CircuWasteVETAfrica proudly marks the successful completion of its Train-the-Trainers programme, which brought together Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainers from Ghana, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Angola. The initiative strengthened trainers’ capacity to integrate circular economy principles and entrepreneurial thinking into vocational education.
The programme consisted of a 100-hour blended learning course, combining live online sessions, self-paced digital modules, and practical assignments. Participants explored a wide range of topics, including innovative teaching methodologies, circular waste management skills, sustainable business models, micro-entrepreneurship, innovation, and public–private partnerships.
All training materials, developed in English and Portuguese, are available on the Smart Step e-learning platform, ensuring long-term accessibility and enabling further dissemination among TVET institutions and learners.
Graduation Ceremonies and Final Workshops Across Three Countries
In December 2025, CircuWasteVETAfrica partners, VIS Angola, Presbyterian Relief Services and Development (Ghana), and the Centro de Formação Profissional de São Tomé e Príncipe, organised the final workshops, followed by graduation ceremonies celebrating the achievements of the trainers.
In Ghana, Mr Anthony Sarkodie Amankwah, Vice Principal of the Ramseyer Technical Institute in Kumasi, highlighted that the newly acquired knowledge has already been integrated into the institute’s TVET programmes. Trainers in fashion design, electrical installation, and building construction are now better equipped to address how production-related waste can be reused, recycled, or repurposed. “The aim is to foster responsible attitudes towards waste management and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment for future generations,” he noted.
The ceremony in São Tomé and Príncipe was held in the presence of Dr Jourcerli Tiny dos Ramos, Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, and Dr Didier Castelo David, Director of the Cooperation and Partnerships Office. During the event, Milton Lima, Director of the Centro de Formação Profissional de Budo-Budo, emphasised the programme’s impact on youth empowerment: “This initiative enables our trainers to inspire young people to view the circular economy and waste management not only as environmental challenges, but also as opportunities to develop entrepreneurial ventures.”
Strong Validation and Trainers Feedback
A validation assessment conducted by CNOS-FAP confirmed a high level of satisfaction among participants. Trainers reported that the programme content was both relevant and effective, particularly praising its structure and practical orientation. Many also highlighted the value of collaboration and recommended expanding peer-learning components in future editions. Reflecting on the experience, Cenì Dos Santos, a trainer from Angola, shared: “What stood out most for me was the responsibility of carrying this knowledge forward and sharing it through sustainable, context-specific projects. The circular economy is part of everyday life—we just need to recognise the waste materials around us and put them to productive use.”
Looking Ahead: Launch of the Learners’ Pilot Programme
Building on the success of the Train-the-Trainers phase, CircuWasteVETAfrica is entering an exciting new stage. In January 2026, the project will open the recruitment of 150 students across the three partner countries to participate in the pilot learners’ programme, further expanding circular economy skills within Africa’s TVET sector.
