In 2017–2018, the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Turku organised a Bachelor’s and a Master’s programme for fifty Namibian teachers. After the training, the teachers returned to their teaching duties in different parts of Namibia. Last week, both universities organised an alumni event in Windhoek, Namibia, for the graduates of the two programmes. Other university collaborators at the University of Namibia and Finland also participated in the event.
“The teachers who participated in our training have found good jobs, and many of them have started new careers as university lecturers or in administrative positions in the field of education and training. Four students are currently pursuing their doctoral studies at the University of Eastern Finland and Stellenbosch University in South Africa,” says Professor Sari Havu-Nuutinen, Head of the School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education.
At the alumni event, the students met each other again, strengthening their network. According to Havu-Nuutinen, it is also important for trainers to see their former students and hear their thoughts on their training.
“The leaders of the Namibian schools are aware of the training done in Finland and want to use it in the development of their own schools’ teaching. Many teachers that we trained are now working as developer teachers in their schools, although, of course, it must be noted that bringing about changes is always slow".
“Participating in the training in Finland was important, especially since it offered the opportunity to take one’s own know-how back to Namibian schools”, said Iyaloo Nghihalwa.
“I took part in a course on sustainable education in Finland, and it inspired me to work on sustainable development. At the moment, I am working as an ambassador for sustainable development in my school”.
Teacher education cooperation continues with doctoral researchers in many Namibian schools. The research is carried out in cooperation with the University of Namibia, taking into account the educational development needs of Namibia. A joint project application was also prepared last week.
“We are applying for joint project funding with teacher training units. The goal is to promote the role of sustainable education in teacher training in both Finland and Namibia. In this way, the project unites teacher educators from many different disciplines around the same theme,” concludes Havu-Nuutinen.
