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| Introduction | |
| Context | |
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| Countries | |
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| Looking Ahead | |
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| Sustainable book provision | |
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Chronological Review of programme activities
UNESCO/DANIDA
Basic Learning Materials Initiative
Updated November 2000
The UNESCO/DANIDA BLM Initiative (Oct. 1996- June 2001) reflects the continuation of the EFA Book Development Initiative which aims to contribute to an enabling environment for the sustainable production and provision of low cost good quality textbooks and other learning materials.
The services provided through the BLM Initiative to Member States can be clustered as follows:
The countries participating in the BLM Initiative include: Burkina Faso, Guinea, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda and Mongolia.
The following represents a brief chronological review of programme activities to date. It does not pretend to give an overview of the situation in a specific country or an analysis of book sector development. It provides simply a record in chronological order of each activity undertaken within the BLM Initiative, which gives an overview of the development of the Programme itself and its interventions. Reports on any particular activity and further information can be obtained from:
UNESCO - Division of Basic Education, Primary Education Section
7, Place de Fontenoy, Paris Cedex 75352, FRANCE
Tel: +331 45 68 10 37. Fax: +331 45 68 56 26 / 7
E-mail: w.gordon@unesco.org or
j.kjaersgaard@unesco.org
November 2000
Inter-sectorial workshop between Governmentofficials (Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Uganda Investment Authority), printers and publishers, Kampala, organized by the Book Development Council of Uganda (BODECU). The workshop was held in the context of the Governments "Big-Push" Investment Promotion Strategy set up as a follow-up to the 1999 UNDP/UNCTAD Review, which recommended a major push for investment promotion in eight sectors, including the publishing and printing sector. The workshop generated a high level of critical discussions of the printing sector and the book industry at large. Recommendations for follow-up included 1) drafting of a national concept paper for government consideration so as to address contradictions in economic development and tax policy issues on printing facilities and book production; 2) the establishment of the printers’ training department at the Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo; 3) establishment of code of ethics and conduct to improve collaboration between printers and publishers.
Workshop on production costing for publishers and printers, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, organized by the National Book Committee during the first International Book Fair of Burkina Faso (FILO) and facilitated by two BLM Consultants with expertise drawn from CAFED (Centre Africain de Formation à l’Edition et à la Diffusion). The objective was to improve cooperation between these two components of the book chain through a mutual sound understanding of how to establish transparent detailed cost estimations for book production.
Six-week mission of BLM Consultant to Guinea to provide technical assistance to the rural press printing house in Mamou seeking to expand its capacity to comprise printing of educational materials. The mission consisted in a) assessing the present printing capacity; b) developing a strategic plan for expanding this capacity; c) training of professionals to increase efficiency of their work and enable them to become better trainers of excluded youth (complementary to UNESCO’s Youth Programme; d) training in ways of promoting the printing house through improved external relations with clients, suppliers, local publishing houses and interested institutions. Technical assistance was also provided to train staff of publishing houses to enable them to evaluate their own work, assess their needs, carry out in-house training; and monitor progress of work output.
Regional Training of Trainers workshop in Desk Top Publishing, Dar-Es-Salaam Tanzania, for publishing stakeholders from Uganda, Malawi and Tanzania. The workshop was organized by the Tanzania Book Development Council (BAMVITA) and held at the Institute of Technology as a follow-up to the previous ToT workshop held in Tanzania in November 1999. The objective of the workshop was to allow the same participants to complement the rather theoretical course of the first workshop with practical aspects and exercises that focussed on Dest Top Publishing.
Purchase of computer equipment for the Tanzania Book Development Council (BAMVITA) that had recently been dedicated office space with support from SIDA.
Assistance provided to BAMVITA in connection with a UNESCO staff mission to Tanzania, for the planning and organization of a series of training workshops on book selection and procurement to take place both at central and at provincial levels in the context of decentralization policies.
Launch of course and materials development bythe Namibia Book Development Council (NBDC) in collaboration with national institutions:
October 2000
Workshop on Teacher Guides Development, Windhoek, Namibia, organized by NBDC for staff of the Namibia Institute for Educational Development (NIED) in charge of the preparation of teacher and learner materials to support the primary and junior secondary curriculum. The workshop, which was a prelude to the above-mentioned activity (2), sought to pool the experience of NIED staff while introducing ideas from further afield. It dealt with issues such as design and layout, cross-cutting curricular themes, criteria for quality teacher guides and the potential of using software packages for preparing attractive readable and effective guides. Proposed follow-up comprised new strategies for incorporating the use of ICT in the production of teacher materials, including the creating a web and CD-based repository of teacher materials to ensure availability at teacher resource centres and schools with internet.
Participation in the Joint Education Review, Malawi. The two-week review was the first one of its kind and drew participation from 4 Ministries and other public institutions, NGO’s, 12 international development partners and the private sector (Publishers’ and Booksellers’ Ass.). The objective was to address issues pertaining to the recently adopted Policy and Investment Framework 2000-2012 (PIF) in order to agree on sector priorities and harmonize efforts and action in allocation of national and external resources. The participation of the BLM Consultant, who linked up with local book sector stakeholders, ensured that the development of the indigenous publishing sector be taken into account in the context of instructional materials issues and private sector collaboration. The review resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding which, among others, expressed the Government’s intention to commit additional resources for instructional materials at PE level and the necessity for a coherent textbook policy for PE, similar to the textbook policy for secondary level moving towards cost-sharing, liberalization and decentralization of decision-making powers.
Official establishment of an inter-sectorial follow-up Committee to the Book Sector Consultations held in May 2000, Guinea. Members comprise representatives of the following ministries: Culture, Finance, Higher and Basic Education, Social Affairs and Book Sector Associations.
Purchase of computer software for the Namibia Book Development Council (NBDC) to consolidate Desk Top Publishing training courses.
Reproduction of the book sector resource map in Mali for distribution to all education offices in the regions and all publishing houses. The first map was produced in connection with the book sector study undertaken in March 2000.
