The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has won two prestigious awards for the development of an education e-learning project that has strengthened its ability to deliver high quality aid programs and promote lasting reforms to improve education access and quality in our region.
The Department's Education Section, in partnership with Evolve Studios and the DFAT Education Resource Facility managed by GRM International Pty Ltd, won the top platinum award for 'Best Talent – Learning Partnership' in the LearnX Impact Awards 2014.
The Department also won gold in the 'Best eLearning Design – Accessibility' category.
The awards are in recognition of the 40 high-quality e-learning modules developed over the past 18 months which provide accessible learning opportunities for DFAT staff in Australia and overseas to learn about strengthening education systems in developing countries.
DFAT staff are involved in implementing the education component of Australia's aid program work, many in remote locations and some without English as their first language.
The modules provide training at both the awareness level for people who have not worked on education projects before, and operational level for staff involved in managing education sector activities.
Feedback from the modules has shown they are proving valuable for staff in increasing their knowledge about what works best in aid delivery and policy reform in the education sector. The impact of an e-learning approach has been particularly significant for staff based in remote locations.
Consistent with the Australian Government's strong commitment to promoting equitable participation and learning for all, the e-learning project includes modules with a special focus on girls, infrastructure, financing, planning, education in emergencies, disadvantaged children and people with disability.
DFAT values strong partnerships and solution-oriented learning resources, and takes pride in being recognised through these awards.
The LearnX Foundation is a non-profit organisation that supports and promotes advancements in workforce learning. The LearnX Impact Awards are open to corporate, education and public-service departments across 70 Asia-Pacific countries. Previous winners include BHP Billiton, Australia Post, DBS Bank India, DEEWR, AMP, Telstra, Hyundai and Microsoft.