Seminar Highlights and Site Visits
The two-day event, themed “Strengthening TVET Partnerships for Sustainable Skills Development,” featured keynote speeches, interactive breakout sessions, and panel discussions on topics ranging from pedagogical capacity to sustainability and innovative teaching methods. Participants had the opportunity to hear about the results of various subprojects, exchange ideas, and network with colleagues—many meeting their Finnish partners from other subprojects face-to-face for the first time.
Although our own subproject had already concluded (details available in previous posts), the seminar was a fantastic opportunity to learn from others and gain new perspectives on collaborative vocational education. The program also included visits to local institutions, offering valuable insights into the practical realities and successes of TVET in Kenya.
Sustaining the Network After the Project
While the official project period for us (February 2024–November 2025) is coming to an end, the most important outcome is the vibrant collaboration network we have built—both in Finland and Kenya. The question now is: how can we maintain and leverage these connections for future impact?
Our team is committed to keeping the conversation alive. We continue to share experiences and ideas in our WhatsApp group with Kenyan trainers, ensuring that the spirit of partnership endures. In addition, we have agreed to hold a voluntary Zoom meeting with our Kenyan partners in the spring, providing a platform for ongoing dialogue and mutual support.
The cooperation between TAMK and Finn Church Aid (Kirkon ulkomaanapu) has been particularly smooth and fruitful, and we look forward to exploring new ways to work together in the future.
Looking Ahead
It’s important to remember that true collaboration is built by people, not organizations. While official partnerships and agreements provide a framework, it is the commitment, enthusiasm, and trust between individuals that make cooperation meaningful and sustainable.
The connections formed during this project—through shared experiences, open dialogue, and mutual respect—are the real foundation for future success. By continuing to nurture these personal relationships, we ensure that the spirit of partnership lives on, regardless of formal project boundaries.
Links to previous posts:
Written by: Ville Palkinen
