The Open Door initiative was launched in 2005 by Open University (OUUK) in partnership with University of Sierra Leone, Open University Tanzania and University of Zambia to open up access to much needed teaching and learning materials. Three years on, with the help of England-Africa Partnerships funding, this innovative pilot project has now extended its reach to three more institutions in Rwanda and is one of EAP’s largest partnerships.

National University Rwanda, Kigali Institute of Science and Technology and Kigali Institute of Education joined the original successful pilot at the start of 2007 and are beginning to strengthen their maths, science and technology programmes from a selection of over 250 OUUK courses. The development of maths, science and technology provision has been cited as one of the most crucial tasks for the revitalisation of African higher education and for the creation of a knowledge society which is able to develop African solutions to African problems.

Existing course materials are often outdated and of a traditional, uninviting format so the prospect of contemporary and quality course materials has held much appeal for the African academics. What's more their students will now be able to enjoy a much more compelling and modern learning experience.

In many cases, individual course content is transferable to a wide range of programmes in the African institutions and so the initiative is having an astounding multiplier effect at minimal cost. However, Open Door is not simply about transferring ‘made in the UK’ courses. OUUK materials are leading partners to develop their own programmes and distance learning modules of their own and are also inspiring the staff development which is needed to achieve this.

The original foursome are already reaping the rewards of Open Door with University of Sierra Leone achieving increased pass rates for mathematics. Open Door has also developed links with the African Virtual University (AVU) which may open up the prospect of further collaboration for distance learning materials which are tailored to the African context.