September 2000
Participation in a regional ADEA/World Bank seminar in Dakar on strategies towards sustainable book development held within the United Nations’ Special Initiative for Africa (UNSIA). Participants comprised public and private book sector stakeholders from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. The three latter countries were represented by BLM focal points. The objective was to examine how textbook programmes best contribute to more sustainable book development. It resulted in a set of recommendations pertaining to the following areas: strategic planning, production and scale of learning materials, textbook selection, distribution, resource mobilization, effective use of learning materials and the promotion of a reading culture. Each delegation was to take the recommendations forward at the national level. The WB committed itself to present the outcomes at the West African Summit of Ministers (Education and Finance) on strategies for accelerating actions towards EFA goals, to be held in Bamako end November 2000.
Drafting of Handbook for Writers of Children’s Books with the objective to assist authors through a checklist of basic "rules" to take into account when children are targeted as readers/listeners. The handbook is based on experiences of two previous workshops held respectively in Tanzania and Uganda in February 2000.
One-week study-tour by INDE/MINED representatives and members of the recently established BLM Working Group from Mozambique to Namibia. The objective was to collect information on mechanisms for inter-institutional collaboration within the book sector and for training and capacity-building of book sector personnel as way of gaining experience for the consolidation of book sector developments in their own country.
A series of three 2-day training workshops, as part of the first training phase organized by the Interim Book Development Council of Malawi and facilitated by local resource persons, some of whom had been trained in the regional BLM Training of Trainers Workshops in Tanzania. The workshops addressed the following themes:
August 2000
Inter-sectorial book sector consultation, Maputo, Mozambique, facilitated by BLM Consultant. The workshop brought together public and private book sector stakeholders and donor community with the purpose of consulting on roles and responsibilities of sub-sectors in implementing the aims of Ministry of Education Strategic Document, the Education Sector Support Programme (1999-2004) with regard to delivery of books for grade 1-7. A tentative work plan as a basis for further consultation and training was established and mechanisms for the close inter-linkages between the different actors were identified with a view to improving inter-sectorial collaboration A local working group consisting of Head of Departments was nominated to coordinate workshop outputs implementation and follow-up.
Inter-linkage with the Reading for All programme, Uganda. Collaboration between the recently established Reading Association of Uganda and UNESCO to conduct training for teacher educators of three teacher education colleges and to develop a guide for teacher educators so as to improve the delivery of instruction through a better learning and reading environment in the classroom. The guide is entitled New Approaches to Literacy Learning and will, among others, be distributed to all BLM countries.
Training Workshop in Creative Writing, Namibia (report to be submitted).
Workshop on developing curriculum for training in the use of basic learning materials for staff members of the National Institute of Educational Development (NIED), organized by the Book Development Council, Okanhandja, Namibia. The objective was to identify topics to be included in the curriculum for teachers on the use of basic learning materials and specify competencies teachers require for the effective use of basic learning materials. A special session was given by a resource person from South Africa on copyright issues to raise awareness of NIED staff on copyright regulations.
Workshop on Desk Top Publishing, Design and Production, for staff members (teachers) of the National Institute of Education (NIED), Okahandja, Namibia. The objective of the workshop was to upgrade the skills of teachers involved in preparing resource materials and to stimulate a "sensitive, critical eye" when assessing materials. The workshop introduced different software (Pagemaker and Photoshop) to the participants with a view to improving the quality and outcome of their daily work. Materials were produced and analyzed, which included cost estimation for printing.
July 2000
Workshop on Desk Top Publishing, Design and Production, Keetmanshop, Namibia, for the same purpose as above.
Mission of BLM Consultant to Mongolia to continue the monitoring of the book sector survey undertakings. Continued support was deemed necessary for the analysis of the statistical findings and drafting of the national survey report to ensure a coherent and accurate presentation of the results. The technical assistance concentrated therefore on the planning of the finalization of the survey and, in consultation with the regional survey team leaders, on the identification of key issues and possible strategies to overcome these. While the finalized Textbook Policy had been approved by Government in June 2000, the draft National Law on Books and Press was reviewed.
Participation in the Zimbabwe Indaba Seminar 2000 on the theme Millenium Marketplace by BLM programme staff to stay abreast with current trends and developments in the book sector. Meetings with regional networks such as the ADEA BLMWG, Bellagio Publishing Network, PABA for information sharing as well as with five BLM country teams and BLM Consultants to discuss progress and planning of programme developments at national levels (Tanzania, Namibia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mozambique). Potential BLM Consultants were also identified to enrich the roster of BLM Consultants and resource persons.
Participation of the Namibia BLM Coordinator in the above ZIBF 2000 to facilitate information sharing with regional networks and institutions such as APNET and the Zimbabwe Book Development Council as well as with various book sector stakeholders and resource persons as a means of consolidating the current training phase in Namibia.
Two-week study-tour by two members of the Book Development Council of Tanzania (BAMVITA) to study the publishing sector and national strategies as a way of gaining experience for the consolidation of book sector developments in their own country. The study-tour coincided with ZIBF 2000 and privileged the delegates to meet public and private book sector stakeholder associations, councils and book trusts from many African countries and gather various information on book production and book development trends.
June 2000
Approval by Government of the Textbook Policy, Mongolia, which had been prepared as part of the collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Enlightenment, MFOS and UNESCO signed in January 2000.
Special general meeting of the Namibia Book Development Council (NBDC) to review its structure, amend its constitution so as to broaden the categories of membership and to discuss the purpose of the future Book House.
Printing of a brochure on the BLM Initiative in Namibia and the Book Development Council (NBDC) to mobilize for support and collaboration among stakeholders in the context of the NBDC training plan for book sector personnel. NBDC also promotes its training activities and the book cause on radio programmes through national broadcasting, each week on a different issue pertaining to books (e.g. how to get your book approved for schools; jobs in publishing and material development; copyright; why are books important to children; the role of the publisher, the writer, the editor etc).
