The Australian High Commissioner to Canada, H.E Ms Natasha Smith, visited the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) yesterday to learn more about COL’s work. Ms Smith was particularly impressed by COL’s Aptus – a low-cost device that allows educators and learners to connect to digital learning platforms and content without the need for grid electricity or Internet access. “I see the great potential in this device being deployed even in remote areas in Australia and Canada that lack internet access for connecting learners,” she said.

COL’s Vice President, Dr K. Balasubramanian and other colleagues welcomed the High Commissioner and briefed her about COL’s initiatives and projects, including the Reaching the Unreached project funded by Australia. COL’s team expressed gratitude to the Government of Australia for the recent additional financial support which will enable more women and girls to be reached through secondary schooling and skills development training.

Ms Smith was accompanied by Australia’s Honorary Consul in Vancouver, Mr Kevin Lamb and the High Commission’s Second Secretary in Ottawa, Ms Brittany Noakes.