1. What is Online Distance Learning Initiative?
The ODL Learning Initiative is using Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) to access internet connectivity for knowledge resources and interactive learning in selected Somali universities/ tertiary institutions.

2. Who are the partner universities and how were they eligible to participate in the Initiative?

Currently six universities are participating in the ODL initiative: Mogadishu University and the Somali Institute of Management and Administration Development (SIMAD) in Mogadishu, Puntland State University and East Africa University in Puntland and University of Hargeisa and Amoud University in Somaliland.

Eligibility minimum requirements proposed for each site to qualify as partners in the project included:

• Institution ability to offer university-degree level courses
  
  
• Institution significant commitment to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – facilitated learning – for e.g. establishing computer networks, developing in-house computer science training, building a website, employing IT expertise, establishing links to the internet through local ISPs.
  
  
• Institution expression of preliminary interest in expanding its use of ICT to facilitate their use in accessing global knowledge and learning.

3. How many students does this benefit?

We expect the project to attract at least 50 students per course and/ or degree programme. Currently there are three short courses offered at the six partner institutions in collaboration with the Africa Virtual University - Journalism, Communication and Information Technology training. We are also implementing a Teacher Education Programme and Journalism degree courses at Hargeisa, Amoud and East Africa universities. In addition, the Capacity Building for Somali Financial Planners project has 200 students (approximately 33 students per institution). The Financial Planners online distance learning main course was launched on 19 August 2006 and is expected to last eight months. The course website is www.somaliodl.net. In total we expect at least 1,200 students, 30 percent female, to benefit per year in the initiative. Currently more than 800 students are enrolled at SIMAD, UOH and PSU.

4. What are the respective roles of the World Bank, UNDP and the African Virtual University?

The World Bank is in partnership with the UNDP through the Low Income Countries Under Stress (LICUS) initiative. UNDP is taking the lead as the implementing partner while the AVU offers the technical assistance and support in the online distance learning methodologies.

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