Window VI – TVET and Skills Innovation

Overview

Window VI addresses The Gambia's critical shortage of technically skilled workers by funding innovation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It supports TVET institutions — primarily through collaboration with the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA) and the National Food and Agricultural Training Institute (NAFTI) — to develop new curricula, adopt modern teaching approaches, forge industry partnerships, and produce graduates equipped for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Eligible Activities

• Development and piloting of new TVET curricula for emerging occupational areas
• Competency-based training (CBT) curriculum redesign for traditional trades
• Industry-attached apprenticeship and work-integrated learning programmes
• Upgrading of TVET workshop equipment and training materials
• Digital and ICT skills integration into existing TVET programmes
• Female participation programmes in traditionally male-dominated technical fields
• Instructor professionalisation and industry exchange programmes
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) systems and micro-credentialing

Industry Linkage Requirement

All Window VI proposals must include a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or formal partnership agreement with at least one private sector employer who will provide work placements, internships, or practical training opportunities for TVET students. This requirement reflects NRIF's commitment to ensuring that TVET investment produces industry-relevant graduates rather than qualifications without market value.

Accreditation Pathway

New curricula developed under this window must have a documented pathway to formal accreditation by NAQAA. NRIF will support grantees to engage with the accreditation process, but applications must demonstrate awareness of the requirements and include a timeline for accreditation.

Eligible Lead Applicants

• TVET institutions accredited or registered with NAQAA in The Gambia
• NAFTI and institutions operating under its framework
• Government agencies with a TVET mandate (e.g., Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology; Ministry of Agriculture)
• Industry associations or chambers of commerce with an active TVET partnership

Partnership Requirements

• At least one private sector employer partner must co-sign the application and commit to providing industrial attachment or work-based learning opportunities
• Proposals involving multiple TVET institutions in a consortium are strongly encouraged

Conditions

• New curricula must have a documented pathway to NAQAA accreditation
• Female participation in traditionally male-dominated fields must be actively promoted with targets of at least 30% female enrolment
• Proposals focused purely on infrastructure without a curriculum or training innovation component should apply under Window III