Printing of a brochure on the Tanzania Book Development Council (BAMVITA), its development objectives and activities in order to promote the new Council, its visibility and the book cause.
Mission of UIS Consultant to Mongolia (UNESCO Institute of Statistics) to monitor the progress of the statistical part of the compilation of the book sector survey: Technical assistance to the National Statistical Office in elaborating the outputs for the national survey report and in making the most appropriate and attractive presentation of the findings. Preparation of a pamphlet for wider distribution of the survey results. Preparations to establish a computer programme serving a mailing list of book sector stakeholders with a view to disseminating information on book development issues and giving access to a data base of official documents.
Official launch by the Minister of Higher Education of the NBDC training plan, Namibia, following the Annual National Committee Meeting.
Workshop for illustrators, designers and artists, Kampala, Uganda, organized by the Uganda Book Development Council (BODECU). The workshop deliberated and established ways for helping artists to build professional structures to fight for their cause and how to access training needs in order to cope with the current advances in technology and challenges of the labour market.
May 2000
Participation of BLM Consultant in the GRAED Regional Meeting (Groupe Africain d’Edition et de Diffusion), Conakry, Guinea, for members from Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and France, organized by the Ministry of Culture and UNESCO/Culture: Elaboration of papers determining the functioning, organization and membership of the Group. Review and decision of the co-publishing projects for children’s books based on inspiration drawn from the UNESCO edited Universal History of Africa. Identification of future collaboration with the BLM Initiative (ED/CLT) include training of GRAED illustrators and facilitation of a promotion and distribution strategy.
Regional Book Sector Consultation in Labé, Guinea, on formulating a national book policy, facilitated by a local BLM Consultant. The meeting was attended by delegates representing all the departments of Guinea and representatives of central public institutions involved in book development (Education and Culture), private sector stakeholders and NGO’s. The objective was to take stock of the status of book provision and its obstacles at the regional level and to formulate proposals consigned in a document on regional book policy to feed into the National Book Policy and be presented during the subsequent National Book Sector Consultation.
National Book Sector Consultation in Conakry, Guinea, as a follow-up to the above regional Consultation on formulating a national book policy. The meeting was facilitated by a local BLM Consultant and was attended by a wide cross-section of private and public book sector stakeholders, representatives of the regional departments and various organizations involved in the promotion of a reading culture, as well as delegates from Mali, Burkina Faso and Senegal as resource persons. The Consultation continued the participatory process of debating and identifying pertinent issues to be addressed in the national book policy, taken into account the findings of the textbook policy draft currently elaborated under the auspices of the Ministry of Education (pré-universitaire) with support from USAID. A follow-up committee mandated to take the recommendations and the task of drafting the National Book Policy forward was established. Both the Regional and the National Book Sector Consultation in Guinea benefited from a broad press coverage including debates and presentations in radio and television and a wide range of newspaper articles.
Workshop on Strategic Planning of the Book Sector, organized by the Malawi Book Development Council (MBDC) and facilitated by a BLM Consultant. The outcome was the compilation of a strategic operational plan for the Malawi book sector elaborated in matrix form for each sub-sector covering year 2000 – 2002. The lead for the execution of the sub-sector action plans will be taken forward by the respective professional associations with support from international organizations, agencies, national institutions and facilitated where necessary by the MBDC.
April 2000
Joint mission to Mongolia of 3 Consultants: two BLM Consultants and one Consultant of the UNESCO Statistical Institute (UIS) to work with the Mongolian Foundation for Open Society (MFOS) to initiate the survey activities and data collection in the field: Six field visits by the monitoring and support teams to 11 of the 21 aimags to identify key issues and ensure that the survey findings be as correct and comprehensible as possible. Preparation of regional data processing in collaboration with the National Statistical Office: design of 25 output tables and identification of indicators and presentation formats for the regional analysis.
Interagency coordination meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for international development agencies, institutions, organizations and NGO’s involved in the production of instructional materials. The objective was to give these stakeholders an overview of activities undertaken under the Cooperation Agreement between UNESCO, MFOS and the Ministry of Enlightenment. Key issues were therefore: policy framework for textbook provision and book development and the ongoing book sector survey. Expected outcomes of the meeting is the establishment of a consolidated interagency plan of ongoing and future activities for better coordination, and a mailing list/data base to disseminate relevant information.
Study on the book sector in Burkina Faso carried out by eight members of the National Book Commission to collect complementary information from institutions and in the regions to fill in the information gaps on the status of the book sector. In the perspective of elaborating a national book policy, the study examined the institutional framework, the potential capacities in book production and access. It addressed a range of issues impeding the development of the book sector and suggested areas of remedial action which will feed into the national book policy.
Round Table during the EFA Assessment Conference in Dakar, Senegal. The panel drew on experiences in the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Africa and India. The main focus of the strategy was on discussing options for overcoming the continuing shortage of resources for effective teaching and learning both inside and outside school, which was compiled into a strategy paper for Dakar follow-up. The EFA Assessment 2000 Thematic Study on books and the learning environment (ADEA / UNESCO / BLM Initiative) was used as background material for the session.
Workshop on Costing and Pricing of books for publishers, authors and booksellers, organized by the Interim Book Development Council, Malawi. Apart from exercises, the workshop dealt with basics such as the publishing chain, clarification on financial terms used in the publishing industry, differences between costing and pricing of books and the different factors influencing the final price of a book.
Appointment by DANIDA of an Associate Expert for the BLM Initiative, UNESCO HQ.
March 2000
Participation in the ADEA BLMWG Meeting, London, UK. The key issues addressed were: taxes on inputs to book development; generating economies of scale; strengthening the reading environment; the use of new technologies; managing transition in the provision of schoolbooks and the need for code of ethics. The process and results of the EFA Assessment 2000 Thematic Study on books and the learning environment in preparation for Dakar was also presented and distributed.
