VCDP Projects
Virtual University for Cancer Control Network (VUCCNet)The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), through its Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT), has launched an initiative to establish a Virtual University for Cancer Control supported by regional cancer training and mentorship networks. The IAEA has commissioned the African Virtual University (AVU) to undertake a Baseline Survey and Gap Analysis and the overall period for the VUCCNet project is 5 years but this initial activity involving the AVU will take 4 months. This initiative, which is collectively referred to as VUCCNet, is intended to support and enhance Member States' programmes to build human resource capacity in cancer control. The VUCCNet initiative will help establish training and mentorship networks within and amongst low- and middle-income (LMI) countries, while building a web-based platform to make educational materials more easily accessible to and affordable for trainees. Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA)The AVU won a bid from UEMOA ( West African Economic and Monetary Union) in 2010 to conduct a Study of Feasibility and Networking of 55 Institutions of Higher Education in the UEMOA member countries. Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) this project is planned for 6 months and will have a huge impact on education when scholars and educationist can network and share best practice to ensure the provision of quality education in Africa. UEMOA is based in Burkina Faso Somali Higher Education Regional Networking (SHERNet)The European Commission (EU) funded project known as SHERNet is a project which is aimed at developing the capacity of higher education institutions in Somalia. The European Commission is supporting the implementation of selected actions intended at contributing to the improvement of the operations of the Education Sector in the three regions of Somalia. The actions will help the directly targeted groups to overcome resistance to change and establish linkages and collaborations that will facilitate lifelong learning and enhance individual and institutional capacity in higher education. Prioritized actions will lead to improving institutional capacity of quality and relevance of higher education programmes through networking and strengthening professional capacity of Partner administrations in the regions, at state/zonal, regional/ local level. This Project is being implemented by Kenyatta University in Kenya, University of Nairobi in Kenya and the AVU. The role of the AVU in the implementation involves the strengthening of e-learning capacity which includes activities such as: training Somali academics on eLearning; training ICT staff on Basic ICT Skills; Production of e-learning materials; and implementing an English-as-a-second-language TOEFL Program. The Program which started in September 2010 will take 18 months to be completed.
Evaluation of an Online Program for the Regional AIDs Training Network (RATN)RATN is a Kenyan based network of partner training institutions in Eastern and Southern Africa focusing on combating STDs/HIV and AIDS in the region. In collaboration with the University of Manitoba (UM), RATN has been piloting an online course in Inter-Disciplinary Studies HIV/AIDS Programme Management. RATN has offered a Short-Term Technical Assistance Contract to the AVU, based on the AVU experience and expertise, to undertake an evaluation of the online pilot course. The scope of work included documenting the findings and lessons learnt from the RATN-UM experience in piloting this course, and making recommendations for consideration with regard to the online course and any future training courses. |
