In an exhilarating development at the start of 2024, the Department of Applied Educational Sciences in the School of Education has embarked on a significant academic expedition. Thanks to the Erasmus Staff and Student Mobility Funding, 5 staff members visited the University College for Teacher Education in Vienna, Austria, from 27 January to 03 February.
This initiative stems from a 2023 agreement between the University of Namibia and the Austrian institution, aimed at fostering research collaboration, staff exchanges, and student mobility until 2027. Dr Enock Simasiku, Head of the Department: Applied Educational Science, and the project’s coordinator, highlighted the programme’s importance: “This partnership not only expands our academic horizons but also provides a valuable cultural exchange, enriching our teaching methodologies and research perspectives.”
The delegation’s mission in Vienna focused on enhancing teacher recruitment, training, and exploring new collaborative opportunities. Each member, representing different specialisations and campuses, contributed to this fruitful academic exchange. Among them were Ms. Martha Nehemia, Lecturer: Leadership & Management, and Teaching Practice Coordinator, at the Main Campus; Dr. Marja Mushaandja-Mufeti, Lecturer: Curriculum Studies, Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus; Dr. Emilia Mbongo, Lecturer: Inclusive Education, Rundu Campus; and Mr. Brian Kabuku, Lecturer: Mathematics Education, Katima Mulilo Campus, each bringing unique insights from their fields of expertise.
The visit unveiled potential collaborations in areas such as teaching practice, programme assessment, educational research, inclusive education, and STEM teaching methodologies. A notable outcome of this partnership is the opportunity for 10 University of Namibia students to engage in a 6-month exchange programme in Vienna, with all expenses covered by the Erasmus funding.
Ms. Martha Nehemia, reflecting on the experience, said, “This exchange has been an eye-opener, offering us a chance to integrate international best practices into our curriculum and fostering a global perspective among our students and staff.”
The University of Namibia is now gearing up to select students for this transformative experience, promising a brighter future for Namibian education through international collaboration. This initiative not only symbolizes a leap forward for the University but also for the nation, demonstrating the power of global partnerships in shaping the educators of tomorrow.
