The GROW Project – Construction Waste Remediation and Recycling Vocational Training in Sub-Saharan Africa is redefining how construction waste is managed by turning environmental challenges into opportunities for skills development, employment, and sustainable growth in Nigeria and Mozambique.
Funded under the Erasmus+ CB-VET programme, GROW is designed to strengthen vocational education systems while addressing the urgent need for professionals skilled in construction and demolition (C&D) waste management, circular economy practices, and digital innovation.
As part of the consortium, MUNDUS supports the project’s quality assurance and inclusive training approach, helping ensure high-quality and impactful outcomes.
A Market-Driven Approach to Skills Development
At the core of GROW is a demand-driven training model. Through direct engagement with industry leaders, public authorities, and training institutions, the project conducts a comprehensive skills gap analysis to identify current and future workforce needs.
This ensures that training is not theoretical or generic, but aligned with real labour market demands, preparing learners for emerging green jobs in the construction sector.
As highlighted by Beatrice Bellet, Director at MUNDUS:
“GROW does not only train people; it builds a new professional ecosystem around circular construction, linking skills, employment, and entrepreneurship.”
Integrating Skills, Innovation and Inclusion
- What sets GROW apart is its integrated approach, combining:
- Technical skills in construction waste management
- Digital innovation, including drones and smart tools
- Entrepreneurship and circular business models
- Inclusive and learner-centred training methodologies
- Digitalisation plays a central role, not only in what is taught but also in how training is delivered, using blended learning approaches that improve accessibility and relevance.
Inclusion at the Core
The project embeds gender equality and social inclusion across all activities. With clear participation targets and inclusive teaching approaches, GROW ensures that women and vulnerable youth have access to new opportunities in the green construction sector.
As noted by Sergio Lagarde, Coordinator of MUNDUS Action in Africa:
“In GROW, inclusion is not an add-on — it is a structural principle embedded in the design, delivery, and monitoring of the project.”
Strengthening Education–Industry Collaboration
GROW actively brings together TVET institutions and industry stakeholders to co-design training programmes, ensuring a strong connection between education and employment.
This collaboration extends to internships, on-the-job training, and partnerships, enabling learners to transition more effectively into the workforce.
As emphasised by Ana Gimeno, Administrative Technician at MUNDUS:
“Strong project management and collaboration frameworks are essential to ensuring that training initiatives like GROW deliver measurable, high-quality results and remain sustainable beyond the project lifecycle.”
Creating Real Opportunities for Green Jobs
By equipping learners with practical, in-demand skills, GROW contributes directly to green job creation. Graduates can pursue employment within the construction sector or develop their own businesses in recycling, material recovery, or circular construction solutions.
Long-Term Impact
Beyond training, GROW aims to create a replicable and scalable model for green vocational education across Africa. By strengthening institutions, fostering partnerships, and aligning skills with market needs, the project lays the foundation for long-term transformation.
As noted by Enrique Romeo, Project Manager at MUNDUS:
“Beyond results and indicators, the real success of GROW will be people gaining new opportunities and institutions becoming better prepared for the future.”
MEET THE PARTNERS – MUNDUS (Summary)
MUNDUS is a European NGO specialising in international cooperation, vocational education and training (VET), and youth employability, with strong experience in Africa and EU-funded projects.
Within the GROW Project, MUNDUS supports quality assurance, methodology development, and impact assessment, ensuring that project results are high-quality, inclusive, and scalable.
Key Team Members
Beatrice Bellet (Director):
Over 20 years of experience in EU-funded projects, leading strategy and partnerships across Europe and Africa.
Sergio Lagarde (Coordinator, Africa):
Engineer with extensive field experience in Africa, leading cooperation initiatives and project implementation.
Enrique Romeo (Project Manager):
Specialist in international development and EU programmes, with experience across Africa and Europe.
Ana Gimeno (Administrative Technician):
Expert in project administration, financial monitoring, and Erasmus+ programme compliance.