Targeted aquaculture vocational training

Summary

An aquaculture vocational training initiative was launched in Xiamen city, Fujian province in order to promote sustainable development and help targeted groups improve their abilities, gain new competencies and lift themselves out of poverty. Over 900 students graduated with junior college diplomas, and 1,250 received nationally recognized certificates. As graduates increased their incomes, 5,600 households lifted themselves out of poverty between 2013 the end of 2018.

Challenge/Problem

Located on the southeast coast of China, Fujian is one of the country’s main provinces for aquaculture. Many of the province’s residents, particularly those who come from Fujian’s mountainous areas, have the resources and enthusiasm to participate in the industry but lack the training to succeed. Outside of large-scale enterprises, the province’s aquaculturalists have often been unable to implement updated farming techniques, management strategies or business models. The aquaculturists also tend to lack comprehensive education, a pattern correlated with poverty and low incomes.

Solution

The Fujian government is providing aquaculture training programs for poor farmers in Xiamen who are engaged in or interested in aquaculture. Xiamen Ocean Vocational College designed the curricula, which include marketing and management education, and the government subsidizes students’ attendance. People who are already engaged in aquaculture are prioritized, and any extra slots in the programs are made available to people from 23 counties in Fujian, where poverty rates high.

Two programs were designed in order to address the varying needs and backgrounds of students. The Seed Program was designed for applicants who do not have a background in aquaculture and mostly focuses on technical training. In the Spark Program, marketing and management are taught to people who are already familiar with the industry.

The six main elements of the program were carefully designed in order to offer the best possible training:

1. Structure: The programs feature both theoretical and hands-on elements. Students listen to lectures and also engage in training in the field.

2. Courses: The courses meet students’ actual needs and emphasize applied content, including environmental protection information.

3. Textbooks: Textbooks were written for the programs. They feature manageable amounts of theory and a lot of practical content.

4. Teachers: The professors involved with the programs have been involved in various sectors and have outstanding experience in education and industry.

5. Resources: The educational resources that the programs use are shared with 21 colleges and 25 enterprises. There are already more than 7,000 items, including videos, PowerPoint presentations and animations.

6. Pedagogy: Online and offline classes are both available in order to promote accessibility, and educational materials are available for students to access at their convenience.

Follow-up support and guidance are also provided, and an open resource database is made available after the program is over.

Results

• Between 2013 and 2018, more than 5,000 students completed the programs, including 908 who graduated with junior college diplomas and 1,250 who received nationally recognized certificates as a result of passing a final examination.
• Participants increased their incomes, which made it possible for 5,600 households to lift themselves out of poverty.
• Many educational materials related to aquaculture, management and marketing were created, and they are available for other programs to use.
• Three instructors received national outstanding teacher awards, and two were recognized as among the top educators in the province. Faculty from 23 colleges have visited Xiamen Ocean Vocational College in order to learn more about the project.
• Professor Li Linchun's research findings related to low-carbon fishing and eel farming using glass tanks were made into TV specials and broadcast on CCTV.
• In the county of Qingliu, by joining the Canglong Fisheries Cooperative, aquaculturalists raised their net income to more than 20,000 yuan per capita.
• The Yifeng Fisheries Cooperative in Liancheng county helped 12 impoverished households lift themselves out of poverty by participating in aquaculture, and the cooperative received national recognition.

Lessons Learned/Potential for Replication

The program’s application process made it possible to reach people from targeted groups. The two program levels enabled farmers from different backgrounds to get the education they needed.

The courses were designed to include both classroom study and hands-on training. Participants were not able to study full-time and desired efficient, effective training. The framework that Xiamen Ocean Vocational College created made it possible for students to learn quickly and implement what they had been taught. A follow-up visitation system and open resource database were created to support graduates’ continued education.

The solution has already been replicated in Fujian and could also be implemented elsewhere. It is intended for regions whose residents are engaged in aquaculture but need greater training. Similar programs could be developed in areas that may want to help their residents become more proficient in other industries in order to reduce poverty.

Next Steps

Students receive follow-up support after they finish the programs and can access additional resources. The programs themselves are ongoing, and new participants will continue to be accepted. Xiamen Ocean Vocational College is perfecting various innovations and research findings and working on incorporating them into its curricula. The school has also been sharing its materials and experiences with other colleges, and the system has been replicated in other parts of Fujian province.