Somali Tertiary Institutions Launch Online Distance Learning Initiative

Nairobi (30 November 2005) – Six Somali tertiary academic institutions today officially launched the Online Distance Learning Initiative that enables students to attain internationally accredited university qualifications through expanded access to global learning and knowledge through partnerships with institutions in other countries and builds their research capacities.

The six institutions being supported by UNDP under the World Bank Low Income Countries Under Stress (LICUS) Distance Learning and Connectivity Project are East Africa University (Bossaso), Puntland State University (Garowe), The Somali Institute of Management and Administration Development (SIMAD) (Mogadishu), Mogadishu University, University of Hargeisa and Amoud University (Boroma). They are also part of the African Virtual University (AVU) network with access to digital resources and online short courses; long courses in journalism and teacher education are underway.

“Tertiary education for our students provided within the country is critical for the rebuilding of our workforce and the development of our future leaders,” said Mr. Abdi Haybe Elmi, President of the University of Hargeisa. “This is definitely a positive investment in the future of both the population and the academic institutions.”

World Bank Country Director Colin Bruce said: “We are particularly interested in this investment in local capacities which we hope will be put to good use in reconstructing key administrative and service delivery structures.”

UNDP Country Director Elballa Hagona added: “This is positive example of how different organizations can collaborate on a crucial force for development. The undergraduate students and working professionals that successfully go through these courses do so at a fraction of what it would cost them to do so if they went abroad, and further, builds the capacity of the institutions providing the services.”

The AVU Rector Mr Kuzvinetsa Peter Dzvimbo said. “The gains made so far through the online courses have been critical in showcasing the relevance and flexibility of online distance learning. We intend to further support the Somalis with the online teacher training courses with the African Development Bank
which will strengthen the quality and delivery of education in a country where less than 20% of children are in school.”

The Distance Learning initiative aims at determining potential interventions for the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector with installation of Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) technology. More generally, the World Bank, UNDP and the AVU are bridging the digital divide by increasing access and utilisation of relevant information technology for development in Somalia by providing IT support infrastructure to relevant ministries and institutions; building capacity of personnel to utilise information technology; training media professionals and other communication providers; supporting educational institutions, strengthening professional standards and monitoring use of resources provided.

For more information, please contact:
Sandra Macharia, Information Officer, UNDP/RC Somalia
Phone: +254 20 418 3640/2 Email: sandra.macharia@undp.org
Keziah Muthembwa, World Bank
Phone: +254 20 322 6484 Email: kmuthembwa@worldbank.org
Sahra Abdi-Shafi, Marketing Specialist, African Virtual University
Phone: +254 20 271 2056 Email: sshafi@avu.org