Workshop on Manuscript Development for members of the Malawi Writers Union, Blantyre, Malawi. The workshop was the first one in a series of eight training sessions for stakeholders in the Malawi book publishing industry supported by the BLM Initiative and organized by the Interim Book Development Council. Apart from dealing with the principles of creative writing, a SWOT analysis of the Writers Union was undertaken to identify its strengths and weaknesses, sessions were held to inform writers about the opportunities they can seize in the new emerging environment of the Malawi book sector and on how to proceed to get a manuscript published.
Workshop on Royalty and Contract Management for authors and publishers, organized by the Interim Book Development Council (BDC), Blantyre, Malawi. The objective of the workshop was to impart skills of participants in administrative matters so as to raise their awareness of their rights and obligations in general and when dealing with each other. the workshop therefore dealt with the Malawi Copyright Act comprising both economic and moral rights with direct relevance to authors and publishers; the function of the COSOMA (Malawi Reproduction Rights Organization) and its collective copyright administration; royalty systems and the relation between publisher and writer. A range of recommendations for strengthening the Writers Union came up and were urged to be incorporated in a strategic plan with a view to consolidating this sub-sector and its interaction with others.
Inter-sectorarial seminar of public and private book sector stakeholders, Bamako, Mali. The purpose was to present and validate the book sector study and the physical map of book sector resources of the country per region. The study was carried out with the aim of improving the operational plan for textbook provision within the framework of the Decade for Development of Education (PRODEC) though participatory consultation with all relevant stakeholders and analysis of the strengths and short-comings of each sub-sector.
February 2000
Training of Trainers Workshop for high level professionals of the book sector organized by the Namibia Book Development Council (NBDC), in Windhoek, Namibia, and facilitated by a BLM Consultant. The objective was to impart skills of potential trainers through facilitation and training methods to improve their ability to pass on skills to others in a training situation connected to their respective field of expertise. The workshop was organized as a kick-start to course development process in Namibia and to building up a roster of facilitators and trainers for future training offered at the institutional level in collaboration with the NBDC.
Workshop for Writers of Children’s Books, Tanzania, organized by the Tanzania Book Development Council (BAMVITA) and facilitated by a BLM Consultant – literacy expert and bestseller of Children’s books in Australia and the United States. Through exercises and production of manuscripts, the objective was to raise awareness among writers of the importance of excellence in the first books that children encounter in order to make reading pleasurable as the basis for the creation of a culturally appropriate reading culture.
Workshop for Writers of Children’s Books, Uganda, organized by the Uganda Book Development Council (BODECU) for the same purposes as above.
Workshop on Guidelines for the Textbook Approval Board, Maputo, Mozambique, facilitated by BLM Consultant. Addition of two chapters to the document addressing specifically gender and Human Rights aspects. Translation of the amended document into Portuguese. Planning with the Ministry of Education (MINED and INDE) for future intervention of the BLM Initiative, which will serve to facilitate a framework for national book policy issues within the context of the current curriculum reform.
January 2000
Guinea-Conakry joins the BLM Initiative.
First Regional Book Sector Consultation, Kampala, Uganda, for the 7 African BLM countries (public/private sector), Guinea and Zambia as observers, eight BLM Consultants, ADEA and UNESCO staff (HQ & Zimbabwe). At this stage of implementation of the BLM Initiative, where the Programme has created its own momentum in many of the participating countries, the objective was to discuss and exchange some of the insights, knowledge and lessons learnt from the experiences gained so far and to allow delegates to evaluate and discuss Phase II of the BLM Initiative as well as to assess how they would like to make use of the BLM services in the future in the overall context of book development in the respective countries.
Mission of BLM Consultant to Mongolia to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Enlightenment (MOSTEC) in the context of the establishment of a the book sector policy framework. Collaboration with the Mongolian Foundation for Open Society (MFOS) to elaborate the instruments and the detailed planning of the book sector survey activities. Training provided for the eight team leaders to orient their common tasks and responsibilities in the survey exercise.
Workshop on managing and sourcing library books, Kampala, Uganda, organized by the Uganda Book Development Council (BODECU). Procurement systems of library books and interrelationship between library services and the different sub-sectors of the book chain were examined for a better promotion of local book trade. The mission of the Uganda Library Association (ULA) for the 21st century was formulated. Training needs for the library personnel service were identified.
December 1999
Finalization of the EFA Assessment 2000 Thematic Study on Books and the learning environment, English version (ADEA/UNESCO/BLM Initiative).
Participation the ADEA BLMWG Meeting during the Biennial ADEA Meeting, in Johannesburg, South Africa. A study of fiscal policies was presented under the title: Expanding the Book Trade across Africa: a Study of Current Barriers and Future Potential. This study, undertaken in conjunction with the African Publishers' Network (APNET), clearly shows that import, sales and export taxes on books, paper and printing equipment, undermine the creation of an environment that is conducive to fostering greater interest in reading. The meeting enlisted support for a campaign focusing on removing fiscal barriers to the development of the book sector.
November 1999
Purchase of IIEP training package as part of capacity-building strategies and building up resources within the countries. Dissemination to the UNESCO Offices, National Commissions, Book Development Councils and Ministries of Education. The package comprises twelve modules on issues from legal aspects of literary and artistic property to mechanisms to improve quality control.
Workshop on improving writing, reading and translation in African languages, organized by the Namibia Book Development Council (NBDC), Ongwediva, for teacher educators, librarians and representatives of youth councils. The objective was to give the participants an overview of skills necessary to develop quality learning and information materials using African languages. The workshop included practice of reading and writing, analysis and translation of texts and information materials so as to identify various aspects of books that are important in making materials relevant to the reader/listener. Follow-up and similar training was to be taken over by the Tushangeni Literature Writers Association. Reading and writing radio programmes on national broadcasting channels were recommended to be set up with support from the NBDC.
Regional Training of Trainers workshop in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, for publishing stakeholders from Uganda and Malawi and Tanzania. The workshop was organized by the newly established Book Development Council (BAMVITA) and initiated the operational phase of the Council. It was facilitated by a BLM Consultant, assisted by local resource persons and the Deputy-Director of the Malawi Institute of Education. The workshop dealt with different methodologies of imparting skills in various areas pertaining to the publishing business such as: the promotion, distribution, sales and marketing of books; publishing management; the use of modern technology in book production; and the role of libraries in the promotion of reading. The participants are expected to contribute actively to future training activities foreseen by the Book Development Councils in their respective countries.
