JISC

The Collaborative Approaches to the Management of E-Learning (CAMEL) project led by JISC infoNet found an innovative way to show goodwill this Christmas by sending 3 camels to Africa, writes Janette Hillicks of JISC infoNet.

Members of the team were inspired by the Oxfam Unwrapped initiative which offered the opportunity to buy a camel (as well as a range of other items) for a community in Africa.  Camels are versatile and can operate in the harshest of conditions, surviving on the poorest vegetation; they produce milk for nutrition and dung for fuel as well as providing transport.  Although the project acronym was originally unintentional there are parallels with the versatility of e-learning in making learning happen in places where it would not otherwise be possible.

The project team, consisting of staff from JISC infoNet, ALT, JISC, the HE Academy, Leeds College of Technology, Loughborough College, the University of Greenwich and Staffordshire University, with help from the HEFCE Leadership Governance and Management team, quickly surpassed their target of raising enough money for one camel.  By suggesting the sending of donations rather than Christmas cards, the project team eventually raised enough to buy 3 camels, a calf, a donkey, and, to support education in the community, 300 school dinners, a school desk and chair and some training in modern methods and techniques for a teacher.

To find out more about the CAMEL project visit: CAMEL 

Thanks to all those who contributed!