1. Training modules and literature:

1. Accessible on ACQF website at the following pages:

   • ACQF Training Modules and Handbooks
   • Thematic Briefs
   • Capacity Development Programme: all materials, videos, case studies.
   • Other useful resources: International literature

2. Context and rationale

The government of Sierra Leone and the key stakeholders are determined to develop a contextualized and effective National Qualifications Framework (NQF), comprehensive and inclusive of all levels and types of qualifications and able to deliver on the objectives of quality, transparency and portability of skills and qualifications for lifelong learning, employability, social justice, and contributing to the green and digital transformation.

The NQF development process, carried out by parallel projects in Higher education and in TVET, has reached in 2023-2024 a fundamental crossroad, when all institutions and partners are ready to rethink the way forward and take the required steps to agree the scope, principles, structure, and governance of this important policy instrument.

To this end the new NQF concept document was drafted in 2024, with support of international consultants in the context of the World Bank project. This draft document will guide the development of the legal basis and implementation steps of the NQF. NCTVA and the stakeholders conduct consultations meetings with key stakeholders across the country.

The national institutions agree to the importance of capacity development on NQF-related content, seen as an indispensable premise for national ownership and leadership of the NQF development process. This new phase builds on the lessons learned from the first NQF reflection phase, on the African experiences shared in the ACQF context, and the new national debate around the revised roadmap for the NQF Technical Commission.

This organisation of this Capacity Development Programme with a country-specific focus and objectives is a result of this growing collaboration. ACQF-II project contributes with the expertise, (trainers and experts), the knowledge base (ACQF Training Modules, Technical Notes and Thematic Briefs) and the networking possibilities with other countries and institutions. Sierra Leone organises the two workshops according to national orientations and with support of GIZ and the World Bank. This combination of resources for a common objective is a token of mutual trust between ACQF-II and the national NQF institutions and stakeholders.

3. Capacity development program 2023-2024

The combination of themes on the agenda of the program reflects the preliminary exchanges of ACQF-II coordination with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the NCTVA. The themes are proposed in the technical note “Draft SLNQF Stages and Activities”, shared in October 2023 by NCTVA.

Main features of the SLNQF Capacity Development Program

• Objectives and outcomes
  1. Introduction and deepening on the concepts, implementation methods and instruments and practices related to NQF in a systemic view. The themes of this Program are listed below.
  2. Application and debate: brainstorming and strategic reflection on the NQF for Sierra Leone.
  3. The agenda combines key thematic presentations with discussion, practical exercises, and contextualised application. Participation certificates will be awarded to participants who complete the program.
• Duration and schedule
  1. Duration: two weeks
     • Part I: week of 27/Nov 2023. This workshop was shortened to 3 days, in adaptation to the special political situation.
     • Part II: 22-24 May 2024

Trainers from ACQF-II team: Eduarda Castel-Branco (onsite); James Mwewa (online)