Between November 21 and 26, 2023, San Salvador, El Salvador, hosted the third training mobility of the VET Pact project. Organized by Fundación Salvadoreña Para La Promoción Social Y El Desarrollo Económico (FUNSALPRODESE), the training brought together five educators from each of the six partner countries (Argentina, Columbia, El Salvador, Hungary, Romania and Spain) and focused on enhancing the transformative learning methodologies within vocational education and training (VET). A key element of the training was career guidance, supporting educators in developing effective tools to guide students in their professional paths. Additionally, communication in English, sustainability aspects, and innovative teaching methodologies were explored.
The first day began with an introduction session, where participants got to know each other, discussed the progress of the VET Pact project, and reviewed the schedule for the week. This was followed by a session on “Empowering Democratic Discussions and Critical Thinking,” which provided tools for educators to foster open and inclusive debates in their classrooms. The day concluded with a visit to FUNSALPRODESE, where participants learned about its educational initiatives and impact on local communities.
The morning sessions focused on developing an entrepreneurial mindset, with a workshop titled “Your Entrepreneurial Spirit,” encouraging participants to explore innovative ideas for vocational education. The afternoon was dedicated to transformative learning, where attendees discussed techniques for fostering creativity and critical thinking among students. The evening ended with a cultural night, allowing participants to experience Salvadoran traditions and cuisine.
The third day introduced the concept of social impact in vocational education. Participants worked on “Your Social Impact Idea,” a session designed to help educators integrate social responsibility into their teaching practices. The afternoon focused on communication, particularly the importance of adapting messages to different audiences. A philosophical enquiry session encouraged deep discussions on the role of ethics and values in education.
Career guidance was the central theme of the morning session on day four, equipping participants with strategies to support students in their professional development. In the afternoon, a workshop on sustainability and green aspects in education highlighted the importance of environmentally conscious teaching practices. The day concluded with cultural visits in San Salvador, allowing participants to explore the city’s rich history and heritage.
The final full day included a coordination meeting among project partners, discussing the progress of the curriculum and testing some of its components. This session provided an opportunity to refine materials based on participant feedback. The training concluded with an evaluation session, where educators reflected on their learning experiences and shared key takeaways.
After an intensive and enriching week, participants departed, carrying valuable insights and new strategies to implement in their own VET institutions.
