CiscoNetworkAcademyP rogram

Slide1 : CISCO NETWORK ACADEMY PROGRAM IN AFRICA Makerere University, FCIT Experience Julianne S.O. Sansa* - CCNA/ CCNP Coordinator/Instructor * With Fred Baker - Cisco Systems International Workshop on African Research & Education Networking (AFUNET) September 25-27 2005 CERN - Geneva, Switzerland


Outline : Outline Introduction History CNAP LDC Initiative CNAP at FCIT Statistics


Introduction : Introduction The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a comprehensive e-learning program that provides students aged 16 to 60 with the Internet technology skills essential in a global economy. The Networking Academy Program delivers web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on skills, instructor training and support, and preparation for industry-standard certifications.


The History : The History In 1993, Cisco embarked on an initiative to design practical, cost-effective networks for schools. It quickly became apparent that designing and installing the networks was not enough, schools also needed some way to maintain the networks after they were up and running, which led to the creation of the Cisco Networking Academy Program that was launched in 1997


LDC Initiative : LDC Initiative Cisco Systems partnered with international organisations namely UNDP, USAID, UNV, ITU, JICA & Peace Corps in bringing the Networking Academy Program to designated Least Developed Countries (LDCs) under the Cisco Academy LDC initiative, which started in 2000. To date, Cisco Academies have been established in 40 of the world's 48 LDCs. The targets of the LDC initiative are: Enrollment – 50 students in each academy per year Gender equity targets – 30% of students female GRADUATES & JOBS


History of CNAP in Uganda : History of CNAP in Uganda In 2001 Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) established a Cisco Regional Academy at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) under the Cisco Academy LDC initiative, which then in 2002 led to the establishment of more Cisco Academies at Makerere University’s Institute of Computer Science (then now Faculty of Computing and ICT (FCIT)) and the Department of Women and Gender Studies.


Highlights of CNAP at FCIT : Highlights of CNAP at FCIT In July 2002 FCIT was approved as a local academy under Cisco's Academy LDC initiative starting off with 14 students in October 2002 with a lab purchased by the Japanese Government through the TICAD Initiative. In March 2003 with a US$65,000 grant from engineer & Cisco Fellow Fred Baker, Uganda became the 1st LDC to offer the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) curriculum, and only the second country on the African continent after South Africa. Due to FCIT’s strong performance it was upgraded to Regional Academy status in June 2004. FCIT supports over two thirds of the Local Academies in Uganda.


Highlights of CNAP at FCIT - cont’d : Highlights of CNAP at FCIT - cont’d Boast the highest CCNA enrollment of any of the 199 Academies participating in Cisco's LDC Initiative and has exceeded all initial program targets. Incorporated CCNA in BSc. CS. (2004) & CCNP at MSc.DCSE (2005) On Monday 27th June 2005 FCIT Cisco Regional Academy held its first CCNP graduation with 42 students from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Cameroon & Senegal completing qualifying for at CCNP level, also had industry day to bring IT companies closer to the students & signed MoU with PICTA


Worldwide statistics (as of July 2005) : Worldwide statistics (as of July 2005) 150 countries 10,000+ academies 30,000+ instructors 1.6 million students 40+ million exams (~ certified persons) In 9 languages


LDC statistics (as of July 2005) : LDC statistics (as of July 2005) 51 Countries (40 LDCs, 11 non-LDCs in Africa), 199 Academies 670 Instructors trained in Africa, Asia, Arab States 10,149 Continuing Students 5,047 Graduates 40 -50 volunteers


FCIT Current statistics : FCIT Current statistics 2182 Continuing CCNA 100 Continuing CCNP Students 28% women 550 CCNA Graduates 42 CCNP Graduates 67% of graduates employed 10 CCNA instructors & 2 CCNP instructors Active Workforce Development Program (WDP) that links graduates to industry


Reasons behind success : Reasons behind success Strong institutional support at all levels Focused initiative (with specific targets & offering continuous monitoring & evaluation) CNAP is a relevant & well developed program CNAP provides a supportive structure (Cisco -> CATC -> RA -> LA) Discussion of strategic approaches (financial sustainability, WDP, Gender, lobbying all key stakeholders) Donor support (Space, Equipment, instructor training, support(UNV))


Challenges : Challenges Staffing (keep the trained staff/ getting the staff with the correct background to train) Poor internet connectivity Ensuring sustainability Attaining true local ownership