New E-Learning Platform Launches with Six Courses

We are excited to announce the launch of Dilulu's new e-learning platform, featuring six comprehensive courses on sustainable gardening, composting, and natural living practices. This digital initiative represents a significant expansion of our educational offerings, making our expertise and resources accessible to learners across Africa and beyond.

The platform, which has been in development for over a year, was created in response to growing demand for flexible, accessible learning options from communities we serve. It features courses in both English and French, with plans to add additional languages in the coming year.

"Our e-learning platform allows us to reach people who might never have the opportunity to participate in our in-person workshops," explains Jean-Pierre Mbungu, Dilulu's Education Director. "It's particularly valuable for educators, community leaders, and change-makers in remote areas who can now access quality training and resources regardless of their location."

Available Courses

The platform launches with six foundational courses, each designed to provide practical, actionable knowledge that learners can immediately apply in their communities:

Each course includes video lessons, downloadable resources, interactive quizzes, and practical assignments. Learners can progress at their own pace and receive a certificate upon successful completion.

Platform Features

The e-learning platform has been designed with accessibility and user experience in mind, particularly for learners in regions with limited internet connectivity:

Development Process

The e-learning platform was developed through a collaborative process involving Dilulu staff, educational partners, and community representatives. Key aspects of the development included:

• Needs Assessment: Surveys and focus groups with potential learners across multiple countries to identify priority topics and preferred learning formats
• Content Development: Collaboration with subject matter experts to create accurate, culturally relevant, and practical course materials
• User Testing: Extensive testing with diverse user groups to ensure platform usability and accessibility
• Technical Optimization: Engineering solutions for low-bandwidth environments and offline access
• Translation and Localization: Professional translation and cultural adaptation of all course materials

"We were committed to creating not just high-quality content, but a learning experience that truly works for our audience," says Aminata Diop, Dilulu's Digital Learning Specialist. "That meant extensive testing in rural areas with limited connectivity and ensuring the platform works well on the devices our learners actually use."

Impact and Access

The e-learning platform is designed to serve multiple audiences:

• Individual Learners: Anyone interested in sustainable gardening and natural living practices
• Educators: Teachers seeking to implement garden-based education in their schools
• Community Leaders: Change-makers looking to implement sustainable practices in their communities
• Partner Organizations: NGOs and community groups that can use the platform for training their staff and volunteers

To ensure accessibility, Dilulu has implemented several access models:

• Individual Enrollment: Direct enrollment with tiered pricing based on country of residence
• Scholarship Program: Full and partial scholarships for learners with financial need
• Organizational Licenses: Bulk access for partner organizations to distribute to their networks
• Learning Hubs: Offline access points in community centers and schools in areas with limited connectivity

"We're particularly excited about our Learning Hubs model," explains Marie Ndongo, Executive Director. "By installing the platform on local servers in community centers, we can provide access even in areas without reliable internet. Learners can visit these hubs to download courses to their devices or study on-site."

Future Plans

The launch of these initial six courses represents just the beginning of Dilulu's e-learning journey. Plans for the coming year include:

• Development of six additional courses based on user feedback and requests
• Translation of existing courses into Swahili, Portuguese, and Arabic
• Creation of a mobile app for improved offline access
• Implementation of a peer mentorship program connecting experienced practitioners with new learners
• Development of specialized learning tracks for different user groups (educators, community leaders, etc.)

"We see e-learning as a powerful complement to our in-person programs," says Dr. Kwame Osei, Board Chair. "It allows us to scale our impact while maintaining the practical, community-centered approach that defines Dilulu's work."

Getting Started

The e-learning platform is now live and open for enrollment. Interested learners can:

• Visit learning.dilulu.org to explore available courses
• Create a free account to access course previews and free resources
• Apply for scholarships if financial assistance is needed
• Contact elearning@dilulu.org with questions or for organizational access

To celebrate the launch, all courses are available at a 30% discount until December 31, 2024.

"We invite everyone interested in sustainable gardening and natural living to explore our new platform," says Jean-Pierre Mbungu. "Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge, we have resources that can support your journey."