Editorial
11 Nov 2011
In this final issue of our quarterly e-Newsletter we give you an overview of the latest developments and updates on the NFP, NPT and NICHE programmes. Look out for the new two-weekly Nuffic Newsletter that will start mid-January.
Dear readers,
I am pleased to send you the final issue of our quarterly e-Newsletter. In January 2012 our newsletter will merge into a general Nuffic e-Newsletter, that will be sent out every two weeks. This means you will receive more news and updates about our programmes, more frequently.
As a current subscriber you need not take any action to start receiving the Nuffic e-Newsletter. Please note that the newsletter will be bilingual (Dutch and English). All articles related to our capacity building programmes will be in English.
Now, on to the contents of this issue.
Changes NICHE country list
In response to the new Dutch development policy, as outlined in the March 2011 Focus letter, there have been some changes in the number of countries that may partecipate in the NICHE programme. In addition, new NICHE projects will increasingly focus on supporting the four policy priorities:
- water
- security and the rule of law
- food security
- sexual and reproductive health and rights
NFP ready for 2012
On 1 November 2011 Scholarships Online (SOL) re-opened for applications for the February 2012 deadline. It marked the start of the NFP year 2012-2013.
Labour market linkages
Our TVET Taskforce invited an external expert, Vin Morar from TSM Business School (University of Twente), to discuss ways to make NICHE projects more responsive to local labour market needs.
Exploring collaborations with the World Bank
On 3 November, tertiary education expert Jamil Salmi, visited Nuffic to present the World Bank's new "Learning for all" strategy and explore ways of possible cooperation between the World Bank and Nuffic.
Project in the spotlight: EUVETA
Elimu ya Ujasiriamali VETA (EUVETA) is one of the first NICHE projects in Tanzania. It focuses on entrepreneurship development in Vocational Education and Training. One year into the four-year project, the second phase of EUVETA is well underway.
Finally, we inform you about the external evaluation of the NPT and NICHE programmes and republish an interview with Ad Boeren about the second Donor Harmonisation Conference, organised by Nuffic and SIU in Bergen, Norway.
I hope you enjoy the read,
Best regards,
Joep Houterman
Director Programme Management
