Online higher learning initiative launched

Six institutions of higher learning in Somalia have launched an Online Distance Learning Initiative in which students will be able to attain internationally accredited university qualifications, a statement by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Somalia, the World Bank and African Virtual University, said.

The students will also interact with schools in other countries and build their research capacities.

The programme involves East Africa University (Bossaso); Puntland State University (Garowe) in the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland; the Somali Institute of Management and Administration Development in Mogadishu; Mogadishu University; and the University of Hargeysa and Amoud University (Boroma) in the self-declared republic of Somaliland.

"Tertiary education for our students provided within the country is critical for the rebuilding of our workforce and the development of our future leaders," Abdi Haybe Elmi, president of the University of Hargeysa, said in the statement.

The schools are part of the African Virtual University network, with access to digital resources and online short courses. Long courses in journalism and teacher education are underway.

World Bank Country Director Colin Bruce called the initiative an "investment in local capacities" and expressed his hope that the skills students acquire will be put to good use in the administrative and service delivery sectors.

"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," added UNDP Country Director Elballa Hagona.