MS evaluation: Vocational training does not do the trick

MS’ chairperson questions the value of the organisation supporting vocational schools. The link to democratisation has to be strengthened, he says

By Mai Rasmussen, information officer

Buy 100 hammers or 100 sowing machines for a vocational school. The immediate effect is that the students learn a vocational skill and become able to produce, thus earn a living. But will the purchases ever address the root causes of poverty?

Following the recent debate of MS’ activities and performance, the organisation’s chairman questions whether support to vocational training is a valid way of reaching the overall goal of poverty eradication.

“It takes a lot more. The link between poverty reduction and democratisation must be strong in each and every case. MS Uganda should not necessarily skip the partner organisations involved in vocational training. But when reviewing a partnership, the link to democratisation should be considered. If it is not strong, then that could very well be the reason for not extending the co-operation”, says Bent Nicolajsen.

The critical view on the value of vocational training goes hand in hand with the chairman’s overall vision for MS’ future: The organisation should act politically and be popularly rooted, and it should have a clear focus on south issues.

According to the chairman, the core issue is the above-mentioned link between poverty reduction and democratisation. In other words: How MS can contribute to giving every human being the opportunity for influencing his or her community and situation.

“It is very clear that we need to prioritise how we use our resources. Focus should be on democratisation. Other areas like the ethnic minorities in Denmark and maybe even youth exchange should be played down”, says Bent Nicolajsen.