Effective school leadership has become increasingly vital as education systems face rising expectations and rapid change. Headteachers are not only responsible for managing staff and resources but also for guiding teaching, engaging communities and creating safe and inclusive learning environments. Preparing them for this responsibility calls for targeted professional development opportunities that blend both management skills and digital competencies.
COL recently supported an orientation workshop on Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in The Gambia, bringing together a total of 47 participants. The 3-day workshop was organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) through its In-Service Education and Training (INSET) Division.
The sessions served as a launchpad for the Leadership and Management for Basic Schools (LAMBS) course, a 14-week blended programme designed to strengthen the leadership skills of school heads. Delivered online through Moodle, the course covers areas such as instructional leadership, resource management, inclusive education, school improvement planning, and strategies for addressing gender-based violence.
In addition to receiving a guided overview of the course content, participants worked on digital literacy skills, set up email accounts, and learned to navigate the Moodle platform. By the end of the workshop, most headteachers had created a personal learning plan and were ready to transition to the online phase.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary for Administration at MoBSE, Mr Ousman Bah described the initiative as a timely step, and said,
“This orientation workshop underscores the Ministry’s commitment to advancing school leadership through modern, flexible approaches to professional development. By partnering with COL, we are equipping headteachers with the skills and confidence to lead transformative change in their schools, while ensuring that their participation does not disrupt the continuity of school programmes.”
COL’s Education Specialist for Teacher Education, Dr Betty Ogange, stressed the long-term value of the programme, added,
“This is more than an introduction to an online course. It is an investment in the professional growth of school leaders who carry the responsibility of shaping the learning experience of thousands of children. By blending face-to-face and digital learning, we are giving headteachers practical tools to lead with confidence in today’s schools.”
Participants who successfully complete the LAMBS course will receive a joint certificate from COL and MoBSE.
