(E) CENTRES OF SPECIALISATION 1 Member States agree that the general objective of establishing Centres of Specialisation is to build capacity for regional training institutions to offer education and training programmes in critical and specialised areas and thereby increase the stock of trained personnel in the Region. This includes the need to develop local teaching and learning materials and especially, case studies to make the programmes relevant to the regional situation. Member States agree to establish Centres of Specialisation in the Region at existing institutions which they shall strengthen as necessary to be able to offer regional programmes. 2 3 Member States agree to support Centres of Specialisation by sending students to them and by any other means including scholarships. 4 Member States agree that regional programmes shall consist mainly of post-graduate fields of study, but that some critical disciplines offered at under-graduate level such as medicine and engineering shall also be offered at Centres of Specialisation. 5 Member States agree that the selection of the Centres of Specialisation shall be on the basis of equal opportunity to bid by the relevant universities in the Region. The bids shall be assessed by a group of appropriate specialists selected by the sub-Sector and the distribution of the Centres shall aim to achieve regional spread and balance in location. 6 Member States agree that the subject areas of such Centres shall be determined by consultation between the sub-Sector, the universities and the Governments of SADC Countries. 7 Member States agree that a Centre of Specialisation shall allow for a quota for the admission into its programmes of students from the SADC Countries. The quota shall be as may be agreed upon between the Centres of Specialisation and the sub-Sector and may be varied for any agreed reason or period of time as may be negotiated. 8 Member States agree that the language of instruction at Centres of Specialisation shall normally be that of the host institution. The Centre shall provide and facilitate support for language training in those instances where this is essential to expand regional participation. 9 Member States agree that Centres of Specialisation shall provide such facilities and services to students and staff participating in its programmes as are sufficient to enable them to pursue and complete their programmes. 10 Member States agree that Centres of Specialisation shall regard students from SADC Countries as home students of the receiving Centre for purposes of fees and accommodation. 11 Member States agree to work towards the gradual relaxation and eventual elimination of immi gration formalities that hinder free student and staff mobility. 12 Member States agree that the sub-Sector in consultation with universities hosting Centres of Specialisation shall devise and implement monitoring and assessment mechanisms for ensuring that the centres dispense their mandate satisfactorily. 14