06. Pan-Commonwealth Forum 6 (PCF6), 2010

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Browsing 06. Pan-Commonwealth Forum 6 (PCF6), 2010 by Author "Ambe-Uva, Terhemba N"
  • Publication
    Building Chinese Language Skills for Sino-African Cooperation through Open and Distance Learning
    ( 2010-11) Ambe-Uva, Terhemba N
    China’s influence and deep relationships in Africa are the result of many years of investment in building relations through aid, trade, and cultural and technical exchange. In international politics, this is regarded as “soft power”. Yet, an important area that has for a long time not being given the penetrating attention it deserves, relates to the fundamental need to bridge the language barrier between Chinese and Africans, so as to ensure meaningful cooperation and engagement between China, the country, and Africa, the continent. In order to address this problem, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in collaboration with Huaren Chinese Services is currently promoting the use of open and distance learning (ODL) for the provision of Chinese language education and training at the Proficient, Certificate and Executive levels. The new programme has the central objective of breaking the communication barrier between Nigerian and Chinese business partners through a Chinese language training programme that would empower learners to speak Chinese language within the shortest possible time. The University uses a variety of delivery methods and tools including face to face (f2f), text-based resources, CD ROMs and Web-based resources, and has managed to build capacity in the field of ICT, by empowering staff with functional skills. Within this context, the relationship between the major theme and cross cutting aspects of the Sixth Pan-Commonwealth Forum (PCF6) are discussed under “Skills Development for National Development” with particular reference to language as a necessary tool for international cooperation. This study concludes with the relevance of the application of ODL methodologies in educational delivery and as a means of enhancing international cooperation.
  • Publication
    Open and Distance Education: A Contribution to Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment of Women?
    ( 2010-11) Ambe-Uva, Terhemba N
    In Nigeria, as elsewhere in the world, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is used as a major vehicle to break the three vectors - access, quality and cost – that has constrained education time immemorial in order to improve women’s wellbeing, reduce their vulnerability and act as a starting point in their empowerment. Using findings from two single-mode ODL institutions in Nigeria, - National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and National Teachers Institute (NTI) - this study explores the issues of poverty and women’s empowerment. First, it considers poverty from gender and economic sustainability perspectives, second, it evaluates the impacts of ODL on women empowerment and poverty alleviation, and third, it highlights the role of ODL in enhancing accessible education for women.