Abstract:

Agricultural vocational training and education in Angola was highly affected by armed conflict lasting for almost four decades. The colonial schools were closed and qualified teachers left to neighbouring countries. After the ceasefire in 2002 the country has started its rehabilitation. The reform of vocational education was issued in 2006. Since that six new agricultural training schools have been established and one colonial school reopened. However, severe obstacles impede the best performance of the schools. The aim of this study was to comparatively analyse the situation of practical education at agricultural training schools in the period 2006 - 2009. Five evaluation parameters were set up such as offered study courses, number of specialized facilities for practical education, number of teaching units of practical lessons, availability and quality of didactical material and teaching aids and number of excursions. Further, the study aimed at identifying the principle weaknesses and opportunities for future development of practical agricultural vocational education. The research was based on the questionnaire survey with students (n= 520), personal interview with management of the schools and teachers (n=32) and 20 focused group discussion with students at all seven operating schools. Our findings revealed the significant difference between quality of practical education in the former colonial school and new established ones. All schools are lacking qualified Angolan teachers in terms of expertise as well as pedagogical competencies, appropriate and functional facilities and not certain budget allocation. The opportunities lie in strengthening teachers’ capacities through on-going trainings and networking; equipping workplace for practical training and supporting practical education via increasing number of lessons and excursions.

Keywords:

Vocational education, students, teachers, practical facilities, comparative analysis.