Preparations to elaborate a physical map of Malawi detailing baseline information on the book sector per region. This map will be used as a tool by national institutions for planning book development and book provision to the education sector.
Preparations to undertake a book sector study in Mali to analyze the strengths and shortcomings of each sub-sector and the different links of the book chain. The study will include a physical map indicating existing book sector resources in the country. Expected outcomes include a detailed operational plan for the Book Committee and clear recommendations for the improvement of the operational plan for textbook provision within the framework of the Decade for Development of Education (PRODEC).
Mission of BLM Consultant to Maputo, Mozambique to assist the future Textbook Approval Board (TAB) and relevant national institutions in elaborating guidelines for the selection and assessment of books. The above body will be established within the framework of the Education and Curriculum Reform. Draft guidelines were prepared and are being reviewed in close collaboration with country counterparts and expertise from FAWE and the Human Rights and Democracy DANIDA funded programme.
Synergies with the other UNESCO/DANIDA programmes: Collaboration with the Human Rights and Democracy Programme is being explored in Namibia with relation to the implementation of the BLM book sector personnel training plan. BLM expertise is also being used in Guinea in the publishing of a series of Guidance and Counselling booklets - another DANIDA supported programme.
October 1999
Official registration of the Book Development Council of Uganda (BODECU).
Mission of BLM Consultant to Ulaanbaator, Mongolia, to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Enlightenment (MOSTEC). The mission included: working sessions with the Drafting Group of the National Board for Books and Press on recommendations to improve the National Book Policy draft; a review of the schedule and composition of members of the Drafting Group; discussion of logistical aspects in the preparation of the planned book sector survey; participation as resource person in a training workshop organized by Mongolia Foundation for Open Society (MFOS) for publishing sector personnel and Ministry officials to address different aspects of the practical implementation of textbook policies.
Purchase of photocopying equipment for the Strategic Management and Planning Department of the Ministry of Enlightenment (MOSTEC), Mongolia, as part of efforts to improve the dissemination of information, particularly with relation to the operational activities of the drafting groups of the National Board for Books and Press.
Purchase of computer equipment to support the Malawi Institution of Education (MIE). This institution is expected to create training facilities in Desk Top Publishing technologies to serve the needs of book industry players. MIE will also offer book sector training in the sub-region.
September 1999
Workshop on Reproduction Rights, organized by the Interim Book Development Council, Kampala Uganda. The workshop sensitized the major stakeholders on the concept of copyright and its role in developing the book sector, as well as increased their understanding of how they can protect or sell their intellectual works. The participants nominated a Task Force that will work towards the establishment of a reproduction rights organization drawing on experiences from other countries.
First National Book Fair, Lilongwe, Malawi, organized around the theme of Reading for Education, Heath and Development. The BLM Initiative provided support as part of its efforts to promote the practice of reading through various activities and expose the public to the various reading materials available.
Second Book Sector Consultation in Kampala, Uganda, organized by the Interim Book Development Council and facilitated by a BLM Consultant. The meeting brought together private and public book sector stakeholders and programme staff with the objective to 1) review and evaluate progress made within the wider book sector since the Consultation in May 1997 in terms of policy formulation and implementation; 2) discuss institutionalization of capacity building activities for book sector personnel and; 3) chart the way forward for an organized book sector. The Constitution was reviewed and approved and elections of the Executive Committee of the Council, named BODECU, were conducted.
BLM Meeting during the SIDA Book Week Festival, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, facilitated by a BLM Consultant and attended by Ministry officials and members of the Book Development Council. Discussions centred on the potential role of the BLM Initiative during the execution of BAMVITA’s two year action plan. It was agreed that a Training of Trainers Workshop in November 1999 should initiate the operational phase of the Council.
Planning Meeting of the BLM Steering Committee in Windhoek, Namibia at the Ministry of Higher Education. Ways in which different book sector players and national institutions (the University and the Namibia Institution for Educational Development) can be partners in the implementation of BLM training activities were discussed. Recommendations included the use of radio and television talk shows to promote Reading for All activities and training courses. Expected launch date of the operational phase of the training plan was set to early 2000.
Planning Meeting of the Book Sector Task Force Committee in Bamako, Mali, to formulate the Terms of Reference of a planned national book sector survey which were submitted to the Ministry of Education and subsequently approved. The survey has the objective to analyze the strengths and shortcomings of each sub-sector and the different links of the book chain. Expected outcomes include a detailed operational plan for the Book Committee and clear recommendations for the improvement of the operational plan for textbook provision within the framework of the Decade for Development of Education Programme (PRODEC). Expected completion date: February 2000.
August 1999
Pan-African Conference on Reading for All, Pretoria, South Africa, supported by the BLM Initiative and organized under the aegis of the South African Department of Education in co-operation with READ Educational Trust and the International Reading Association (IRA) and UNESCO. The meeting, attended by educationalists, librarians, publishers, representatives of different NGO’s and ministry of education officials from 22 African countries, provided a platform to exchange lessons learnt in enhancing a reading culture and in using different teaching methodologies. It was also considered as a springboard to create strategies in this area at national levels. The countries were invited to prepare concrete follow-up proposals for submission to UNESCO in the context of the Reading for All Programme.
Presentation of the findings of the feasibility-study on national capacity-building of book sector personnel, Windhoek, Namibia, at the Ministry of Higher Education, Vocational Training, Science and Technology, organized by the Book Development Council. Representatives of relevant national institutions and private book sector stakeholders discussed the composition of the proposed Steering Committee and were introduced to the recently appointed BLM National Training Coordinator.
Follow-up meeting to the National Book Sector Consultation in May 1999, Bamako, Mali. The purpose was to elect the Chairperson, Executive Secretary and members of the Book Sector Task Force Committee in charge of the execution of the recommendations formulated by the participants of the Consultation.
