COL’s aim is to build the capacities of groups working at the local level – community networks, public offices, health groups, local media, etc. – to develop, deliver and evaluate non-formal open and distance learning programmes using community and public media, particularly radio, mobile devices, and other appropriate technologies and means.
In line with the organisation’s partnership strategy, COL primary targets for capacity-building are national and regional agencies working in the field of development education in different regions of the Commonwealth; COL’s national and regional partner agencies in turn work with local groups to build knowledge and skills and to develop programmes on the ground.
The focus of capacity-building efforts is on participatory educational programme development – including needs assessment, collaborative partnership formation, message identification, and strategies for learner support and blended and multichannel learning – and content creation, in particular interactive formats, scriptwriting and editing, interviewing for experience-sharing, and presentation skills.
Recognising that community-based organisations often face challenges with sustainability and governance, capacity-building support is also available for organisational development.
Training is delivered face-to-face – in regional, national and local level workshops – and online, through courses offered by partner agencies at the national and regional levels.
Face-to-face capacity-building events include short-duration training and programme development workshops, organised in collaboration with regional and national partners:
- International seminars on participatory communication and educational media
- National and regional training of trainers in educational programme and content development skills (3-4 days)
- Local, district-level workshops that combine actual learning programme design with requisite skills training (5-6 days), followed by mentoring programmes (7-10 days)
Online training courses run 8-10 weeks and have, to-date, focused on content creation skills, e.g. scriptwriting for agricultural innovation and healthy communities. Online course development and delivery has been done by Farm Radio International.