PLAN TO VISIT THE UK: 2008

My abstract has been approved to submit a paper to the 5th Pan Commonwealth Forum in July at the University of London with co-researcher, Lt Col Pierre Juan de Montfort on Peacekeeping Operations Correspondence Instruction. We are planning to do further research on the subject with possible researchers of the Open University of the UK. One of our aims is to determine whether the academic training of peacekeepers contribute towards peace in conflict areas. The question always arises at Higher Education Institutions (HEIS) whether their programmes are still relevant for the real world. Academe often conducts blue sky research ending up on the bookshelf. Nobody reads it or could implement it to benefit mankind. Therefore academe should always endeavour to do relevant research to benefit the community, in our case to enhance peacekeeping skills for developing countries on the African continent.

On a different note, technical skills have to be taught and learnt at schools on very expensive apparatus. For example woodwork on machines that are only occasionally used for training how to saw, plane or drill and which are under utilised for the rest of the academic semester. Indeed a very expensive exercise when it is compared to factories where the productivity of machines is measured per hour. This is to say:”Education is expensive!”
Technology also develops faster than schools can afford to replace outdated equipment. However, it still does not mean that academe should not embark with skills training on their apparatus, machines, computers and equipment because it forms part of the natural spiral of teaching and learning.

UNITAR POCI planners also realised the opportunity to include e-learning modes. Subsequently UNITAR POCI’s ELAP peacekeeping modules could now also be studied via Open and Distance E-Learning and Open Education Resource (OERS) modes. OERS peacekeeping short courses or module are free to download. From soldiers, security staff, civil police and diplomats to ordinary people in communities who are interested in peacekeeping, can enrol. And this is what it is all about, namely to get whole communities in conflict areas involved in the process of peacekeeping.