Learning from the Experts

When you take on the building of a Vocational Training College, you soon find out that, as a GP, you really do know nothing about anything educational.

But when the Ihumure College needs to actually function successfully, you start to ask a few questions like:

• Is there a set Rwandan curriculum for each subject - no
• What equipment will we require in the College - good question - depends on curriculum
• Will business in Kigali employ our students - only if they have very relevant skills
• What are the relevant skills - well that depends on what business needs
• Has anyone done this stuff before - yes - college principles, and the Scottish Government were involved in the Malawi with the same work

So I gave Linda McTavish, principle of Anniesland College a phone, and before I know it I am meeting her, David Loudon from the engineering section, and on Monday, Frieda Loughran from the Adam Smith Institute

What a great team they have, and Linda was brilliant at steering Jean Wilson and I in the right direction.

So when I return from Rwanda, we will possibly have a meeting with a few college principles to discuss some partnering approaches to answer some of these questions.

The photos are for the Rwandan team, and the Workforce Development Agency - so that we can get into discussing details re rooms and equipment. The WDA do the endorsement of the College. They also have requested some help from us in developing curriculum - hence the importance of the Scottish Colleges getting involved. Otherwise a GP and an architect would have to do it, and that spells real disaster!

Many thanks to Anniesland College - Fantastic Group of people and great leadership!

We leave on Thursday for 3 weeks - Kigali Here We Come!