of quality assurance in ensuring the success of blended learning initiatives. She said, “The process of accrediting ODFL programmes, trainers, and centres is a cornerstone for fostering inclusive and accessible education across Zambia.” Similar training sessions were held at Solwezi Trades Training Institute, St Mawaggalli Trades Training Institute, Northern Technical College, and Zambia University College of Technology.
Implementing a training module on the Blended Delivery of TEVET (BDT) began in April 2025, with more than 300 in-service educators from over 15 TEVET institutions across Zambia already enrolled. The competency-based training module was developed through support from COL to support the development of TEVET trainers’ digital and blended delivery skills. It is based on the Teacher Skills Required for Blended TVET: Analysis and Guidelines, the Digital and Professional Teacher Competency Standards for Blended TVET, and Zambia’s national Open Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL) Standards.
Over ten course trainers and six master trainers at TVTC are set to facilitate the BDT training. Ms Twaambo Chiinza, one of the master trainers, said, “This marks a key milestone in Zambia’s efforts to institutionalise blended learning methodologies, showcasing the dedication of COL, MoTS, TEVETA, TVTC, and other stakeholders to achieve inclusive, high-quality education outcomes.”
The PBDT programme aims to drive transformational change to increase access to quality and standardised TEVET for all, thus improving sustainable livelihoods for learners. Mr Robert Okinda, COL’s Adviser: Skills, stated, “Through a policy and collaborative practice approach for blended TEVET, ministries and TEVET regulators oversee the quality and standards of blended learning at TEVET institutions in alignment with national policies and strategies.
