The African Union’s Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) today kick-started a technical expert meeting to finalize the development of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) aimed at equipping Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across Africa with the knowledge and skills necessary for peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

The meeting is part of ECOSOCC’s 2024 European Union- African Peace and Security Architecture (EU-APSA) IV work-plan, which seeks to strengthen peace and security capacities within CSOs by providing accessible, modular training designed to empower communities across Africa. Two expert consultants were engaged to develop both the curriculum and an interactive online platform that will offer a flexible, personalized learning experience. Through this curriculum, participants will gain practical tools for creating meaningful change in their societies, with certification available upon completion.

Officially opening the meeting, ECOSOCC Head of Secretariat, William Carew emphasized ECOSOCC’s resolve and vision of empowering CSOs across Africa with robust and practical tools that will allow them to foster peace and stability within their communities.

“The MOOC is more than just a training programme, it is a stepping stone for creating resilient communities and skilled peacebuilders across Africa,” he said.

The meeting has brought together over 30 technical experts, including curriculum developers, online learning specialists, and CSO representatives to review, pre-validate, and finalize the MOOC curriculum, ensuring that it aligns with the evolving challenges in Africa’s peace and security landscape.

It is expected that the finalized curriculum will be responsive to the needs of CSOs. The meeting will culminate into an action plan to prepare for the program’s official launch in 2025.

For more information:

Ms. Carol Jilombo | Senior Communications Officer | AU ECOSOCC Secretariat, Lusaka, Zambia. 

E-Mail: Jilomboc@africa-union.org                                                                               

ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL COUNCIL (ECOSOCC)  

About ECOSOCC

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) was established in July 2004 as an Advisory Organ composed of different social and professional groups of AU Member States. The mandate of ECOSOCC is to contribute, through advice, to the effective translation of the objectives, principles and policies of the African Union into concrete programmes, as well as the evaluation of these programmes.

Learn more at:  https://ecosocc.au.int

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