The convergence of two complementary agendas motivated collaboration
between two universities (in Zambia and Finland) to establish the Centre for the
Promotion of Literacy in Sub-Saharan Africa (CAPOLSA), focused on initial literacy
learning in indigenous languages. The project’s mandate and activities are closely
related to Zambia’s national context of literacy and educational provision, emerging
trends in information and communication technology, and the University of Zambia’s
institutional context of research and development on literacy, child development, and
education. CAPOLSA has afforded opportunities for enhancing the working relations
between the national university and government and for contributing to the development
of institutional linkages and consultative forums. Collaboration between various
disciplines, institutions, and economic sectors characterizes CAPOLSA’s activities.
Important areas of progress envisaged include institutional development, growth of a
sustainable community of researchers whose collective efforts will increase the scale of
Africa’s contribution to international knowledge, and evidence-based planning at the
interface between humans and technology.