Internationalising Higher Education

This project aims to address the training gap in trade unions in Sierra Leone for employability skills by developing an accredited training programme that delivers English language knowledge and skills for union representatives in an African trade union context. The training programme is designed and delivered jointly by local trade union officials and staff from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone to ensure that the programme meets local employability needs. The matching of English literacy and skills is central to supporting employment in the occupations and sectors that must grow to underpin the development of Sierra Leone. The modular programme directly addresses English language employability skills, adds value to existing union activity and supports sustainable development beyond the project through embedding accredited training in the University. The Sierra Leone Labour Congress is a significant project partner with unique access to its own staff and its membership, with excellent experience of delivering training. Enhancing language skills through this process will have a direct impact on employability both through engagement with policy development as well as more straightforward skills enhancement. The training programme can also provide a stepping stone onto more formal undergraduate and post graduate programmes.