The Commonwealth of
Learning [COL], Canada and Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities
[AFTRA] are jointly implementing a Project titled: Beyond Numbers:
Scaling Quality Teacher Development in Sub-Saharan Africa with Open &
Distance Learning. The Project aims to (1) create a sustainable teaching
force workforce by scaling teacher training through open and distance learning
[ODL] and equipping teachers with the 21st Century skills through digitisation;
and (2) build the capacity of educators to meet the sub-Saharan region's
growing demand for quality education. There is also a focus on strategies to
advance girls' education, gender equality and teaching for marginalised groups.
The Project, currently in its first phase, is implemented in four Africa
countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, and Seychelles. The Teaching
Council in each country is managing the Project assisted by a nominated teacher
training institution and a national consultant. The Teaching Councils are:
Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, South African Council for Educators,
Botswana Teaching Professionals Council, and Seychelles Teachers Council. The
outcome of the Project will be presented at the AFTRA 12th Conference and 14th
Roundtable to be held in Lubango by the Ministry of Education, Angola, May
5-10, 2025.