In Lebanon, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) faces a persistent challenge: stereotypes that undervalue its potential. Yet, transforming these narratives is critical to addressing youth unemployment and meeting labor market demands. How do you change perceptions of something so vital yet so often undervalued?
This was the central question of a recent workshop facilitated by Dr. Amrita Das from Vrije Universiteit’s Centre of Teaching and Learning (CTL). The session brought together educators and policymakers to address the stigma surrounding TVET. Through interactive activities, participants explored how rewriting narratives can reshape public perceptions and identified practical strategies to position TVET as a pathway to opportunity and innovation.
Key takeaways included the power of sharing graduate success stories, engaging communities through open events, and crafting consistent, positive messaging across platforms. Participants left equipped with actionable tools to rewrite TVET’s story and unlock its potential to empower youth and drive Lebanon’s economic growth.
Rewriting the Script
The workshop focused on actionable change. In one exercise, small groups analyzed barriers facing TVET—such as limited resources and quality management challenges—while uncovering hidden strengths and untold success stories. These narratives are waiting to inspire.
Next came crafting those stories, with ideas like:
- Humanizing Success: Video campaigns featuring thriving TVET graduates.
- Engaging Communities: Showcasing TVET’s impact on families and businesses.
- Leveraging Data: Sharing employment stats and economic benefits of vocational training.
Changing a narrative is no small task—it requires persistence, creativity, and collaboration. But as participants left with plans to launch storytelling campaigns, the seeds of change were unmistakably planted. TVET in Lebanon isn’t a second-best option. It’s a first-class opportunity to empower the next generation, fuel the economy, and reshape the nation’s future. And it all begins with a story.
VU values this cooperation to foster global knowledge exchange and address pressing challenges collaboratively. By supporting initiatives like these, VU reinforces its commitment to advancing equitable education and empowering communities worldwide.
