Khartoum: UNESCO launched the first consultative workshop for preparing a fisheries and fish farming curriculum for technical education schools in the Red Sea State, on Sunday in Port Sudan. This initiative is part of UNESCO’s efforts to support curriculum development and align technical education with community needs and the labor market.
According to Sudan News Agency, the workshop was held in collaboration with the Red Sea University – Faculty of Marine Sciences, with participation from traditional fishermen, civil society representatives, teachers, and fisheries researchers. Dr. Amjad Ginawi, Dean of the Faculty of Marine Sciences, noted that the workshop provided a platform for discussing challenges and opportunities, contributing to the foundation of a training curriculum that connects the industrial school with the Faculty of Marine Sciences. This aims to graduate qualified individuals who will contribute to the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
Wael Mustafa, the Technical Education Officer at the UNESCO-Sudan Office, stated that the workshop is part of a broader plan to develop the technical education sector in Sudan. By integrating food security and marine resource issues into educational curricula, the initiative seeks to enhance youth opportunities to acquire professional skills relevant to the local economy.
Issa Eisayeeb, Mayor of the Dongonab area, highlighted the significance of training local cadres and improving traditional fishing techniques. He called for support from governmental and organizational bodies to tackle challenges related to financing, fuel, and refrigeration. Sheima Omar from the Marine Fisheries Administration pointed out that discussions focused on fish farming and its obstacles, emphasizing cooperation between fisherpersons and academic institutions for optimal marine resource utilization.
Participants concluded the workshop by affirming continued cooperation between UNESCO and local partners to achieve sustainable development and maximize the benefits of the marine fishing sector in the Red Sea State.