ITU, Partners Launch Innovative E-Learning Management System to Expand Educational Opportunities in Papua New Guinea

Lae, Papua New Guinea – In a bid to foster education and inclusivity, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has teamed up with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UniTech) and the PNG Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) to launch a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS) platform. This project, part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, aims to empower communities in Papua New Guinea, particularly those the East and West Sepik provinces by providing accessible and high-quality educational resources online.

The LMS platform is more than just an educational tool; it is a bridge across the digital divide that opens up new opportunities for learning and development. By hosting a variety of online courses, ranging from essential digital skills to specific agricultural practices for local crops like cocoa, vanilla, and fish, the platform is tailored to meet the diverse needs of its users, including farmers, students, and other interested individuals.

• Explore the new Learning Management System here: https://pnguotdtc.edu.pg/  
  

What makes this platform unique is its broad reach and inclusivity. "This innovative system is not limited to traditional educational pathways. It extends to all who wish to learn and who has access to internet using all devices, regardless of their background or location, ensuring that every member of the community has the chance to improve their skills and economic prospects," said Professor Ora Regani, Vice-Chancellor of PNG UniTech.

Secured on a G-cloud server maintained by ITU’s national partner, the DICT, the platform guarantees data safety and high reliability. Ownership of the platform lies with PNG UniTech, a pioneer in digital transformation in the country and one of three ITU Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) in Asia-Pacific.

The LMS not only complements physical Resource Centres established in the Sepik region by ITU under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, but also promises long-term sustainability and accessibility. This is crucial for continuing education and skill development even after the completion of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. "The integration of online and physical learning resources provides a flexible and resilient education model that can withstand challenges such as geographic isolation and limited local educational facilities, access to internet and to digital world and economy " highlighted Kanagat Alyshbaev, ITU-STREIT Project Officer. 

Additionally, PNG UniTech is actively enhancing the platform by developing and uploading new courses on vital topics like project management and road construction, further broadening the scope of education provided. This collaborative effort ensures that the platform remains relevant and continues to serve the evolving needs of the community. 

The LMS Platforms also features training courses such as Basic and Intermediate Digital skills, e-commerce and online marketing skills developed by ITU, Government to Citizens training developed by PNG Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Financial Literacy, prepared by UNCDF, and Agrometeorology Services, developed by the PNG National Weather Service. The platform is open for all types of online courses.

With the establishment of this LMS, ITU and PNG UniTech are setting a precedent for how technology can be used to enhance educational outcomes and support economic development in remote regions. As the platform evolves, it is set to become a cornerstone of lifelong learning and community empowerment in Papua New Guinea, potentially serving as a model for similar initiatives worldwide.

About the EU-STREIT PNG Programme

The EU-STREIT PNG, being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme (FAO as leading agency and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as implementing partners), is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the country. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to ICT and digital financial services. It also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient transport infrastructures and renewable energy solutions. The Programme benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik.