MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that four Australian universities have been
short-listed to deliver computer and business studies through the Australian aid
program's African Virtual University Initiative.
The universities are the University of Southern Queensland, University of New
England, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and Curtin University.
Teams from the universities are presently in Africa finalising competitive
project proposals. The chosen university will commence course delivery at the
beginning of 2003.
The African Virtual University has been established to assist students in
sub-Saharan Africa gain better access to quality post-secondary education. The
Australian University will strengthen the capacity of AVU member universities to
design, develop and deliver academic courses, especially in business
education.
The Initiative is part of the Virtual Colombo Plan launched in 2001 in
partnership with the World Bank. It aims to reduce world poverty by creating
opportunities to improve education and access to knowledge across the developing
world.
Australia is providing $6 million over three years for the African Virtual
University, giving the nation's world-class education providers the opportunity
to share their knowledge and skills using information and communication
technologies.
Media contacts:
Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489