How can education keep pace with the changing opportunities and challenges facing young people across the Commonwealth? The August 2026 issue of Connections takes up this question, exploring youth innovation and co-creative solutions in the context of rapid technological change, mounting climate pressures, and an evolving global landscape. Through partner contributions, expert voices, strategic insights, and evidence-based knowledge resources, the issue highlights why innovation must be paired with equity to reach learners who are still being left behind. Read the full issue to discover the perspectives and practical ideas shaping the future of learning: col.org/news/now-live-the-au… #OpenLearning #Youth #Education #FutureOfLearning #SkillsDevelopment #ClimateResilience #Commonwealth #Connections

As Zambia celebrates its independence, we recognise the country’s efforts to build a more inclusive education and skills system that responds to changing learner and workforce needs. Through its Eighth National Development Plan 2022–2026 and ongoing employment and TVET reforms, Zambia is strengthening connections between education, skills and work, with greater emphasis on practical training, employability, digital skills and opportunities for young people. Expanding flexible learning, strengthening technology-enabled and gender-responsive approaches, and building pathways that recognise prior learning are also central to COL’s efforts in Zambia across open schooling, teacher development, higher education and TVET. Recent work is also widening access to secondary education through a decentralised open schooling model, while blended TVET delivery and stronger quality assurance are helping institutions respond to changing learner and workforce needs. We wish the people of Zambia a happy Independence Day and continued progress in building a more inclusive and future-ready learning system. #ZambiaIndependenceDay #Education #TVET #FlexibleLearning @Medu_Zambia @MoTS_Zambia @heazambia @ZambiaTeaching

Earlier this week, the Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, Ghana, received Professor Jane-Frances Agbu, Adviser: Higher Education at the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), and a Ghanaian delegation comprising Professor Samuel A. Atintono, Principal of Accra College of Education and COL Focal Point for Ghana; Dr Joshua Mallet, former Director of CENDLOS and former COL staff member; and Mr John Dadzie-Mensah, Director of Policy, Planning and Research at the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). The meeting, also attended by the Honourable Dr Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister of Education, and other senior officials, provided an overview of COL's work in higher education, teacher education, technical and vocational education and training, and open schooling. A significant outcome was the formal presentation of the Business Model Report for the proposed Ghana Open University. The Minister welcomed the initiative, reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding higher education opportunities for underserved populations, and constituted a seven-member committee to review the business model and advance plans for establishing the university. Alongside these discussions, COL is facilitating a workshop in collaboration with GTEC to strengthen the capacity of assessors, accreditation officers and tertiary education stakeholders to support quality assurance in open and distance learning (ODL). Together, these developments mark progress towards strengthening Ghana's higher education system and expanding opportunities for lifelong learning. #OpenDistanceLearning #HigherEducation #Ghana #QualityEducation @officialmoegov @__gtec @AcCE_62

Nigeria is advancing national guidelines to help universities offer flexible, skills-focused learning through micro-credentials. At a recent meeting organised by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in collaboration with COL, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary, NUC, emphasised the role of micro-credentials in expanding access to education, supporting skills development and strengthening links between higher education and the world of work. Building on the National Micro-Credentials Framework developed with COL’s earlier support, the guidelines, once approved, will provide universities with clear standards for designing, delivering and recognising micro-credentials that meet quality requirements, respond to industry needs and support lifelong learning. Learn more: nuc.edu.ng/es-tasks-committe… #HigherEducation #QualityAssurance #MicroCredentials #WestAfrica @OfficialNUC

As water scarcity becomes a growing challenge, how can conservation, innovation and technology help protect water resources and build a more resilient future for Caribbean communities? Tune in tomorrow, 20 October at 7 p.m. ECT, for “Water Conservation,” the fourth youth-led webinar in COL’s Pan-Caribbean Youth Robotics Innovation Project for Blue-Green Resilience and Prosperity. André Mason, a member of the project’s selected youth cohort, will present alongside fellow team members to explore how policies and emerging technologies can support more sustainable water management across the Caribbean. Register now: commonwealthoflearning.info/… #YouthInnovation #RoboticsForGood #CaribbeanYouth #BlueGreenResilience

Join UNESCO's OER Dynamic Coalition webinar tomorrow to examine the role of open licensing in the age of AI. Anne-Marie Scott, Vice President at COL, will present alongside other experts in research, education, copyright and open knowledge to explore emerging challenges and opportunities for the future of the knowledge commons. Learn more and register: ow.ly/b6vn50ZZ8i1 #EducationLeadership #OpenEducation #ArtificialIntelligence #OpenKnowledge @UNESCO

“The true measure of open education is not simply how many learners we reach, but how many we enable to participate meaningfully, learn with dignity, realise their potential, and succeed.” Professor Jane-Frances Agbu, Adviser: Higher Education at COL, shared this message at a two-day regional workshop on assistive technologies for differently-abled learners in open and distance learning Institutions in West Africa. Held at the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja with support from RETRDIOL, COL's regional centre in West Africa, the session brought together stakeholders from across the region to explore how assistive technologies, accessible learning environments and stronger institutional support can remove barriers and help learners with disabilities succeed. Learn more: nounnews.nou.edu.ng/index.ph… Photo credit: NOUN News #InclusiveEducation #OpenLearning #AssistiveTechnology @NounAssist @RetridolNOUN

