When it was found

In 1999 the then Ministers of Higher and Basic Education started a process that was aimed at coordinating the activities of the Open and Distance Learning institutions in Namibia.

By 2001, a smart partnership was established between the following institutions:

• Ministry of Basic Education and culture
• Namibia University of Science and Technology
• UNAM
• NAMCOL

This led to creation of the Namibian Open Learning Network Trust (NOLNet). For which its primary goal is to provide tangible support for ODL (Open Distance Learning) students through a network of affiliated resource centres and libraries.

Mission Statement

• NOLNet’s aim is to support, coordinate and monitor the establishment and maintenance of a network of open learning centres throughout the country at which certain facilities will be shared and services offered on a collaborative basis on behalf of participating institutions.
• To facilitate collaboration between participating open and distance learning institutions in the training of staff and the provision of administrative and student support services.
• To facilitate coordination of publicity, counselling, the provision of information and documentation about the activities, courses and services of all participating institutions.
• To liaise with government with regards to funding, policy formulation and the promotion of open and distance learning in Namibia.
• To liaise with partners and other bodies with regard to funding and the promotion of open and distance learning in Namibia.
• To engage in any other activities which, in the opinion of the Trustees, will promote the object and the purpose of the trustees.

Goals

• To ensure NOLNet’s sustainability.
• To strengthen support services for all ODL students within NOLNet.
• To enhance the use of Information and Communication Technology in NOLNet Partner Institutions and NOLNet Affiliated Centres.
• To strengthen advocacy for ODL activities at all levels.
• To promote Quality Assurance in ODL.
• To optimise collaboration and networking in ODL
• To promote research amongst NOLNet Partner Institutions.