Africa Virtual University - AVU

The cost of education is one of the barriers to accessing quality learning in Africa.  Despite having trained more than 40,000 students through the AVU, eligible learners who cannot afford tuition fees have been left out.   The AVU acknowledges the existence of challenges faced in accessing quality education and training and in an effort to bridge the gap between willing learners and the cost of education, a scholarship fund was established to mainly assist eligible female students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In doing this, the AVU focus is to increase access to quality education especially for women, therefore contributing towards the Millenium development goal  that seeks to eliminate gender disparity in education for women for sustainable economic development.  The AVU scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and availability and are administered by the AVU in cooperation with its Partner Institutions and when necessary with Ministries of education in the respective countries.  From 2009 to  the end of 2010, more than 600 students had  received  scholarships,  70% of whom were female beneficiaries.  The beneficiaries were from Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Zambia Tanzania and Somalia.

The AVU, takes pride in this as a step in the right direction.  However the real measure of success comes in the words of the students who have realised the importance of quality education and would like to receive these scholarships;

“ I have learnt that the ICT basic skills course is designed to help teachers improve teaching skills.  I hope to get this scholarship  as the knowledge will help me to become a better teacher.” Abdullahi, Somalia.

“If I get this scholarship, I will study with no stress and I will perform well and become a usefull teacher.” Anne, Kenya.

“I am convinced that mastering the use of information Technolgies in the classroom would be important, but I do not have funds to pay for the required Training.”  Awa, Senegal.

The AVU has a unique track record accumulated over its 13 years in providing access to quality education through ICTs.  In 2010, the AVU had a total current student population of 4,669 enrolled in AVU Programs, AVU/Partner Institution joint programs and in the Multinational Teacher Education Programs at AVU Partner Institutions.

To build that critical mass of educated women and disadvantaged groups, more and more partners are needed to support the AVU scholarship fund.  Please contact us rector@avu.org to find support the AVU Scholarship fund visit  www.avu.org/scholarships