Idea of a Regional Qualifications Framework Gets Closer
  A SADC regional qualification framework can among other things assist in the recognition of competencies of people who have skills but no paper qualifications and thus offer flexibility, diversity and recovery from dead-end situations resulting from a rigid qualification system.

Officially opening a three day SADC Regional Qualifications Framework Development meeting in Maseru on March 14, Minister of Education and Training, Mr Mohlabi Tsekoa said the integration of Southern African Development Community economies depends on the improvement of the
standard of education.

The establishment of the RQFwill enable equivalence and recognition of educational certificates within the region. With similar educational qualifications, the region will truly be integrated towards a better future.

The Minister said he hoped that each member state has already developed its national qualification framework, which will form a prelude to the regional one. "(The RQF) will allow for comparability, portability, linkages and thereby multiple pathways to learning within our region," he said.

The meeting is attended by senior education officials representing SADC members states.

14 March 2005

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