Tertialy institutions launch online distancee learning initiative

Six Somali tertiary academic institutions on 29 November 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.