The University of Namibia (UNAM) and FernUniversität in Hagen (FernUni) , Germany are officially launching the DAAD-funded project “Psychology for Future” an important initiative aimed at sustainably strengthening academic teaching, research, and application of psychology in Namibia.
At its core, this project seeks to build capacity in education and research, empowering Namibian academics and students to tackle issues such as health promotion, inclusive education and socio-ecological transformation.
The project is closely aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is expanding expertise on global challenges in developing countries. It opens new pathways to deepen expertise on challenges faced in developing countries, ensuring that the partnership is both sustainable and mutually beneficial.
Addressing local needs
Psychological expertise is increasingly recognised as essential in achieving the UN Agenda 2030, especially in promoting mental health, combating pandemics, and enabling socio-ecological transitions.
In Namibia, the urgency is stark: the country continues to grapple with high suicide rates, a crisis closely tied to mental health challenges. At the same time, psychologists face systemic hurdles – from limited access to scientific literature, high teaching workloads to limited access to research resources that hinder their ability to respond effectively.
“Psychology for Future” seeks to address these issues by fostering a collaborative, equal partnership between UNAM and FernUni, building on successful fact-finding missions and workshops conducted since 2022.
Dr. Jan-Bennet Voltmer, Lecturer in the Department of Social Psychology at FernUni, stated that this project gives us the tools and collaborative support we need to strengthen psychology education in Namibia and to equip our students with skills that directly respond to both national priorities and global development challenges.
Building knowledge in teaching and research for impact
The project comprises two interlinked sub-projects:
Teaching Psychology for Future: This comprises of developing a scientifically sound, inclusive blended learning concept that integrates e-learning with mobile devices, and creating SDG-relevant digital modules in psychological health promotion.
Psychological Research for Future: Conducting cooperative research projects in health promotion, socio-ecological transformation, and digitalization of education, with active involvement of local stakeholders.
This initiative intends to develop innovative teaching formats, including blended learning and mobile digital modules to improve access to high-quality psychology education. It will also enhance practical methods training through cooperative internships and research projects, addressing psychological barriers to health promotion, socio-ecological transformation, and inclusive digital education.
Regular exchange visits, public conferences, and a project newsletter will foster cultural exchange, capacity building, and knowledge transfer between the two institutions. Currently, a delegation from FernUni, including four undergraduate students, two master’s students, and four staff members, is at UNAM to initiate student research projects on climate anxiety, engage with local communities, and deepen academic collaboration.
This visit marks the beginning of a series of exchanges, with plans for UNAM students and staff to visit FernUni in the near future.
