UNESCO and Italy join forces to support the Educational Radio and Television (ERTV) capacity in Afghanistan

The Italian Directorate General for Development Cooperation of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has agreed to finance the project “Development of (ERTV) for audio-visual support to teacher training in Afghanistan”, with a grant amounting to around US$ 1 million

By the agreement signed on 8 December 2009, the Italian Government renews its support to ERTV. The additional contribution aims to support one of the priority areas set by the Ministry of Education MoE National Education Strategic Plan (NESP) 1385 (2006) -1389 (2010) of improving the knowledge base of teachers and increasing the number of female teachers, with an emphasis on audio-visual support to reach remote and insecure areas.

The project plans to develop the capacity of ERTV using private sector collaboration and according to communication for development and media-development internationally recognized best-practices to enhance the production quality of technical and educational aspects of audio-visual support programmes in teacher training both in formal education and literacy.

This important support follows the engagement since 2003 of both Italy (with US $ 2,5 millions) and UNESCO in the rehabilitation of the Education Radio and Television of the Afghan Ministry of Education: the very successful first phase has led to the creation of a fully operational educational radio and TV production house with broadcasting capabilities at ERTV. The newly renovated ERTV started broadcasting 24 hours radio program and 3 hours television program on daily basis since April 2008.

The ERTV premises have been fully renovated, and the offices, radio and TV studios, and production facilities equipped and operational. The radio and TV production skills of the ERTV staff have been upgraded and they have produced a high quality series of radio and TV programmes for in-service teacher training INSET 1. Although ERTV still relies heavily on external support and direction, it is taking its first steps to initiate new programming and live broadcasting. It is working more closely with other media organisations and educational institutions within Afghanistan and is starting to fulfil its role as an education service provider.


Links

18.02.10 UNESCO and the Government of Italy agreement on supporting the educational Radio and television of Afghanistan


UNESCO helps develop distance education in Afghanistan

• 11-01-2010