17 Dec 2013

Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (BOCODOL) prides itself in the two awards its Executive Director, Dr Daniel Tau recently won.

The awards include the Africa Education Leadership Award conferred by the World CSR Day in partnership with Stars of the Industry Group and the Honorary Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning Award conferred by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) at the 7th Pan-Commonwealth Forum.

In both instances, Dr Tau was not nominated by any individuals but was independently identified by the organisations concerned. The Africa Education Leadership was conferred on outstanding professionals who had the vision, flair, acumen and professionalism to demonstrate excellent leadership and management skills in an organisation, making changes and achieving results.

The designation of Honorary Fellow of COL award was conferred on citizens of the Commonwealth, while it recognised outstanding individual contributions to distance education in areas including leadership, published works, lectures and presentations, international/national presence and mentorship.

Addressing members of the press on Thursday, Dr Tau noted that various stakeholders contributed variously to the celebrated achievement. He commended the BOCODOL Board for providing the leadership, strategic and policy direction that gave him indicators of where and how he should lead BOCODOL over the years.

Dr Tau said one key anchor instrument that provided guidance was the BOCODOL Milestone Chart 2000-2016 which was implemented through a series of strategic plans the cumulative effect of which is the viable and responsive institution BOCODOL is.

He also noted that the awards demonstrated that Botswana is capable of competing globally. BOCODOL’s recognised achievements include promoting equity and access in education at school and tertiary education levels. Dr Tau also said they intended to have transformed BOCODOL into an Open University by 2016 where both secondary and post-secondary levels would be offered.

BOCODOL also represents Botswana in SADC Open Distance Learning (ODL) committee and SADC ODL capacity building projects’ steering committee. The institution offers cross-border ODL capacity building programmes and it also houses SADC Centre for Distance Education.

BOCODOL has also assisted with rejuvenation and setting up of ODL in Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Zambia and Malawi. The BOCODOL Executive Director said the cumulative effect of these contributions to the development of education has resulted in the awards. ENDS