Open and Distance Learning Framework for National Development

A national development plan always have a series of educational plans, policies and strategies on building up human resources that will man and oil the various sectors of the economy. In fact, these days, human capacity development index and the accessibility to information and education is what is use to measure a country economy and development. The growth rate of information accessibility through the internet and the revolution of education generally has made human development capacity to be more enhanced, achievable and cost effective than it was in the 70′s and 80′s.

Most of these education policies centers round small, medium and high skills acquisition through various education programs meant to developed human resources thus increasing and enhancing the human capacity development index. This over time has been what advanced economies uses to transform all sectors of their economy. It is therefore quite easy to say that education programs geared towards human resources development translated to the high per capital income which also means an improved gross domestic product ratings for that economy.

Importance of Higher Education in Developing Countries

Beyond any doubt education plays a pivotal role in the development an d progress of any country. In a developing country education gains even more importance.

The per capital income depends upon the state of economy which is directly proportional to the literacy rate in a country. The economy of a country mainly depends upon the able economists who formulate such economic policies which play an effective role in the progress of the country. And the fact remains that the able and competent economists are produced only if a country has a sound system of education. Besides, the failed economic systems will have its negative effects on all the other fields. The health care, industry, agriculture, defence, etc. Would remain weak.

We take up the example of health care first. The hospitals are the ultimate place for the indisposed. If country’s economy is weak, it would be difficult for the government or the private sector to set up more and more hospitals, enough to cater to the health care needs of the nation. And obviously, the physically weak or the ailing nation would not play any role in the development of its mother land. Hence education in a way is directly linked to health care.

Importance of a Complementary Educational Agenda for DR-CAFTA

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

In September 2000, the member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted the Millennium Declaration. That document served as the launching pad for the public declaration of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – which include everything from goal one of halving extreme poverty to goal two of providing universal primary education; all to be accomplished before the year 2015. Progress towards the first seven goals are dependent upon the success of goal eight – which emphasizes the need for rich countries to commit to assisting with the development of an open, rule-based trading and financial system, more generous aid to countries committed to poverty reduction, and relief for the debt problems of developing countries.1

At first glance, the recent actions of Central American countries and the United States to liberalize trade seem to support, at least partially, successful realization of MDG Eight. However, upon closer examination, the picture blurs and the outcome seems uncertain.