In partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), The Gambia College conducted a workshop in November 2023 with the objective of enhancing the capacity of its academic and administrative staff to establish effective, open and distance learning (ODL) learner support services. A total of 61 staff participated.

Ms Isatou Ndow, Vice Principal, emphasised the importance of the knowledge and skills acquired during the learner support workshop. She noted, “The success of the workshop has spurred the College’s management to establish a dedicated ODL Unit. This unit will serve as a centralised hub to coordinate all support services for effective ODL delivery.”

Dr Evode Mukama, COL Adviser for Teacher Education, underscored COL’s commitment to supporting institutions in establishing comprehensive learner support services. He added, “Formation of these services marks a significant step toward enhancing the overall quality and accessibility of ODL programmes at the College.”

As a direct outcome of the workshop, a manual was offered to help simplify the framework for setting up and evaluating learner support services in ODL systems at the institutional level, covering critical aspects such as academic, administrative, affective, technical and peer-related support.