Education Trends, Norms and Development.

Overview & Synopsis

The impact of globalization on vocational-technical education (VTE) and human resource development (HRD) in Sudan was examined. Special attention was paid to the following issues: the purpose of education in the 21st century; learning for the workplace; national culture and technological advances; the globalization of education; education and quality control; and future challenges for educational institutions. The following were among the nine recommendations offered to individuals interested in improving VTE and HRD in Sudan: (1) develop closer bilateral agreements between national, regional, and international institutions to facilitate education, enhance independent learning, transfer and exchange technology, and meet the challenge of globalization; (2) strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and industry to maximize use of available resources; (3) launch investment programs in education to compete in the technological market and world trade; (4) establish councils of professional and technological education to set targets and strategic education policies, promote national training, and develop links between educational institutions at all levels and industry; (5) emphasize national language to protect culture, ethnic roots, and Islamic values; (6) increase emphasis on opening competent polytechnics and VTE institutions to meet business and industry training needs; and (7) stress advances through research to enlighten and strengthen policy, practice, and experience. (MN)