What if proving your qualifications was the easiest part of getting your next job? Digital public infrastructure offers a way to verify qualifications quickly, securely and reliably, helping learners access new education and employment opportunities. To explore its potential, senior officials from Barbados, Namibia, and St Kitts and Nevis recently visited Trinidad and Tobago to learn about VerifyTT, a digital credentials initiative built on open-source technology. The study visit was convened by COL and hosted by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Learn more: col.org/news/techtrends-deve… #DigitalPublicInfrastructure #MicroCredentials #DigitalTransformation #SkillsRecognition @MoEduTT @ttgovcomms @iGovTT

As millions of young people prepare to enter a rapidly changing world of work, developing countries could face an employment gap of roughly 800 million jobs over the next 10 to 15 years. With accelerating technological advancement and shifting economic demands, meeting this challenge means developing skills not only for today’s jobs, but also for emerging opportunities. Drawing on the recent WorldSkills events in Shanghai, Gopesh Tewari, Adviser: Skills at COL, explores how AI and green skills can open new pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. In our latest blog, he highlights how COL is helping young people and communities across its member countries gain future-ready skills, including those needed for climate-smart agriculture and the green and blue bioeconomies. Read more: col.org/news/from-ai-to-agri… #FutureSkills #GreenSkills #TVET #SkillsDevelopment

Zambia is taking important steps towards more open and inclusive teacher education. At a recent workshop on Openness in Teacher Education, hosted by the University of Zambia as part of COL’s Network for Open Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa (NOTES), 38 teacher educators explored how to create Open Educational Resources and use AI responsibly. Through practical sessions and peer learning, participants explored best practices in quality assurance, accessible design and open licensing. With Wits School of Education leading the Southern Africa Node and the Africa Deans of Education Forum supporting institutional mobilisation, NOTES is building a Network of Practice that connects educators to share expertise, co-create resources and strengthen institutional capacity for inclusive teacher education. #TeacherEducation #OER #NOTES @WitsUniversity @UnzaOfficial

Join us today at 7 p.m. ECT for “Bionics for the Islands,” the next webinar in COL’s Pan-Caribbean Youth Robotics Innovation Project for Blue-Green Resilience and Prosperity. Led by youth presenters, the discussion will explore how advances in robotics, engineering and prosthetic technology can improve accessibility and inclusion across the Caribbean. The session will also examine why advanced prosthetics can be expensive, how they are engineered, and how innovation and technology could help make them more affordable and widely available. Register now: commonwealthoflearning.info/… #CaribbeanYouth #YouthInnovation #Robotics #Accessibility #InclusiveInnovation

Ending child marriage takes more than awareness. It takes collective action to ensure girls can exercise their rights and make decisions about their own futures. On International Day of the Girl Child, we join this year's global call to end child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) and increase investment in girls’ rights. With support from Global Affairs Canada, COL has worked with partners and local communities across the Commonwealth for more than a decade to challenge harmful social norms, engage families and community leaders, and strengthen local advocacy so girls can exercise their rights and stay in school. In our latest blog, Frances Ferreira, Senior Adviser: Women and Girls at COL, shares a story of change from Pakistan that illustrates how collective, holistic approaches can help prevent child marriage across the Commonwealth: col.org/news/ending-child-ma… #DayOfTheGirl #EndChildMarriage #GirlsRights #GenderEquality #CommonwealthSkills @EWG_23 @GAC_Corporate @BedariPakistan

On Fiji Day, we join the people of Fiji in marking 56 years of independence and in recognising the country’s continued investment in education, skills and opportunity. Through the National Education Policy Framework 2024–2033 and the National Development Plan 2025–2029, Fiji is strengthening inclusive and resilient education, expanding digital and distance learning, and renewing TVET and lifelong learning. Vision 2050 carries that ambition forward, with a strong teaching workforce at its centre. Fiji’s commitment to flexible learning and skills development extends through its collaboration with COL. As home to the Pacific Centre for Flexible and Open Learning for Development (PACFOLD) at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji helps advance teacher development, open learning and skills for employment across the region. We thank the Honourable Aseri Masivou Radrodro, Minister for Education, for his leadership and for his contribution as the Pacific regional representative on COL’s Board of Governors. Vinaka vakalevu, and happy Fiji Day. #FijiDay #FijiIndependenceDay #PacificEducation #FlexibleLearning @FijianEducation @aseriradrodro @FNUFiji @UniSouthPacific