July 1999
One-month study-tour by four private and public book sector stakeholders from Burkina Faso to Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Mali and Guinea. The members of the Interim National Book Development Committee studied the publishing sector and national strategies in neighbouring countries as way of gaining experience for the consolidation of book sector developments in their own country.
Strengthening of collaboration with the ADEA Working Group on Books and Learning Materials:
Participation of BLM country-teams and BLM programme staff in the Indaba Seminar held prior to the ZIBF’99 on Women's Voices - Gender, Books and Development, focussing on four major themes - publishing, writing, access, and research. The seminar provided a platform for discussion on the issue of gender balance from both a socio-cultural, educational, economic / commercial and political point of view within the context of production, availability and use of books. The role of the women in development was one of the key issues on the agenda, notably the challenges of promoting female African writers and making their works accessible to the public.
Meetings between the BLM staff and each BLM country-team during the ZIBF week ‘99 in order to take stock of past and future programme activities.
Buyers/sellers meeting in connection with ZIBF ’99 organized by the International Trade Center UNCTAD in cooperation with APNET and PABA. The majority of the BLM country-teams were among the 21 countries and 75 enterprises represented. The purpose was to initiate intra-African dialogue on possibilities for exploiting trading opportunities for the African printing and publishing industry, as well as the development of long-term and mutually beneficial business relationships across African borders.
June 1999
Workshop on Book Policy Formulation, organized by the Interim Book Development Council, Kampala, Uganda. This workshop reflected the fruits of continued dialogue between the Ministry of Education officials and a broad cross-section of publishing stakeholders. Representatives of publishers, printers, booksellers, librarians and writers associations presented their respective recommendations and amendments to existing Textbook Policy, which is being reviewed by a Top Management Committee. The amendments were fused and formally submitted to the Ministry of Education with the primary recommendation of drafting a National Book Policy.
Purchase of training and resource materials through the African Books Collective as part of capacity-building strategies and building up resources within the countries. Dissemination to the UNESCO Offices, National Commissions, Book Development Councils and Ministries of Education: ADEA publications include: Cost-effectiveness of Publishing Educational Materials in African Languages, Eng./French; An Introduction to Publishing Management (Eng./French); The Economics of Publishing Educational Materials in Africa (Eng./French); A bibliography of Publishing and the Book chain in Sub-Saharan Africa. Bellagio Publications include: Copyright and Development; Publishing in Africa – One man’s Perspective; The Challenge of the Market. Other publication include: A handbook: Creative Writing; The Electronic African Bookworm – A web Navigator; African Publishers Networking Directory 1999/2000.
May 1999
4th Technical BLM Working Group meeting in Paris to review the scope of programme activities to date, discuss recent developments in programme countries and further afield and the orientation of programme implementation, as well as agree upon priority areas for future BLM assistance. Participation of the Convenor of the ADEA Working Group on Books and Learning Materials.
Mission of BLM Consultant to Ulaanbaator, Mongolia to provide support and advice to the Drafting Group of the Professional Commission for Books and Press - established to review and formulate a National Book Policy and a Textbook Policy. The mission also included discussions with the Mongolian Foundation for Open Society (MFOS) on the translations of various policy and working documents, ways to improve the flow of information, the elaboration of a coordinated schedule of activities planned by various institutions/agencies in support of the development of the book sector, and further collaboration to provide joint impetus for the realization of the Ministry’s policy goals pertaining to the for the book sector
National Book Sector Consultation in Bamako, Mali, facilitated jointly by three BLM Consultants and attended by the major public institutions involved in book development and a wide cross-section of private book sector stakeholders. The participants demonstrated a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to identify the contexts and problems of the current systems for textbook provision as well as potential strategies to remedy them. The meeting presented a timely occasion for the stakeholders to examine the different elements in the operational plan for textbook provision contained within the Decade for Development of Education (PRODEC) project. A provisional plan of action was elaborated for the attention of the follow-up Book Committee comprised of public and private book sector stakeholders.
Follow-up workshop for the Book Development Council members, Malawi, to continue the dialogue on ways of improving collaboration among book sector stakeholders in the liberalized environment emerging in the country. The participants identified the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of each sub-sector and of the links in the book chain. These findings shall also serve as a platform for the members of the Book Development Council to prepare a comprehensive training plan for each sub-sector to be carried out where appropriate in close collaboration with the Malawi Institute of Education.
April 1999
Workshop for the Book Development Council members, Blantyre, Malawi, facilitated by two BLM Consultants. The workshop set the stage for inter-institutional communication, discussed the roles of the various players in the book chain and their inter-relationship, and identified ways of improving collaboration in the emerging climate of liberalized book development. The meeting was considered as crucial to preparing the book sector players for the changes that will take place when the textbook market becomes fully decentralized, since this will require a shift in their working methods and commitments and a different level of consultation with institutional partners. The overall message was for key players to share information, acquire new knowledge and become more organized to give their dialogue more impact.
Preparations of the EFA Assessment Thematic Study on textbook provision and the learning environment in collaboration with the ADEA BLMWG. The study is based on three components: a questionnaire distributed throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America on the context of textbook provision; regional surveys to complement the questionnaire; and a series of case studies on the availability of instructional materials and the learning environment. Expected completion date: End 1999.
Three-week study-tour by two stakeholders representing the private/public book sector of Malawi to Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The members of the Interim National Book Development Committee studied the publishing sector and national strategies in neighbouring countries as way of gaining experience for the consolidation of book sector developments in their own country.
March 1999
Mission of BLM Consultant to Tanzania to work with the interim committee of the Book Development Council on developing a plan of action for capacity-building and training needs for book sector personnel. The timing of the mission coincided with a two-week appraisal of the Education Sector Reform Development Programme document. The Consultant’s report therefore related to the feasibility of the Operational Plan for Basic Education Textbook Support contained in this document. In particular, it examined whether Tanzania has established a supportive commercial environment for liberalized textbook production and mechanisms to support decentralized selection and purchases of educational materials.
