AfriConnect Zambia, IPLS sign MoU

The project, which has the support of the Zambian Ministry of Education, will see Intel and AfriConnect Zambia collaborating to deliver a localised version of the skoool learning and teaching technology which will be tailored to meet the requirements of the Zambian school curriculum.

Localisation of content

"The support of the Zambian Ministry of Education to guide us on the school curriculum requirements to ensure that the right content is developed is invaluable," says Thabani Khupe, director Intel Corporate Affairs Group. "Localisation of content is vital for such a project to be successful. On such projects, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work."

As part of the project, Intel's responsibilities will be to transfer the necessary training, knowledge, content and technology needed to enable local teams in AfriConnect Development to complete the development and deployment of skoool Zambia and facilitate local capacity and skills building. "This includes the provision of a project manager as well as quality assurance reviews," says Khupe.

Covering the curriculum

AfriConnect is also integrating the Skoool learning material into its iSchool programme, which is working to provide comprehensive eLearning material to cover the whole Zambian curriculum, with blended learning including full notes and plans for teachers. The project aims to move schools away from conventional rote learning to a more interactive enquiry-based model.

For further information, go to www.ischool.zm.

"Both Intel and AfriConnect Development, as primary sponsors of the project, will work closely with the Zambian Ministry of Education to ensure that all the objectives of the project are met with the overall goal being to provide learners with the tools they need to compete in the global economy," says Khupe.

The outcome of this initiative will result, amongst others, in an online portal for skoool Zambia to provide maths and science content to students and teachers, the integration of skoool modules from other established skoool sources and offline delivery of skoool maths and science modules via the myskoool application and CDs.

Roll-out in phased approach

The initiative will be rolled-out in a phased approach with the first phase delivering approximately 150 skoool learning objects aligned to the Zambian primary and secondary school curriculum and adapted to meet local cultural requirements.

skoool.co,zm will launch officially on 15 September 2010 with students and teachers participating in the iSchool project which aims to address some of the challenges faced by the Zambian education system today such as limited resources and quality teaching materials.

"The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is another indication of Intel's commitment to education in Africa and around the world," says Khupe. "Every child has the right to education and initiative such as this help to fulfil this right."