The document proposes establishing Comoros University II, a nonprofit online university for the Comoros Islands using MOOC courses. It would help address the need for post-secondary education, as the single existing university cannot support the large number of students. CU II would offer online degree programs and certificates through rented communal study spaces with individual computers and internet access. Startup costs would be modest, relying on existing MOOC courses in French and Arabic and rented facilities initially. Operating costs would be covered by student fees, and scholarships would be needed to support many students who require financial assistance to participate.
2. About half of the 800,000 population of the Comoros Islands
lives below the poverty line, with some 80% of the labour force
engaged in subsistence agriculture.
But 40% (over 300,000) of the population is less than 14 years
of age. Another 20% of the population (about 160,000) falls in
the 19 - 23 year age range. Comoros requires children to attend
both primary and secondary school, and now, on average, the
islands’ children receive 11 years of education. But there is only
one university.
The Comoros Islands, a sovereign nation, lie in the middle of
the Mozambique Channel, approximately 440 miles southeast
of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
One University
Comoros’ single university has campuses on each of the three
major islands. It has a total enrolment of 10,000 students,
mainly in four year courses, and offers a wide range of subjects,
including law, economics, arts, humanities, sciences, Islamic
letters and sciences, medicine, teacher training, and an Institute
of Technology comprising computer engineering, tourism,
management, statistics, and civil engineering.
However, with up to 30,000 Comorians annually reaching an
age for post-secondary education, it is clear that the single
university cannot fill the need. And Comoros’ diaspora is
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3. estimated at 200,000, mainly in France. Their remittances
contribute 25% of Comoros’ GDP, but they include an unknown
number of students.
A Second University on the Comoros
We propose that a second university be established, using
MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) instruction presented
over the Internet. Students would work with individual
computers in communal study rooms, meeting for discussions,
projects, and research. This would be Comoros University II
(CU II).
Students would work towards degrees and certificates awarded
by the various institutions presenting these MOOC courses, or
would be able to take individual courses, with their marks
confirmed by the CU II administration.
This should be a non-profit organization, with students paying
for their courses individually, with a ‘facilities charge’ to the
university. This would cover space rental, student activity costs,
computer and Internet costs, and staff salaries.
MOOC courses
At this point, the widest variety of MOOC courses are presented
in English. However, over 300 courses are now offered in French,
and a foundation established by Queen Rania of Jordan started
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4. the Edraak non-profit computer portal in 2014 with 60 varied
online courses in Arabic. (The official languages of the Comoros
Islands are French, Arabic, and Shikomoro, a dialect of Swahili.)
Startup and Operating Costs
With no major buildings to be constructed, and few staff to be
hired, the university should be ready to operate within a year.
Startup would require:
- a small administrative group: management, registration
and records, and accounting,
- student assistance staff: counselling and computer staff
- high speed Internet connections
- laptop computers for each student
- study rooms with suitable furniture
- security and maintenance staff
CU II could start in rented quarters, with initial capital costs
limited to electrical and communications wiring, computer
systems, and furniture.
Operating costs will start as soon as initial staff are engaged, and
for the year prior to the first students starting their studies, a
working capital reserve will be required, with further funds to
cover operations until cash flow from student facility charges
starts.
Many students will require financial assistance, both for MOOC
fees and facility charges; some will require additional funds for
transportation and living expenses. Scholarships should be made
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5. available for students successfully pursuing a defined course of
study.
Financing CU II
Modest initial planning and organizational costs might well be
covered by a combination of government support and donor
funding from international foundations, together with ‘in kind’
assistance from MOOC providers. Financial commitments must
be obtained to prepare facilities, purchase computer equipment
and furniture, and ensure sufficient working capital, prior to
startup.
Following some months of initial operation, rapid growth can be
expected. There will be a need for funding for additional
equipment and furniture, additional rented space will be
necessary, more staff, and additional working capital.
This presents a potential role for the IDA Private Sector
Window. Issuance of CU II bonds, guaranteed but at a low rate
of interest, to be purchased by local financial houses,
foundations, and diaspora members, would confirm Comorian
support for post-secondary education.
However, this university facility should be provided at as low a
cost to students as possible. This might be best accomplished
through the award of student bursaries and scholarships, funded
directly by donors.
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6. Sustainable Development Goals
Given the weak economic base of the Comoros, it may take
many years to banish poverty on these islands. However, it is
clear that CU II will directly support SDG #4, Quality
Education, and #8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Among others, it will also benefit #5, Gender Equality; #9,
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; and #10, Reduced
Inequalities.
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