Workshop on Improving the Quality in Education, Kampala, Uganda, for curriculum developers, examiners, Ministry of Education Inspectorate, teachers and publishers, organized by the Interim Book Development Council. The participants discussed ways in which the publishing community can help to maintain quality of education given the increase in enrollment rates occuring since the introduction of the Universal Primary Education Programme.
February 1999
Feasibility study on national capacity-building of book sector personnel conducted by a national Consultant in Namibia. The study analyzed the situation of basic learning materials and assessed training needs in the public sector and throughout the book chain with an aim to developing professional knowledge, potential technical skills and confidence. The study recommended a two-year book sector personnel training plan, taking into account both in-service and pre-service training and training and skills development in local languages. Emphasis was given to the sustainability of courses, provided by local/regional trainers through national institutions. It also recommended the creation of a BLM steering committee comprised of the Book Development Council, national institutions, UNESCO and the National Commission for UNESCO to oversee the execution of the training plan.
January 1999
Dissemination of the guide From Plan to Print, French version, to National Commissions for UNESCO, UNESCO Field Offices and ACCT Offices in francophone Africa.
National Book Sector Consultation in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, facilitated by the Convenor of the ADEA Working Group on Books and Learning Materials and resource persons from publishing houses in Guinea and the Ivory Coast. The meeting was attended by the major public institutions involved in book development, private sector stakeholders, NGOs and funding agencies. Recommendations included the establishment of a Book Development Council whose mandate will be to elaborate a strategic plan for skills training within the publishing sector and to draft national strategies with a view to fostering a favourable environment for the development of a richer book industry.
December 1999
Mission of BLM Consultant to Ulaanbaator, Mongolia to meet with the Ministry of Enlightenment and the Mongolia Foundation for Open Society to discuss the development of a stronger commercial publishing industry and locate the potential role of the BLM Initiative within existing project activities. Key recommendations included: the elaboration of a book sector survey focussing on textbook distribution, book selling and printing; professional translations of official key documents related to the book sector to facilitate the involvement and co-operation of external funding agencies, and technical assistance in reviewing and finalizing both a textbook and a national book policy draft.
Mission of BLM Consultant to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to work alongside the National Commission in preparing the National Book Sector Consultation to be held in January 1999.
November 1999
Mission of two BLM Consultants and the Malawi Deputy Delegate for UNESCO to reactivate the BLM Initiative. The team worked with the major and influential institutions in the book industry and the Ministry of Education to identify current development within the book industry and assess the progress made since the National Book Sector Consultation held in July 1997. The recommendations focused on the future role of the Malawi Institute of Education, the Book Publishers Association of Malawi and the Book Development Council (BDC) in the development towards democratization and liberalization of the book industry. It was recommended that the BLM Initiative provide assistance to the BDC in particular with respect to its consolidation as a coordinating body for inter-institutional communication and to future capacity-building activities.
Sub-regional Book Sector Consultation in Apia, Samoa Islands, on Improving Private and Public Sector Co-operation in Book Development. The meeting was facilitated by a BLM Consultant and attended by Directors of Education from all fourteen islands in the region, publishers from New Zealand and educational planners from Australia. The Consultation concluded that the University of the South Pacific would undertake a review of the book sector in the sub-region with a view to identifying the possible areas of collaboration to promote textbook provision and ways to lower costs of publishing. It was also decided to explore the opportunity to have a Book Fair and a range of discussion forums at the Regional Festival of Arts to be held in New Caledonia in the year 2000. The follow-up to the regional meeting will fall under the Basic Education Literacy Programme (BELS) of the region.
October 1998
Seminar on Enhancing a Reading Culture in Uganda, organized by the Interim Book Development Council in collaboration with the National Book Trust of Uganda (NABUTO) during the SIDA National Book Week Festival. The seminar was aimed at promoting reading culture and eradicating illiteracy, and drew upon lessons learnt in other African countries through resource persons from Kenya (National Book Development Council), Tanzania (Network for Technical Publications in Africa) and South Africa (READ Educational Trust). An Interim Committee was established in order to oversee activities that will enhance the reading culture in the country according to the recommendations made by the participants.
September 1998
3rd BLM Technical Working Group Meeting inParis to review the scope of programme activities in each country while the Initiative is approaching the mid-way stage in its implementation period. Feed-back was received from the programme consultants on issues of common concern to the participating countries.
Three training workshops in Okahandja, Namibia, on the theme New Subject Panels on Textbook Development and Evaluation facilitated by BLM Consultant for curriculum development panels serving at the National Institute for Educational Development. One workshop was also attended by staff of the Adult Education Unit.
August 1998
Book Sector Consultation to review the National Policy on Textbooks and other Basic Learning Materials within the Education Sector Strategic Plan, as a follow-up and a continuation of SIDA activities, Maputo, Mozambique. Recommendations for follow-up also included preparatory activities for the establishment of the Textbook Approval Board, legalization of the working group as a national body for the book sector, exploration of funding sources and preparation of a strategic plan to cover human resource development with special attention to administration and management.
Workshop on Writers Publishers Dialogue, Kampala, Uganda, organized by the Interim Book Development Council and facilitated by BLM Consultant to improve the understanding of fundamental issues in the development and production of a manucript, particularly issues that lead to disharmony between writers and publishers. Key recommendations for associations included: the establishment of a code of conduct; increased communication and transparency during business dealings; the establishment of a reproduction rights organization to assist in protecting the authors/publishers works from pirating or plagiarism.
July 1998
BLM activities during the Zimbabwe Book Fair ’98 (ZIBF):
June 1998
National Book Sector Consultation in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, facilitated by a BLM Consultant and attended by a wide cross-section of both private book sector stakeholders and public institutions, NGO’s and funding agencies. A range of key issues impeding the textbook provision were addressed, while the participants discussed common objectives: contributing to a multipartite dialogue to find ways of remedial action; enhancing the capacity of institutional support structures; formulating strategies and actions to support the increase of local publishing capacity. The meeting resulted in the election of an interim committee for the establishment of a National Book Development Council.
