This Human Rights Day, COL highlights how access to inclusive, equitable education supports the realisation of human rights and accelerates progress towards sustainable development.
In a new blog post, COL Adviser: Gender, Dr Karen Nyangara, reflects on a participatory workshop at #PCF11 that brought together educators and civil society to explore community-based learning models that empower youth — especially girls, women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised learners.
Drawing on case studies from Samoa and Tanzania, Dr Nyangara demonstrates how culturally grounded, flexible learning approaches can build confidence, strengthen skills, and support young learners to be at the centre of scalable, sustainable social change.
To read the full story, visit: www.col.org/news/realising-human-rights-through-participatory-community-focused-education/
#HumanRightsDay #OurEverydayRights #genderequality #youthempowerment Brown Girl Woke
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COL is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Dr Jennifer Anne Glennie who tragically passed away in a car accident on 2 December 2025.
Dr Glennie leaves behind a rich legacy through her pioneering work in open and distance learning and will be celebrated for the profound impact she had on her colleagues, the institutions she served, and the wider education community.
We honour Dr Glennie for her invaluable contributions as a former member of COL’s Board of Governors, representing South Africa and rising to be Vice-Chairperson. She was also recognised by COL as an Honorary Fellow, conferred at the Second Pan-Commonwealth Forum in recognition of her critical role in higher education.
Her unwavering dedication to making education more equitable to all transformed the landscape of distance education in South Africa and was pivotal to shaping education across the African continent more broadly.
We mourn her passing alongside her family, friends, colleagues, and everyone whose lives were enriched by her exceptional contributions.Wits University is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jenny Glennie, a distinguished alumnus, honorary degree recipient and valued friend.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and all those who were touched by her remarkable life and work.
Read More: tinyurl.com/mjcavhbv
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Happy 64th Independence Day Tanzania!
Tanzania continues to make significant progress in inclusive and sustainable education, including strengthening its efforts in open and distance learning.
COL values its partnerships with:
- Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
- Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MCDGEC)
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Bank of Tanzania
- Institute of Adult Education
- Kiota Women’s Health and Development
- Matumaini Mapya
- Mbeya University of Science and Technology
- Open University of Tanzania (OUT)
Recent achievements with these institutions across Tanzania include:
- The Open University of Tanzania implementing COL’s institutional employability framework.
- Over 6,300 women and girls being trained in livelihood skills.
- The Institute of Adult Education, with the support of COL, successfully bringing young mothers to school and supporting them to study for secondary school examinations.
These achievements reflect Tanzania’s commitment to equity, resilience, and innovation in education and community development.
Wizara ya Elimu, Sayansi na Teknolojia Wizara ya Kilimo Bank of Tanzania Institute-of Adult-Education Kiwohede Mbeya University of Science and Technology The Open University of Tanzania
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