In December 2021, Porticus Africa commissioned Jaslika to investigate the uptake of e-learning by Catholic religious scholars participating in the New Generation Leadership Programme (NGLP) in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Through the use of diverse but complementary data collection methodologies, the views of 358 (70% female) religious scholars and other stakeholders were collected, focusing on their perceptions and experiences of e-learning within the context of NGLP since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NGLP provides opportunities for religious sisters, religious brothers, priests and laypeople to upgrade their academic qualifications and strengthen their servant leadership skills in the service of the Catholic Church in East Africa. In an effort to reduce gender disparities in academic qualifications and prepare women for leadership roles within the Church, it deliberately awards 60 percent of the scholarships to religious sisters.
The study reveals institutional, programme and individual level challenges to the implementation of the NGLP aggravated by the abrupt and swift spread of COVID-19. It draws attention to heightened inequities in access and availability to the internet by scholars depending on their congregations and institutions in which they were enrolled. While unaffordability and internet-related barriers are highlighted as major concerns, the findings also point to inadequate IT knowledge and skills of both course facilitators/lecturers and scholars. Beyond these, the study uncovers ‘hidden’ yet sociologically significant factors that hinder the effective participation of scholars in e-learning. The study proposes investments in building capacity of both scholars and course facilitators and to equip them to engage effectively in online classes. As cost reduction strategies, collaboration among various actors involved in the scholarship programme and the forging of public-private partnerships to bridge the equity gaps are suggested. Finally, establishing an effective monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system is recommended for tracking the impact (or the lack of it) of the NGLP in all three countries whether delivered online or physically or using a hybrid or blended model.
