The Commonwealth of Learning
www.col.org
Founded by the leaders of the Commonwealth countries, The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. COL has a mandate to encourage the development and sharing of open and distance education materials, expertise and technologies, and help developing nations improve access to quality education and training. Since 1989, COL has introduced or supported teaching/training programmes in more than 40 countries, conducted seminars and studies on specific educational needs, and established a network of education and technology specialists around the world. Core funding for COL is through voluntary pledges of funds from Commonwealth governments.
The Caribbean Broadcasting Union
www.caribunion.com
The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) was inaugurated in 1970 to stimulate the flow of broadcast material among radio and television systems in the Caribbean. Membership in the CBU includes both state- and privately-owned systems. The CBU's mission is "to provide excellent broadcast services, representation and training in support of the regional integration of a unified Caribbean community".
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture - Barbados
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture is responsible for human resource development in Barbados, and as such, places a high priority on making quality education at all levels accessible to all its citizens. Barbados enjoys one of the most progressive and equitable educational systems in the region.
The University of the West Indies Distance Education Centre
www.uwimona.edu.jm/centres/uwidec
The University of the West Indies Distance Education Centre (UWIDEC) works with faculties of UWI located on the three campuses in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, as well as with other organisations, to develop and deliver quality programmes by distance, to meet the learning needs of the people of the Caribbean. There are DECs located in all the English-speaking Caribbean countries which support UWI and more than 25 DECs have audiographic teleconference facilities.
The Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions
The Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions was formed in 1990. In this brief period of existence, it has brought together a wide variety of educational institutions in a professional forum and is acting as a catalyst for collaboration and co-operation at the tertiary level. It addresses both academic and administrative issues such as enhanced access, mobility, quality assurance, effective utilisation of scarce resources, articulation among institutions and co-operative development/delivery of programmes. ACTI now has 70 institutional members. Its current President is Mrs. Norma Holder, Principal, Barbados Community College.
The Caribbean Development Bank
www.caribank.org
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is a regional financial institution established by an agreement signed in Kingston, Jamaica on October 18, 1969, and entered into force on January 26, 1970. Its purpose is to contribute to the harmonious economic growth and development of the member countries in the Caribbean and to promote economic co-operation and integration among them, having special and urgent regard to the needs of the less developed countries of the region. Members include all the Commonwealth countries and UK dependencies in the region, as well as five non-regional donor nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
InfoDev
www.worldbank.org/infodev
InfoDev (Information for Development) is the World Bank's grant programme for the innovative use of communication and information technology.
The Department for International Development, UK
www.dfid.gov.uk
The Department for International Development (DFID) is the British government department responsible for promoting development and the reduction of poverty. The government elected in May 1997 increased its commitment to development by strengthening the department (formerly the Overseas Development Administration) and increasing its budget.
