Distance, Open and E-Learning Practitioners’ Association of Kenya (DOLPAK) is an inclusive civil society association that provides a forum for Kenyan individuals who are interested and/or involved in Open and/or Distance Learning (ODL).
DOLPAK focuses on the promotion and support of quality open and/or distance learning (ODL) in Kenya.
Any individual directly involved in using or promoting the use of distance education and/or other flexible methods to open access to quality learning is eligible for membership. Consequently, the membership of DOLPAK includes individuals with an interest in ODL approaches.
DOLPAK supports the National Education policy position of expanding access to TVET and higher education in order to support Kenya’s active participation in the global knowledge economy.
Our Core Mandate
- Facilitate collaboration among individuals involved or interested in distance education methods and/or open learning principles in Kenya;
- Advocate awareness, understanding and application of distance education methods and open learning principles amongst policy makers, practitioners and learners;
- Promote research and evaluation on all aspects of distance education, open learning and related topics in Kenya;
- Exert influence with regard to adequate policy (including financial support) for distance education and open learning;
- Advance the professional interests of distance education and open learning practitioners; and
- Promote and enhance quality assurance in distance education and open learning;
- Support professional development for distance education and open learning as far as is possible within the constraints of its nature as a voluntary association.
Our Functions
DOLPAK strives to attain its objectives by –
- Encouraging networking and communication between relevant individuals, organisations and programmes;
- Organising workshops, discussions and conferences and creating a forum for debate;
- Disseminating information among members and appropriate parties;
- Encouraging the sharing of expertise amongst members and appropriate parties;
- Making joint submissions regarding distance education, open learning and related topics;
- Promoting and coordinating joint research projects among members and appropriate parties;
- Cooperating with governmental and other bodies concerned with distance education and open learning;
- Promoting the rationalisation and consolidation, where appropriate, of educational, academic and administrative activities, while promoting the optimum use of both private and public resources in distance education, open learning and related activities;
- Seeking assistance in Kenya and abroad for the promotion of distance education methods and open learning principles;
- Acting, where appropriate, as a representative of distance education and open learning organisations to regional and international associations; and
- Performing any other task which may enhance distance education and open learning in Kenya excluding the function of accreditation.