Minister of Technology and Science,  Felix Mutati has said creative arts have the potential to drive innovation and economic growth hence Government’s commitment to create a favourable environment for arts to thrive.

Mr Mutati said the Music and Arts industry has evolved over time due to technological enhancements and audio and music technology is the core of music production and performance.

In a speech read for him by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu,  during the launch of the Centre of Excellence in Creative Digital Arts of Evelyn Hone; Mr Mutati said education and training cultivate young people's mindset by inducing the concept of living in a sustainable manner and music and arts is one vehicle to achieve such aspirations. 

Mr Mutati said Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce has been a vehicle to deliver quality skills in Arts for a long time and that it was gratifying to see cooperating partners such as the Irish Government to step in and supplement Government’s efforts to ensure quality skills training.

“Government through the Ministry of Technology and Science has the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) policy which puts emphasis on hands on skills and the need for self-employment. The programme launched today as we might be aware will initially specialize in animation, creative music performance and graphic design”, Mr Mutati said.

He commended the Irish government for its support and the continued collaboration between Ballyfermot College of Further Education of Irish and Evelyn Hone College.

Mr Mutati said as part of realizing the Vision 2030, Government through the Eight National Development Plan (8NDP) focuses on economic transformation and job creation as well as human and social development which are key pillars for the growth of the economy.

And TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza has called on Evelyn Hone College to continue working hard to ensure that becomes the Centre of Excellence in the other areas of specialization.

Mr Takaiza also urged the institution not to relax following this milestone but to ensure that it maintains the highest standards or training because any drop might lead to the institution being stripped off the status of Center of Excellence.

He stated that improving TEVET regulatory services is one of the strategic objectives in TEVETA’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan as well as upgrading TEVET institutions to Centers of Excellence is one of the interventions to improve the quality of training in TEVET institutions.

Acting Head of Mission at the Irish Embassy, Brian Caden said Evelyn Hone is giving the young people an opportunity to take up exciting career paths.

Meanwhile Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce principal, Dr. Agrippa Hamweendo said the institution will ensure that the equipment is put to good use and will use the status of Center of Excellence to introduce Quality Assurance System in training.