“The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) meets a very important lacuna in India and it’s work impacts people on the ground.” This was the message that the India High Commissioner to Canada, H.E Mr Vikas Swarup shared with COL staff when he visited today. Mr Swarup stated that his visit was to familiarise himself with COL’s work. He appreciated COL’s work in supporting skills development in India, especially among women and girls. He said that COL’s massive open online courses (MOOCs) for development has increased access to learning and has the capacity to provide the required skills for employability among Indians and other citizens of the Commonwealth.

COL President and CEO Professor Asha Kanwar briefed the High Commissioner on COL’s work in Member States, particularly India. She said that COL supports governments, institutions and organisations to expand the scale, efficiency and quality of learning by leveraging open, distance and technology-based approaches. Professor Kanwar highlighted COL’s belief that learning must lead to economic growth, social inclusion and environmental conservation.

In their remarks, COL Vice President Dr K. Balasubramanian and other colleagues stated that COL’s work was important in helping Member States improve educational capability. Dr Balasubramanian informed the High Commissioner that through COL’s work, women in India have received millions of dollars in credits to support their businesses and shape their own futures.

Mr Swarup was accompanied by the Consul-General of India in Vancouver, Ms Abhilasha Joshi.