Commonwealth of Learning

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is a Canadian-hosted intergovernmental organization dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of distance education and open learning. Established by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1987, COL is the world's only intergovernmental body focused solely on leveraging open and distance learning (ODL) technologies to expand access to quality education across Commonwealth member states. It is headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, and operates under the auspices of the Commonwealth[1][3][5].

Mission and Purpose

COL's mission is to assist governments and educational institutions in expanding the scale, scope, and quality of learning by deploying innovative approaches and technologies, particularly those related to open and distance learning. Its work primarily targets developing countries within the Commonwealth, aiming to improve access to education and training, thus fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability[1][2][5].

Governance and Structure

The organization is governed by a Board of Governors, which includes prominent figures such as His Excellency Danny Faure, former President of the Republic of Seychelles. COL collaborates extensively with governmental, non-governmental, and international development agencies. Its network includes nominated focal points in member countries, honorary advisers who are leading ODL professionals, and UNESCO-COL Chairs comprising distinguished academics. It also partners with other organizations, including significant support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation for developing open educational resources (OER)[3][4].

Programmes and Initiatives

COL’s initiatives are grouped broadly into two sectors: education, and livelihoods and health. Within the education sector, key areas include open schooling, teacher education, higher education, and the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC). The livelihoods and health sector encompasses technical and vocational skills development, lifelong learning for farmers, and healthy communities. Gender equality and e-learning are cross-cutting themes that underpin all programs[4][5].

Through its programs, COL fosters the sharing of open learning knowledge, resources, and technologies. It promotes policies, systems, and applications that utilize technology to enhance access and quality of education, particularly in underserved Commonwealth countries. Its efforts align with broader international development goals such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the campaign for Education for All[4].

Impact

COL has played a crucial role in helping developing Commonwealth countries increase access to education via distance learning methodologies. By enabling more equitable and widespread educational opportunities, COL contributes to improved livelihoods, gender equity, and socio-economic development across member states. It is recognized as an important catalyst for educational advancement using technology in countries that face challenges in traditional education delivery[1][5].

Business Registration Number: 892100884RR0001
Headquarters: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Parent Organization: The Commonwealth
Membership: 54 Commonwealth member states
CEO: Professor Peter Scott[3]