The Honourable Grace Chiumia, M.P., Minister of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development, launched new Codes of Conduct for TEVET instructors, administrative staff, and trainees at the opening of a two-day forum for over 60 principals of government TEVET institutions in Lilongwe on the 10th December.  The ministry chose the International Day for Human Rights and the last day of the 16 days campaign to end gender based violence to launch the new Codes of Conduct as they have been designed to promote a safe, respectful and professional learning environment in TEVET institutions and protect the rights of women and men who work or train at the institutions.

The Codes of Conduct provide clear guidelines to TEVET staff and trainees on how to conduct themselves in an ethical, respectful and professional manner at the institutions. They are fully aligned with the Gender Equality Act of 2013 and aim to prevent gender based violence in the institutions by specifically prohibiting sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment committed by or against any staff or trainees. The Codes of Conduct will be introduced to all government TEVET institutions and all staff and trainees will be expected to read, sign and abide by the Codes of Conduct.

The two-day TEVET principals’ forum has been established to facilitate discussion, networking and the sharing of best practices between TEVET institutions.  Over 60 TEVET college principals and vice-principals attended the forum and heard presentations from the the Ministry, the STEP programme team and technical education specialists.  The Minister told the principals, “when you take a person from zero to having the skills to build a building it is not easy, so I thank you for this. You are doing a great job for your country. As your Minister, I am very proud of you.”

 The Code of Conduct and the principal’s forum have been produced and organised by the European Union (EU) funded STEP Programme in partnership with the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) and the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development.