Three staff members from the Department of Applied Educational Sciences as well as the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care in the School of Education recently had an opportunity to participate in the International Teaching Week, hosted by the University of Bremen in Germany. This global event facilitated through a DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) project, brought together educators from around the world to address issues of inclusivity in teachers’ education.
This participation was a continuation of the longstanding partnership between UNAM and the University of Bremen, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to raise awareness and promote the importance of “internationalisation in teacher education”.
Dr Enock Simasiku, The Head of the Department of Applied Educational Sciences, emphasised that “this partnership ensures that future teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive and conducive learning environments for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances that meet international standards”.
The key objective for this year’s event, that took place from 13 – 17 May, was to facilitate an exchange of ideas and best practices on inclusive teacher education under the theme “Mainstreaming Diversity and Inclusion”.
This provided different platforms for the UNAM representatives to deliver presentations, network with international guests, and contribute their expertise in seminars’ pertinent topics such as teacher education in multilingual societies, the role of international teachers in the context of migration, and strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in classrooms.
Notably, the event emphasised that inclusion extends beyond learners with impairments, inviting for a holistic approach to diversity in all its forms. This aligns with UNAM’s commitment to creating equitable and inclusive learning environments that celebrate and embrace the different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives represented within its student body.
UNAM lecturers could share their experiences and perspectives from the Namibian context in areas of their expertise. From the Department of Applied Educational Sciences, Main Campus, Dr Enock Simasiku shared a presentation on “Alternative Assessments for Inclusive Education”. From the same department, Dr Rauna Mwetulundila, shared a presentation on, “How Project-Based Learning Enhances Language Proficiency and Collaboration in an Inclusive Classroom”.
Dr Beausetha Bruwer from the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care, Khomasdal Campus, presented on the topics, “Namibian Inclusive Education Policy and Practice”, and “Challenges and Chances of Multilingualism in the Classroom”. Their presentations highlighted the successes and challenges of promoting inclusive education in multilingual and multicultural societies.
The participation of UNAM lecturers in the International Teaching Week in Bremen is indication of the University’s firm commitment to raising awareness about the importance of internationalisation in teacher education, promoting inclusion and preparing educators to embrace the richness of human diversity. Their contributions to this global platform have further solidified UNAM’s position as a leader in inclusive education, both within Namibia and on the international stage.
