Freie Universität Berlin’s (FUB) International Office invited six University of Namibia professional staff to join its International Staff Training Week 2024, held from 10 to 14 June 2024 in Berlin. This immersive experience aimed to enhance professional skills and foster international collaboration.
The training mobility was funded using Erasmus+ ICM grants awarded to FUB for cooperation with Namibian Higher Education Institutions. The 12th FUB International Staff Training Week 2024 aimed to engage professionals in communication and marketing, innovation offices, international offices, university libraries, strategy and leadership, and welcome services, providing a platform for sharing expertise, developing competences, and networking.
Out of over 150 participants at the training week, UNAM and Ain Shams University from Egypt were the only African universities represented.
Dr. Joseph Ndinoshiho, University Librarian, participated in the “Ask AI? Libraries after Digital Transformations” track. This programme explored how libraries can adapt to the evolving digital landscape, focusing on AI integration and other innovations. Dr. Ndinoshiho noted, “The international training week was educational, fulfilling and rewarding. The library track brought together librarians from around the world, offering diverse perspectives and insights into contemporary academic library trends. This experience enabled me to forge strategic partnerships and network effectively. Preliminary collaboration discussions between FUB and UNAM libraries look promising, focusing on research data management, open access publishing, and the application of AI in library services and operations.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Ndeyapo Nickanor, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering & Natural Science, joined the “Strategy and Leadership (not only) in International Relations” track. This programme looked into effective strategy formulation, management, and leadership within international academic settings. Prof. Nickanor shared, “This was a lifetime experience, reflecting my ideals of good leadership: be authentic, celebrate differences, create a positive atmosphere, serve as a role model, foster a sense of vision, and maintain integrity.”
Invaluable lessons and a convergence of ideas
In addition, Dr. John Sifani, Director of the Centre for Innovation and Development, attended “The Pulse of Innovation at Profund Innovation” track. This programme offered insights into the innovation value chain, including ideation, incubation, and technology transfer. Dr. Sifani remarked, “The Innovation track was highly rewarding, providing insights into Germany’s entire innovation value chain. At FUB Profund Innovation and StartUp hub, I experienced ideation, knowledge, and technology transfer, and innovation through pitching and incubation. Humboldt University’s incubation hub focuses on mentorship, coaching, and includes alumni startups and industry. I shared UNAM’s best practices on IP management.”
Furthermore, Ms. Janine de Koe, a Human Capital Practitioner, participated in the “How to onboard new (international) staff members and keep them” track. This programme explored how an employer can make a good first impression, and how to ensure a new hire’s engagement from day one as well as staff retention. Ms. de Koe stated, “Participating on the training enriched my understanding of effective staff onboarding and retention strategies. It provided me with innovative approaches to enhance HC’s strategies on human capital attraction, development, engagement, and retention.”
Similarly, Dr. Romanus Shivoro, Assistant Director of the International Relations Office, also participated in the mobility track. He highlighted, “UNAM is committed to becoming an international hub of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, emphasising international mobility and exposure for its students and staff. The mobility seminar at FUB provided invaluable lessons and a convergence of ideas that will advance our goals. We aim to explore key projects like Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).”
Moreover, Mr. Simon Namesho, Manager of Public Relations & Media Operations, attended the “From AI to X: New Developments in University Communication and Marketing” track. This programme focused on the latest trends in university communication and marketing, including the use of AI. Mr. Namesho commented, “The week allowed me to connect with over 30 communications and marketing professionals from universities worldwide. The training covered topics beyond the university context, relevant to my profession. It showed me that I am aligned with industry standards in many aspects, validating my current practices.”
The team also paid a courtesy visit at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). BAM is hosting 5 UNAM staff, who are pursuing doctorate degrees in various fields that are critical to the development of the green hydrogen industry.
UNAM staff are encouraged to take advantage of such opportunities through the University International Office to enhance their professional skills and contribute to the University’s internationalisation efforts.
