The International Open University (IOU) and Gambia College will co-host this groundbreaking initiative, with Dr. Cherno Omar Barry, President and Vice Chancellor of IOU, and Dr. Abubacarr Jallow, Principal of Gambia College, at the helm as Chair and Co-chair, respectively.
Since November 2023, The Gambia has been diligently working on establishing this UNESCO Chair, which represents a major step forward in advancing education through digital innovation and community engagement. The Chair will focus on improving the quality of teacher education, promoting digital learning platforms, and fostering research that addresses key educational challenges in the region.
A UNESCO Chair is a prestigious academic position established to promote research, training, and development in areas that align with UNESCO’s mission of fostering peace and sustainable development. These Chairs play a crucial role in building the capacity of educational institutions to drive innovation, engage in interdisciplinary research, and collaborate with global networks such as UNITWIN. For The Gambia, hosting this Chair will be instrumental in enhancing the country’s educational infrastructure, particularly by strengthening teacher training and expanding distance learning methodologies to reach wider communities. It will also promote the exchange of knowledge between Gambian institutions and the global academic community.
The UNESCO Chair for Digital Learning, Teacher Education, and Assessmentis not just a local initiative but akey playerinThe Gambia’s National Development Plan and the global effort to achieve SDG 4. It will ensure quality education for all, support the development of innovative teaching methodologies, generate research in online learning, and foster partnerships between universities and local communities.
Dr Cherno Omar Barry expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “This UNESCO Chair will strengthen our capacity to transform education in The Gambia and provide our educators with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.” Dr. Abubacarr Jallow added, “The partnership between Gambia College and IOU is a significant opportunity to lead the way in teacher training and research across the region.”
The successful application for the UNESCO Chair would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Mrs MaimunaSidibeh, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO in The Gambia, and Mr Ousmane Senghor, Gambia’s representative to UNESCO, who provided guidance and assistance throughout the process.
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