By Khalifa Hemed
Published December 6, 2020
There can be little doubt that the disruptive effects of COVID-19 is forcing people across the world to work, study and relate remotely. Across Africa, the use of e-learning applications and platforms is surging as schools are forced to deliver lessons virtually. In fact, a report by Global Market Insights says the African e-learning sector is expected to reach a market value of US$1.8B by 2024.
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A new free-to-use eLearning platform from Germany whose content is said to have been ‘developed in cooperation with specialised local African partners, and carefully considers local needs and market, making it unrivalled in contextual relevance’, has joined this market with a particular focus on ‘reaching marginalised populations that previously have not had access to high-quality education’.
The platform, called atingi, delivers access to what is described as ‘best-in-class learning content for Africa’s citizens, transforming lives with training that improves their job prospects and supports entrepreneurial activities’.
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Through connecting people with free, premium educational resources, the German Government, through its international development agency called interDeutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, says it is seeking to support African economic growth by closing the skills gaps at home by ensuring that ‘all members of society can gain the skills necessary to unleash the power of digital transformation’.
“Digitalisation can help Africa make enormous strides in its development,” says Gerd Müller, German Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development. “This new platform offers eLearning opportunities to young people in remote and rural areas. We must harness the full potential of modern technology to create new opportunities for young Africans to enter training, the agricultural sector, medicine or the tech business.”
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“One of the focus areas of atingi is vocational education, as we know that this will help Africans create and optimise employment opportunities at home,” says Michael Krake, Deputy Director General for the Private sector in charge of Trade, Employment and Digital Technologies at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
GIZ says atingi.org platform is ‘available for use by people throughout Africa and the content on the platform, available in both English and French, is optimised for use on any internet-enabled device, providing learners with flexible learning options to suit their learning styles. In addition to the current self-study learning programmes, in the future, atingi.org aims to add courses that will be supported by tutors, and even hybrid courses that will combine real-life elements with online sessions’.
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“In many African countries, access to education – especially for girls and rural populations – is a significant inhibitor to economic and social development. We hope that our atingi.org platform can, in some small way, contribute to breaking this cycle of educational exclusion and promote access to job opportunities for all. We strongly encourage all Africans to visit the platform, register, and take the courses most relevant for their aspirations. It is our mission to help Africa unlock her potential by ensuring her people achieve their employment ambitions, whatever they may be,” Krake concludes.
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