As Uganda marks its independence, we celebrate the country’s continued progress in improving opportunities for learning, skills development and sustainable livelihoods. Through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act 2025 and the National Employment Strategy 2023–2028, Uganda is creating stronger pathways from education to employment, with a focus on job creation and youth employability. COL is grateful to work alongside Ugandan partners in support of these efforts, including expanding flexible and blended learning, building digital and livelihood skills, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and opening new education pathways for women, girls and young people. On this Independence Day, we extend our congratulations to the Government and people of Uganda and look forward to continuing our partnership. #UgandaIndependenceDay #SkillsForWork #InclusiveEducation #SustainableLivelihoods @Educ_SportsUg @uganda_digital @UgandaMFA @UHCOttawa

Did you know that nearly three in 10 young people in low-income countries are not in employment, education or training, compared with two in 10 globally? While open and distance learning may offer a promising way forward, expanding access to equitable, quality education also requires institutions to have sustainable business models that support long-term growth and delivery. Across the Commonwealth, COL is working with partners to put these foundations in place. From Botswana Open University and the proposed Open University of Ghana to the Zambia College of Distance Education, new approaches are helping institutions turn ambitious plans into sustainable learning opportunities. Read the full story: col.org/news/why-business-mo… #OpenEducation #DistanceLearning #EducationForAll #Commonwealth @BotswanaOpenUni @GTEC___

How can educators make better use of open resources without compromising quality? Join the fourth session of COL’s OER Practices in West Africa webinar series on 19 October 2026 to explore how quality assurance and evaluation approaches can strengthen the development, adaptation and application of open educational resources. Special guest Dr Adetoun A. Oyelude, University Librarian at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Nigeria, will share strategies for maintaining quality while supporting sustainable OER practices across the African Commonwealth. Learn more and register now: col.org/news/webinar-quality… #OpenEducation #OER #WestAfrica #QualityEducation #OpenEducationalResources @RetridolNOUN @oaustech01 @AfLIACon

COL President & CEO Professor Peter Scott recently joined Her Honour, the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, CM, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, at The King’s Trust Canada’s 15th anniversary celebration at Government House in Victoria. Hearing young people share their stories was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating the conditions for them to thrive. Education is essential, but young people also need opportunities to build relevant skills, gain experience, grow their confidence, and make the transition into meaningful work. At COL, we share this commitment to widening access, helping young people overcome barriers to education, develop job-ready skills and pursue pathways to employment and sustainable livelihoods. Congratulations to The King’s Trust Canada on 15 years of creating opportunities for young people and helping them build stronger futures. #Commonwealth #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsForWork #EducationForAll @KingsTrustCA @LGWendyCocchia

It’s not too late to register for “Ocean Health & Pollution,” the second webinar in COL's Pan-Caribbean Youth Robotics Innovation Project for Blue-Green Resilience and Prosperity. The youth-led discussion will explore the importance of healthy oceans, the growing challenge of marine pollution, and the impacts on biodiversity, food security and coastal communities. Join us today, 6 October, from 7.00–8.00 p.m. AST / EC Time: commonwealthoflearning.info/… #CaribbeanYouth #OceanHealth #BlueGreenEconomy #YouthInnovation #Sustainability

On World Teachers’ Day 2026, we celebrate the teachers who continue to learn, lead and shape the future of education. This year’s theme, “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures,” is a timely reminder of the vital role teachers play in driving meaningful educational transformation. Read our latest blog by Dr Evode Mukama, Adviser: Teacher Education, COL, to learn more about how COL is standing with teachers and strengthening the profession for the future: col.org/news/world-teachers-… #WorldTeachersDay #Teachers #TeacherDevelopment #OpenLearning #Education

As we celebrate Lesotho’s recent Independence Day, we recognise the country’s continued efforts to widen access to quality learning through more flexible approaches. Its National Policy on Open and Distance Learning is helping establish a stronger national framework for learning beyond traditional classrooms. With the transformation of the Lesotho Distance Teaching Centre into the College of Open and Distance Learning of Lesotho started, the country is expanding open schooling and creating more pathways for people to learn. In higher education, institutions are also advancing technology-enabled learning, employability, and flexible study options, including the introduction of micro credentials, to make education more relevant and accessible. COL is honoured to work alongside partners in Lesotho as they continue to widen opportunities for people to learn, build skills and shape their futures.

As Cyprus marks the anniversary of its independence, we celebrate its contribution to the Commonwealth and its commitment to collaboration in open education. Through the small states community and the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC), Cyprus brings valuable perspectives to our shared work to expand learning opportunities and strengthen institutions. We commend the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth for advancing these goals through the Strategic Plan for the Improvement and Upgrading of Higher Education in Cyprus. Its priorities include quality and excellence, stronger links with the labour market, internationalisation, and positioning Cyprus as an international centre for higher education. For small states, these ambitions highlight the value of working across borders to share expertise, encourage innovation and widen access to education. COL looks forward to building on its partnership with Cyprus through VUSSC and other initiatives to advance more inclusive, innovative and accessible education. #Cyprus #Education #OpenEducation #HigherEducation #DigitalLearning #InclusiveEducation #VUSSC @cymoec @UCYOfficial