Tigray Regional Health Bureau in collaboration with the College of Health Sciences, Mekele University, and Imagine1Day has arranged a workshop to acclimate innovative technology-assisted mechanisms of health program training and capacity-building sessions delivery. The workshop, titled “E-learning platforms for accelerated education and training in Tigray”, is conducted on January 10, 2023, at Atse Yohannes Hotel, Mekelle, with stakeholders from Education bureau, TVET, Non-governmental local and international organizations including Imagine1Day, Regional Health Bureau, Mekelle University, and Tigray Health Research Institute. The workshop is aimed to discuss collaborative and efficient ways of delivering health program training that targets large-scale audiences, including community and professional training. Observations of efficiency on resource utilization and how ICT-assisted training deliveries might play a positive impact are discussed. The workshop is organized following a 10-day of Instructional design and eLearning by ICT Services of CHS Ayder C.S. Hospital.
During the workshop session, lessons of e-learning-based experiences from projects and Mekele University are presented and sensitized the technology use followed by open discussions to draft a way forward for all governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. “This is very critical as the extensive damage of the health sector requires efficient, effective and sustainable ways of capacitating the health workforce to revitalize the health sector in Tigray”, as put by Dr. Simon from the regional health bureau.
The two years devastating war has overturned educational and capacity-building developments in the region, demanding a unique approach in a unique context to revitalize the sector. technology-based investment is anticipated to play a pivotal role, in effective and efficient recovery strategies. The double-burdened organizational responsibility of the sector, on both trainers and trainees, has cumulative investments to make on strengthening capacity, staff retaining strategy, and creating conducive teaching and learning environment for students.
Two important items of concern are raised; 1) Accelerated learning without compromising the quality of education and 2) Recover academic environment (against time) for teaching and learning. In order for the students to cope-up with the lost 2-3 academic years, accelerated learning is an inevitable direction. It will enable us to compensate for the lost time, but put an important challenge to the board. Accelerated teaching and learning plans should mitigate concerns about education quality. On the other hand, the academic environment that encompasses the recovery of students, faculty, and stakeholders from the long trauma, inadequate infrastructure, learning loss, and other tangible and intangible damages are vital preconditions for educational activities.
Following presentations on the lessons of e-learning implementation at Mekelle University by Mr. Senay Bekelle and DISH project lessons by Mr. Samson Araya, two presentations by Dr. Simon and Mr. Libabwie on the proposed use of e-learning various programs of Regional Health Bureau and Imagine1Day respectively. Afterward, an open discussion was held forwarding participants' perspectives. The current unique context in the region is reinforced by multiple participants, concluding with a need for priority and organized investment in education and educational approaches. Accelerated teaching and learning programs are outlined as common directions and “It is not enough”, is reached into a consensus. Looking at the outlined two items of concern, eLearning-based community training and expertise capacity-building programs can only be realized if assisted by eLearning.