Mission of BLM Consultant to Mali and Burkina Faso to update book sector information, make preparations and mobilize support for the National Book Sector Consultations in these countries. The BLM Initiative will work closely with the ADEA Working Group on Books and Learning Materials which is already assisting these countries in different aspects of book development.
Second Printing of the French version of the guide From Plan to Print.
May 1998
Workshop on Management in the Publishing Industry, Kampala, Uganda, organized by the Interim Book Development Council for senior personnel of publishing firms. The BLM Initiative collaborated with Longman with respect to training in different book sector skills. Areas that require further attention were identified and put into a training plan to be carried out by the Council with support from the BLM Initiative.
April 1998
Purchase and distribution of training materials for authors and editors as part of capacity-building strategies and building up resources within the countries. Dissemination to National Commissions, UNESCO Field Offices and organizations involved in publishing activities in the participating countries. Publications were procured from Book House Training Centre in London, including: Basic Editing a practical course – the Text; Basic Editing a practical course - the Exercises; the Business of Book Publishing. Publications of the International Development Research Centre in Canada include: Editing and Publication – A training Manual; Editing and Publications – A handbook for Trainers.
March 1998
Participation of BLM Consultants in two seminars on International Organizations and Publishing in Africa, organized by CODE Europe in Nairobi, Kenya, for anglophone African countries and in Dakar, Senegal, for francophone African countries. The seminars examined ways of widening the dissemination of information and publications produced by international organizations in Africa through joint publications and translations with indigenous African publishing houses. New accords for joint publications were agreed upon, as well as arrangements for the establishment of commercial distribution networks.
February 1998
Mission of BLM Consultant to Tanzania to update book sector information and to discuss the terms of reference, aims and objectives of the proposed National Book Sector Consultation. Meeting dates were agreed upon for June 1998.
January 1998
2nd BLM Technical Working Group Meeting in Paris. After consultation with DANIDA, it was decided that the programme may provide technical assistance to countries that have already initiated book development programmes. Agreement upon areas for future action within BLM Initiative.
Meeting between the British Council, the Pan-African Booksellers’ Association, the UK Booksellers Association and UNESCO, London. The purpose was to discuss the need for a long term strategy for book selling in Africa that will complement national literacy goals and increase access to books, while improving book selling training. It was agreed that a second meeting should take place later in the year to assist PABA in formulating its strategy.
December 1997
Printing of the Portuguese version of From Plan to Print in Maputo, Mozambique.
November 1997
National Book Congress, Kampala, organized by the Uganda Interim Book Development Council. The Congress, which coincided with the SIDA National Book Week, was convened to review the content of the present Textbook Policy and the draft of the Constitution of the Book Development Council.
October 1997
Participation in the Annual ADEA BLM WG Meeting, Dakar, Senegal.
First printing of the French version of the guide From Plan to Print.
September 1997
National Book Sector Consultation, Windhoek, Namibia, facilitated by a BLM Consultant and attended by a wide cross-section of private and public book sector stakeholders. Recommendations included: broadening the current membership and scope of the existing Textbook Liaison Committee; formation of a donor co-ordination committee for materials provision or development in the education or social sectors; and the reactivation of the National Book Development Council. The last recommendation was to undertake a feasibility study on publishing training needs in Namibia which will be funded and carried out under the auspices of the BLM Initiative.
July 1997
National Book Sector Consultation, Blantyre, Malawi, facilitated by a BLM Consultant with assistance from the programme consultancy team. It was attended by a wide cross-section of private and public book sector stakeholders, as well as education officers from the Instructional Materials Unit of Uganda with a view to sharing experiences. The Consultation resulted in the decision to formulate a draft National Book Policy which will be refined and submitted to Parliament as part of proposed reforms to legislation. The BLM Initiative will assist the Interim Book Development Council established under the National Library Service in improving the network among public and private initiatives and in developing skills of book sector personnel.
May 1997
National Book Sector Consultation in Kampala, Uganda, facilitated by a BLM Consultant with assistance from the programme consultancy team. The Consultation, which was the first one of its kind within the BLM Initiative, was attended by a wide cross-section of public and private book sector stakeholders, associations and NGOs. Principle outcomes included the mobilization of book sector stakeholders through the establishment of an Interim Book Development Council. Training workshops and a National Book Congress for autumn 1997 were proposed and accepted.
April 1997
Mission of BLM Consultant to Mali and Burkina Faso. The Consultant reported many of the same concerns that affect anglophone African countries, such as lack of trained publishing sector personnel and inadequacy of current levels of textbooks reaching schools.
March 1997
Preparation of a Handbook for assisting National Commissions for UNESCO in the organization and Conduct of national book sector consultations and BLM workshops. Meeting of three BLM Consultants in Zimbabwe.
1st BLM Technical Working Group Meeting, Paris, to review progress since October 1996 and map out the course of programme activities for the next six months. The meeting was attended by UNESCO programme staff, field-based BLM consultants and the DANIDA liaison officer. Key decisions included a schedule for workshop implementation, identification and role of resource persons, the need to develop a manual for workshop organization and conduct, and the importance of increasing coordination between funding agencies, NGOs, foundations and networks already established for materials promotion and development. It was also decided that workshops would be held in countries not participating in the programme as a means of effectively distributing the guide From Plan to Print, produced as an accompanying aide to programme implementation.
Finalization and printing of the English version of the guide From Plan to Print.
December 1996 – January 1997
Mission of Consultant to Tanzania and Ugandato meet with educational decision-makers and identify these countries needs in the provision of basic learning materials. The Consultant was also requested to review policies in place for the establishment of a sustainable system of book provision and assess the existing human and technical capacity in the book development sector.
November 1996
Mission of BLM Consultant to Malawi, Namibia and Mozambique for the same purposes as above.
October 1996
The BLM Initiative becomes operational.
