SADC

 

DPHU is a member and collaborating with the Distance Education Association of Southern Africa (DEASA). DEASA  is striving to become the regional powerhouse in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. DEASA’s general objective, as stated in its constitution, is to “enable members to share information, to collaborate in obtaining and developing quality distance education courses in identified areas of need, and to organise relevant professional development activities”. By being the central coordinating point for regional ODL organisations, from where member countries and institutions can share and create collaboration opportunities, DEASA underlines the principle that cooperation and the shared application of resources can contribute to improved efficiencies in the provision of ODL, thereby promoting the chances of more widespread and faster growth in the sector.

Through its linkages (both professional and informal) with other regional and international ODL organisations and statutory bodies, DEASA has become a key driver of initiatives to further develop ODL knowledge-sharing and collaboration in the region. To enhance its reach and impact, DEASA is actively encouraging all SADC countries and their respective institutions to become members and contribute to ODL.

During 2003, the member countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland) initiated a strategic planning process to drive the process of ODL collaboration and growth. Based on six overall strategic objectives defined by the member countries, each country contributed action plans and cost estimates for the implementation of initiatives required to support the strategic direction.