The Commonwealth of Learning - Its Role in Small and Island States by Dr. H. Ian Macdonald, Chairman, The Commonwealth of Learning to a conference sponsored by The Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management, Seychelles, April 14, 1997 Introduction: I find that not many here are familiar with the brief but varied history of the Commonwealth of Learning. Therefore, I propose to make this presentation in three parts, but not like the clergyman who said his sermons always consisted of three parts: first, I tell them what I am going to tell them, then I tell them, and finally I tell them what I told them. First, I want to show you a short video to provide the flavour of COL as an innovative educational institution. Then, I will describe briefly how and why we were created, as well as illustrating some of our activities. Finally, I want to suggest how COL could be relevant to small and island states in partnership with CAPAM and in support of government reform initiatives.