Atwoli hails gov’t for approving Recognition of Prior Learning framework
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has lauded the government for approving the Recognition of Prior Learning framework.
The framework was approved on Monday, January 15, 2024, during a cabinet meeting held in the State House in Nairobi.
Through the framework, the government will be able to recognise skills and competencies acquired by individuals through non-traditional learning.
"As a workers' rights body, we have, for long time now, advocated for the application of the principle of Recognition of Prior Learning, which acknowledges and values the knowledge, skills and competencies individuals acquire through non-traditional learning pathways," Atwoli stated.
According to the COTU boss, many youths have missed opportunities they deserve for lack of official proof of their skills.
"It's worth noting that many Kenyan youths, despite their outstanding abilities acquired through practical experience, self-study and non-formal educational avenues, often find themselves excluded from opportunities in the formal sector because the system typically prioritizes qualifications from traditional learning pathways," he added.
Atwoli sees breakthrough
Atwoli says the approval of the new policy will act as a breakthrough for youth seeking employment opportunities both in the formal and informal sectors using their skills.
"The move by the Government of Kenya to approve the RPL Framework will ensure that thousands upon thousands of youth, in both formal and informal sectors of the economy, acquire a formal qualification that matches their knowledge and skills, and thereby contribute to improving their employability, mobility, lifelong learning, social inclusion and self-esteem," he added.
Atwoli says the framework is a proven mechanism for recognizing the diverse learning pathways and for harnessing untapped talents.
"COTU (K) calls upon the Law Society of Kenya, in supporting the move by the Government of Kenya to promote RPL, to beseech the courts to drop all charges against Brian Njagi and subject him to the various processes as contained in the guidelines on RPL," Atwoli added.
