Swakopmund – Open and distance learning (ODL) has the potential to contribute and positively impact the lives of many Namibians, as it grants learners access to quality education especially those in remote areas.
This was said by the Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Dr Itah Kandji-Murangi, when she officially opened the third National Open and Distance learning conference in Swakopmund recently.
The three-day conference, which was hosted under the theme: “Promoting lifelong learning in open, distance and e-learning through inclusive and equitable education”, was attended by members of various distance institutions such as Germany, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia and Zambia.
The aim of the conference was for members to share experiences, research findings and best practice methods in terms of distance learning.
Kandji-Murangi said ODL, if taken seriously, could also play a part in poverty reduction, improvement of livelihoods and contribute to economic development of the country.
“Therefore, opportunities must be created for people to study anytime anywhere in collaboration with information communication technology that proves that education cannot be confined to the four walls of classrooms,” stated the higher education minister.
“ODL provides access to quality education where otherwise it might not have been possible to study through the traditional school system. It is crucial that ODL be seen and valued as a vehicle to attain the much-desired outcomes of the Harambee Prosperity Plan in terms of education,” the minister explained.
The availability of information communication technology in remote areas also enhances the quality of ODL and, therefore, more opportunities for people to study on their own pace should be created.
“We also need to ensure that all various forms of education in the country are well regulated, guided and directed towards the national development goals, as stipulated in the Fourth National Development Plan and the National Human Resource Plan,” she said.
Also addressing delegates, the Director of Namcol, Herholdt Murangi, noted that ODL bridges the gap to include all those who either fell out of the system or those who want to pursue education without being confined to classrooms.
He said the value of ODL in the attainment of the country’s plans can never be underestimated nor can it be overemphasized.
“It remains at the core of our progress,” he said.