‘Boost competitiveness, promote open learning’

GABORONE. — Botswana has urged its peers in the Southern African region to improve global competitiveness through utilising open and distance learning. Addressing delegates at the 48th Distance Education Association of Southern Africa (DEASA) conference on Monday, Botswana’s Vice-President, Ponatshego Kedikilwe, said ODL supports the region’s development efforts.

“There is need to increase the supply of a strong, competitive and productive human resource base to underpin sustainable development,” said Kedikilwe, adding that the significance of open and distance learning in driving the agenda of a competitive and skilled cadre is no longer in doubt.

“Concrete evidence the world over shows that ODL has the enhanced potential to substantially increase participation in education, training and skills development,” Kedikilwe said.

“Sadc is unanimous on the need for increased enrolment at secondary education levels.
“Similarly, countries need to increase participation of their citizenry in tertiary education.
“Such calculated overtures help to achieve the desire to become a knowledge-driven regional bloc.”

Kedikilwe said ODL has made a significant contribution to increased enrolment at tertiary education level in Botswana, where the proportion of students accessing tertiary education through it has gradually increased from 1,7 percent in 2007/8 to 4,3 percent in 2010/11.
“The referred increase is reflective of the potential that ODL holds for human resources development,” said Kedikilwe citing that ODL has increased literacy levels and overall basic education in the  country.

According to Kedikilwe, ODL realised its definitive growth in Botswana following the adoption of the 1994 Revised National Policy on Education.

“More Batswana benefit from programmes offered through ODL, ranging from certificate to degree level.”
The 48th Distance Education Association of Southern Africa conference was held under theme “Strengthening Collaboration in Open and Distance Learning for Sustainable Economic Development in the Sadc Region.” — Xinhua.