The Power of Vocational Skills in Developing a Resilient Mindset for Endurance in Times of Crisis
Why do experienced refugees with vocational skills manage to navigate times of crisis such as war, displacement, and economic turmoil with more flexibility than academics? This is a question posed by many host countries that have witnessed consecutive years of political unrest resulting in vast numbers of refugees in the region.
Refugees face immense challenges as they strive to rebuild their lives in often unfamiliar and hostile environments. Amidst these hardships, individuals with professional skills emerge as resilient survivors, possessing flexibility and adaptability, often with better opportunities than their counterparts with academic backgrounds waiting for employment.
This article explores the unique advantages obtained by technical skills for refugees in times of crisis and highlights the valuable contributions they make to their communities and host countries.
While acknowledging the significance of academic pathways, it is discernible that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) often presents a perceived ease of attainment in comparison. Professional skills acquired through practical training are immediately applicable across a wide range of industries and sectors; from construction and electrical work to beauty and hospitality, etc. Individuals with vocational experience, of both genders, proved their ability to contribute meaningfully to infrastructure projects, housing initiatives, and disaster relief efforts. The demand for their skills increases during times of crisis, enabling them to secure employment opportunities and provide income for themselves and their families.
In today’s world, TVET programs are reaching new heights, captivating students from all walks of life. This expansion across various specializations mirrors a global commitment to capacity building. Through future-oriented developed vocational education systems, those programs are not just meeting international standards; but setting the bar higher in every domain.
These skills grant individuals flexibility, resourcefulness, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Vocational training instills a strong sense of adaptability in individuals and empowers them to face diverse challenges and overcome obstacles with creativity and ingenuity. Whether for repairing essential infrastructure, building temporary shelters, or providing basic services, individuals with professional skills demonstrate resilience and flexibility in the face of adversity. Their problem-solving abilities and innovation enable them to navigate complex environments and find practical solutions to pressing problems.
Vocational education is generally less costly compared to academic education and offers a quicker return on investment, making it an ideal career path for many. It is accessible to all segments of society in terms of affordability and accessibility; unlike academic specializations that often require formal education and intensive financial investment, professional skills are available to a wide range of individuals, including those from marginalized and deprived backgrounds. Vocational training programs are typically shorter in duration, affordable, and easily accessible in both formal and informal settings, making them accessible to whoever seeking to acquire marketable skills and improve their livelihoods. This accessibility ensures that individuals with professional experience can quickly adapt to changing conditions and find employment opportunities in various sectors.
Undoubtedly, TVET programs are an integral part of cultural integration in all societies as they cover the basic needs of any society regardless of its circumstances and capabilities. Individuals with vocational inclinations who have had access to advanced educational opportunities can leverage their knowledge of materials, technologies, and modern applications to contribute to community development initiatives, promote sustainable practices, and enhance cultural integration. Through active engagement with local communities and exchanging their skills and knowledge, individuals with professional backgrounds proved themselves as valuable assets and trusted partners in development and reconstruction efforts.
In the face of rising unemployment rates, professional skills empower individuals to generate individual income, build livelihoods, and achieve economic self-sufficiency without the need for employment, which is evident in the reduced reliance of skilled refugee artisans on external aid and their increased resilience in the long term. By leveraging their experiences to start businesses, provide essential services, or engage in entrepreneurship, skilled refugee artisans create opportunities for themselves and their families to thrive independently. Their contributions to local economies stimulate growth, create job opportunities, drive sustainable development, and lay the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future.
In conclusion, individuals with professional skills possess unique advantages that enable them to succeed individually; their immediate practical competencies, adaptability, easy access to international training programs, local significance, and economic empowerment distinguish them as valuable contributors to any society they find themselves in. By recognizing the potential of professional skills and supporting them, we can open up more empowerment opportunities for vocational education as an effective tool for enhancing professional resilience and achieving sustainable development.
