Togo’s Ministry of Primary, Secondary, and Technical Education (MPSTE) recently organised a workshop on developing a national policy for open and distance learning (ODL) and a strategic implementation plan for the continuous professional development of teachers.

This workshop was supported by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) to assist MPSTE in achieving the country’s objectives regarding teacher training as part of the implementation of the Government Roadmap 2020-2025 adopted in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of improving access, quality, efficiency and equity in education.

Officials from the central directorates of MPSTE and heads of teacher training institutions attended. Professor Sena Yawo AKAKPO-NUMADO, Permanent Technical Secretary of the Sectoral Education Plan, expressed satisfaction with COL’s support in helping with effectively integrating ODL and technology-enabled learning in increasing the number of qualified teachers in Togo.

The Secretary stated, “This workshop constitutes a crucial step in the development of a coherent and effective policy that will enable Togolese teachers to benefit from best practices in distance education. It is essential that this policy be inclusive, taking into account the specific needs of primary, secondary, technical, and vocational education teachers. It must also be aligned with national education objectives and contribute to enhancing teachers’ skills to meet current and future education challenges in Togo.”

Dr Evode Mukama, COL Adviser: Teacher Education, emphasised the potential of ODL in creating increased, equitable and inclusive access to quality learning opportunities, especially for women, girls, and persons with disabilities. He also participated in a national radio/television broadcast in Togo to help raise awareness of the benefits of ODL.