ADAK launches online learning program

ADAK launches online learning program

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has launched an E-learning platform as it seeks to enhance education on banned substances during this period of Covid-19 pandemic.

In the program, athletes as well as managers and coaches can access online studies on doping before being subjected to tests and thereafter issued course certifications.

Speaking during the launch of the platform on Friday, ADAK CEO Japhter Rugut said they have been heavily relying on outreach programs in order to educate sports people which is now difficult due to the restrictions brought about by the spread of coronavirus.

“It is an innovation initiated so as to reach as many athletes outside there. It is a realisation that during the period of the pandemic we are not able to carry out education programs like before when we conducted outreach programs and workshops and thus it was necessary that we think of a way out,” said Rugut.

Ministry of Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed who was also in attendance hailed the initiative insisting that education is critical in the war against doping.

“I think this is wonderful since nobody has to move from where they are for them to undergo this course. It is not only innovative but it also conforms to the guidelines that the Ministry of Health outlined in combating the spread of coronavirus,” said Amina.

In order to enroll in the course, users who are either sportspeople or Athlete Support Personnel can register using their email address through the ADAK website.

They will thereafter undergo a course with four modules with the learners subjected to an examination at the end of each module for them to proceed to the next stage.

Upon successful completion of the entire course, learners will be able to print their computer generated certificates which will be valid for a period of one year.

Among the topics covered in the course are; Prohibited List, Food Supplements, Sports Nutrition and Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRV’s).

Others are; Doping Control Process, Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) and Whereabouts information.

Rugut said technology is a tool they are embracing as they continue with their resolve to eradicate the menace in the country

“Our athletes are still vulnerable to using banned substances that is why we have embarked on this journey in an effort to safeguard athletes and integrity in sports by embracing ICT as a system of learning,” said Rugut.

Agnes Mandu, the director of Education and Research in ADAK said they are also working alongside the Kenya Curriculum of Development (KICD) to sensitize against doping in Kenyan schools.

With over 60 Kenyan athletes having been sanctioned for anti-doping rule violations in the past five years, the war on corruption seems far from over.

Amina said the process of criminalizing doping in the country is still underway and close to completion.

“The bill is almost ready and as soon as it reaches my desk, we shall take it to the Attorney General’s office so that alongside other stakeholders we can develop the provisions,” said Amina.

Also present in the event were ADAK chairman Ambassador Daniel Makdwallo, Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jackson Tuwei and National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Acting Secretary General Francis Mutuku.

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