The Open University

OU partners with Ministry of Education in Ghana to launch OpenSTEM Africa

24 October 2019

The Open University and the Ministry of Education in Ghana have launched a programme to promote the effective teaching of practical science in Senior High Schools. Open STEM Africa: Ghana, is aimed at improving practical teaching and learning of science and in particular providing support for under-qualified or inexperienced science teachers, in line with the government […]

Girls from poorest districts in Zimbabwe begin accelerated learning programme

27 September 2019

Girls from some of the poorest districts in Zimbabwe are beginning an accelerated learning programme that will transform their chances in life. They are the first cohort to join the innovative programme, which will offer more than 21,000 girls aged 10-19 the chance to ‘catch up’ their education at one of 132 community-based Learning Hubs […]

New research to address mental health challenges in Guyana

12 April 2019

An OU academic is leading an ambitious new research project to address mental health challenges in Guyana. This will result in a new honours degree in Mental Health Nursing in Guyana, which has gained support from the Guyanese government, the higher education sector, and civic society. Dr Helena Ann Mitchell, Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing […]

Why Africa’s women entrepreneurs struggle to grow — and how to help

8 January 2019

Africa has seen the highest growth among businesses run by women in recent years. This would appear to be good news: entrepreneurship is arguably crucial for job creation and economic growth. But the flip side of this data is that businesses run by women are less likely than those run by men to grow because […]

New research explores how migration fosters growth in Africa

25 September 2018

In recent years there’s been significant growth in African economies driven by trade in commodities, which has prompted more migrants to move to, and within, African countries. Now, new research from The Open University will investigate what impact this migration has had both on growth in Africa and in the migrants’ countries of origin, and […]

Free OU course for teacher educators in Africa wins international award for digital innovation

12 September 2018

A free four-week online course designed by Open University education academics and presented on FutureLearn, has won a ‘Digital Innovation of the Year’ award at the prestigious PIEoneer Awards 2018. The MOOC (Massive, Online, Open Course), Making Teacher Education Relevant for 21st Century Africa, was selected as the winner by the judges in the Digital […]

International project aims to cut cancer deaths in East Africa

24 July 2018

A cross-continent health project is now aiming to address an emerging health crisis in East Africa, by creating lower-cost care for cancer patients. Led by The Open University, it brings together researchers in India, the UK and Africa and has been awarded nearly £700,000 from the Economic and Social Research Council. Dr Mercy Njeru, from […]

Tanzania’s social media policing increases the risks of government abuse

31 October 2016

Access to digital information and communications technologies has increased dramatically over the past decade across Africa. In Tanzania, 87% of urban residents report using a mobile phone every day. In addition, 34% of the population access the internet. The vast majority use their mobile phones to do so. Prepaid bundles offered by service providers have […]