VETA AWARDS 26 VSOMO APP STUDENTS

• Vocation learning powered by Airtel Tanzania

The Vocational Educational and Training Authority (VETA) has handed over certificates to 26 students who have completed courses on vocational skills through VSOMO application.

The students who received the certificates are from VETA Kipawa (18) and 8 from Mwanza VETA center

VSOMO is an e-learning programme which is a partnership between Airtel Tanzania and VETA, which was introduced in May 2016 with the aim of ensuring more youths get vocational training and later get employed or employ themselves.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, VETA Kipawa Principal Sospeter Dickson Mkasanga applauded Airtel for the partnership in implementing ” VSOMO app” which has enabled students to acquire vocational training courses of their choice anywhere, anytime through their mobile phones.

The principal also congratulated the youth who had chosen to made good use of their phones for a good course as they have achieved something great that will help them in their lives thanks to Airtel Tanzania.

He said VSOMO application aims at widening VETA footprint to offer vocational studies to communities across the country, which complements the government approach in providing education to all especially people who live in marginalized community.

‘So far a total of 105 students have already completed their studies through the VSOMO App and among them, 36 are carrying out practical sessions in different VETA centers in the country. The 26 who we are awarding today completed their practical sessions last month. To us VETA, this is a big milestone as we aim at ensuring many Tanzanians acquire vocational skills.

Mkasanga added that the online vocational course has led to an increase in the number of students who have been registering themselves and requesting for special tailor made courses to meet their requirements.

“We have seen number of downloads and registered students increasing every day. Today’s graduation ceremony confirms that it is equally important to use alternative channels such as online learning module to achieve our goals and objectives, I therefore encourage other institutions to make use of mobile technology and increase our efficiency levels,” he said.

The Airtel Tanzania Communications Director, Beatrice Singano Mallya said” Airtel through Airtel Fursa program is proud to witness community services being imparted through use of mobile technology. Our aim is to empower youth economically through various initiatives that uplifts their skills to compete in the self-employment or labor market. We believe VSOMO will attract more youth to undertake vocational courses, produce quite a good number of skillful labor and revolutionized education sector in the country” she said.

The Director further said “Airtel will continue to collaborate with VETA and other institutions to ensure we use mobile technology to solve various challenges and contribute to community economic wellbeing and that of the country at large.”

VSOMO App offers 13 courses which include, Motorcycle Mechanics, Electrical Installation, Mobile Phone Technician, Cosmetology, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Aluminum and Upvc Architectural Structure, Cake Baking and Decoration, Catering and Food Service Techniques, PC Maintenance, Industrial Electrical Installation, Domestic Plumbing and Auto-electric.