From June 26 to July 17, 2026, academic staff from the Catholic University of South Sudan (CUofSS) successfully participated in an intensive training programme focused on the design and development of online courses as part of the EAGLE project – Enhancing Higher Education E-learning Structures and Modules in Conflict Regions of East Africa.
The training was originally planned as a face-to-face activity to be delivered in Juba by Prof. Kyriakos E. Georgiou from the University of Nicosia (Cyprus). However, due to an Ebola health alert that prevented international travel, the programme was successfully adapted and delivered entirely online. This unexpected change became an opportunity to demonstrate the flexibility and resilience promoted by the EAGLE project, highlighting how digital learning can ensure the continuity of higher education even under challenging circumstances.
The programme focused on strengthening lecturers’ competencies in the design of online courses using the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS). Participants explored key concepts related to learner-centered teaching, course organization, learning outcomes, and the development of high-quality digital learning materials suitable for online and blended education.
The training was officially opened by the University’s Vice Chancellor, who emphasized the importance of learner-centered teaching and the formulation of measurable learning outcomes using the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy, providing participants with a strong pedagogical foundation before the practical sessions began.
Throughout the programme, Prof. Kyriakos E. Georgiou guided participants through a series of interactive activities and practical assignments designed to help them progressively build and organize their online courses within Moodle. The training combined theoretical concepts with hands-on exercises, allowing lecturers to refine course outlines, upload learning materials, and become familiar with the platform’s different functionalities.
On-site technical and logistical support was provided by Kejgon James and Sr. Paola Moggi, who assisted participants with internet connectivity and access to the Moodle platform throughout the sessions. Augustine Galla also provided technical support, ensuring that lecturers could successfully complete the practical activities despite connectivity and technical challenges.
The final session was attended by Lothar Jaschke, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation, who highlighted the importance of strengthening quality higher education in South Sudan and recognized the value of initiatives that contribute to expanding access to flexible and technology-supported learning opportunities.
Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the training. Although many lecturers initially found the transition to online course development challenging, they emphasized that the practical methodology, continuous feedback, and supportive learning environment significantly increased their confidence in using Moodle and designing digital learning experiences. They also recognized the potential of online education to ensure continuity of learning during periods when students may be unable to access university campuses due to insecurity or other disruptions.
The training represents another important milestone for the EAGLE project, reinforcing institutional capacities to develop sustainable e-learning systems and supporting the modernization of higher education in conflict-affected regions of East Africa.
Acknowledgement
This news article is based on original content written by Sr. Paola Moggi from the Catholic University of South Sudan (CUofSS). The text has been adapted for publication on the EAGLE project website