Summary
The digital divide, lack of stable electricity and other infrastructure needed to actualize digitization and ODeL, a nonexistent culture of eLearning in most African education systems are a major stumbling block to implementing an inclusive sector response to COVID-19. As the African Union Commission, numerus bilateral virtual meetings have been held with various education technology support outfits geared towards continuous learning and mitigate long term effects of the pandemic on teaching and learning. After clearly assessing the majority of the platforms presented, the question of inclusivity still remains. This paper will attempt to outline a series of guidelines to digitization and adoption of ODeL using the African Union DOTSS1 approach as a long term cushion to the effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it will attempt to present processes and procedures to ensuring that the right eLearning and digitization products are adopted.
Summary
This guidance will assist staff, students and caregivers in schools (including day care centres, pre-school, primary and secondary schools), higher educational institutions (including universities, research institutes) and other educational institutions with
how to address coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during different outbreak phases as defined in the Africa CDC Stepwise Response.
This guidance complements the Africa CDC Guidance for Community Physical Distancing, which includes further details on how to engage communities, implement physical distancing, and support organisations, and the Africa CDC Guidance for Community Use of Face Masks.
Summary
This special edition of the SIFA Newsletter reflects on the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and resultant implications for skills development. Since the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and governments have worked tirelessly to put together economic and social interventions, a ‘new’ normal is emerging.
As a response, the African Union Commission‘s Human Resource, Science & Technology Department has rallied partners and stakeholders around its Youth Sector Response to COVID-19. In tandem, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) put forward the COVID-19 Response White Paper which puts the spotlight on employment and informal sector. Addressing measures for the informal sector, prioritizing entrepreneurs and innovators increased investments in skills.
