EduVision creating equal access to learning
It is not fair for learners in remote schools to write the same exams as learners in urban areas, a local educationalist has said.
Frikkie Louw, who is the project manager of the EduVision programme, explained that learners in urban areas, most of the time, have access to all information, have better learning equipment, such as laptops, and also have better internet network coverage, while those in remote areas sometimes do not even have a textbook.
It is for these reasons the EduVision programme has made it its mission to bridge digital learning gaps currently experienced by learners in rural areas of the country.
EduVision is an e-learning programme offered by Edugate Academy in Otjiwarongo. Since 2018, Edugate has been sharing its expertise and experience with some marginalised schools in remote areas in order to eliminate the distinction between the information-rich schools and information-poor schools.
Louw told Youth Corner that he hopes to see disadvantaged learners in rural areas connected with positive changes.
“Since the inception of this programme, the dream has been to equip as many remote schools in the country with access to innovative educational technologies,” he said.
“So, we decided to also bring e-learning and information to the doorsteps of lessprivileged learners so they can also have an equal learning opportunity.”
Having started with Tsumkwe Secondary School (SS) in Otjozondjupa region, the programme has since gone from strength to strength and is currently a well established e-learning programme that carries the endorsement of the education ministry.
Schools now part of the EduVision Online Learning (EOL) programme include the Cornelius Goreseb SS, Waterberg Junior SS, Okakarara Senior SS, among many others.
Speaking at a recent EduVision stakeholder engagement forum, Namibia’s
vice president and patron of the programme, Nangolo Mbumba, said as the country is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is crucial that Namibia move with the world to adopt new technologies which will enable it to make learning easier, effective and modern.
“Therefore, to expand the e-learning programme to all remote schools in all corners of our country, is an audacious plan, a seemingly unsurmountable resolve; however, it is possible with partners like you,” he added.