Having completed the development of curriculum-based OER using OER in Phase 1 of the Open/Innovative Schooling model, Zambia will soon begin to pilot the use of the resources to support 3,000 out-of-school children and youth.

In preparation for the pilot, COL supported training workshops with centre managers and teachers which were then cascaded to other staff in the centres that will run the pilot. The training explored how to create a supportive learning environment for distance learners. It also explored ways in which COL’s Aptus device, which enables access to digital resources offline, could be used to promote and support effective learning.

The Director of Distance Education at the Ministry of General Education at the time, Ms Bridget Moyo, commented, “I must admit it is a momentous occasion for Zambia. We have learnt so much in this period… And many thanks to COL.”