The Capacity Building Mileage Programme, the first large scale tailor-made learning programme with a women's focus, will start on March 8.

Initiated by the Women's Commission, the programme has been developed in partnership with the Open University of Hong Kong and a local radio station.

It receives financial support from the Lotteries Fund and will be implemented on a three-year pilot basis.

Women's Commission Chairperson Sophie Leung said the programme comprises courses in different areas catering for the interests and needs of women, and the contents are highly relevant to the daily lives of women. 

Courses include health, financial management, interpersonal relationships and communication skills, and practical issues in daily life. No academic qualification is required.

Flexible, open learning approach adopted

The programme adopts an open learning approach with flexible modes of learning, convenient access, optional enrolment and assessment, and accumulation of 'mileage' for advancement to the next level.

"The majority of the courses will be delivered via radio broadcasting, which means that participants need not pay for listening to the programme. No registration is required unless participants want to take an assessment and obtain 'points' for their study," Mrs Leung said.

The registration fee is modest, but students who have financial difficulties can apply for grants.

More than 30 women's groups and service agencies have agreed to organise supplementary learning in the first semester. More are expected to join later.

Three terms each year

There will be three terms each year, beginning in March, July and November. The first will start on March 8, with radio broadcasts from 9 pm to 10 pm, on Commercial Radio Channel I.

Participants may join the supplementary learning activities for radio courses, and face-to-face courses organised by the collaborating non-governmental organisations in various districts. The fees are $250 and $350 for each subject. 

Those who have attained sufficient 'points' will be awarded a "Capacity Building Mileage Programme" certificate.

Enrolment has already started. For more information, visit the programme's website or call 2915 2380.