A teaching mobility visits by Dr Misitilde Jonas-Iita of the University of Namibia (UNAM) to the University of Education Freiburg, Germany, has reinforced a growing academic partnership focused on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), adult learning, and sustainable development.
Although the visit took place from 10 – 18 July 2025, its relevance continues to resonate strongly as the two institutions deepen collaboration initiated during an academic exchange in March 2024, when Freiburg scholars first visited UNAM and jointly identified the need for specialised teaching seminars on IKS.
The eight-day programme, funded by the University of Education Freiburg, centred around a three-day teaching seminar attended by master’s students in the Department of Adult Education & Continuing Education.
The seminar explored the significance of Indigenous Knowledge in contemporary society, its role in sustainable development, and its relevance to adult education and community learning. Dr Jonas-Iita noted that her sessions aimed to “help students recognise that Indigenous Knowledge has always existed in their own lives, even when they didn’t know it by name.”
Across the seminar series, students engaged in group work, reflective activities, and interviews with family members aimed at rediscovering Indigenous practices within their own cultures. “Many students were surprised to realise how much of what they consider everyday knowledge is rooted in Indigenous practices passed down across generations,” she said.
A visit to spark many more
A significant highlight was the discussion on the Ovahimba community’s health-related Indigenous Knowledge, which sparked deep interest among the students. According to Dr Jonas-Iita, “their curiosity showed how powerful Indigenous Knowledge can be in informing sustainable health practices, especially in rural contexts.”
The visit also included academic engagements with Freiburg colleagues, facilitated by Dr Verena Raïssa Bodenbender of the International Office, who played a key role in coordinating the exchange. These discussions explored the possibilities for future collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Lifelong Learning.
The experience enriched Dr Jonas-Iita’s teaching practice, deepened her expertise in IKS, and strengthened her capacity for cross-cultural academic engagement. The visit, she reflected, reaffirmed that “Indigenous Knowledge remains a vital catalyst for sustainable development, cultural identity and education.”
The collaboration continues to build momentum, positioning UNAM and the University of Education Freiburg as committed partners in advancing culturally responsive and globally connected teaching and learning.
