The German-Namibian Exchange of Educators program from Suni e.V. has been recognized as a Learning Site for Sustainability in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The German-Namibian project promotes professional and intercultural exchange among teachers, students, and educational institutions in both countries. Its core focus lies on Global Learning, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and the further development of professional knowledge. The program aims to foster mutual learning, strengthen intercultural competencies, encourage perspective-taking, reduce stereotypes, and promote sustainable perspectives in schools and society. To this end, participants from Germany and Namibia take part in several training sessions as well as two study visits, including school placements in the respective partner country. In addition, they develop their own ESD educational projects, which are implemented across borders together with school students.
The programme is carried out in cooperation with the Light for the Children Foundation, Trier University, the University of Namibia, and the Directorate of Education of the Omaheke Regional Council in Gobabis.
From top left: Team members of the German-Namibian Exchange of Educators: Patricia Mapakua Ndjavera, Barbara Scharfbillig, Belinda Upi, Dr Tim Hartelt, Gijsbertha van Rooyen, Elizabeth Shekupe Kashango, Annika Hoffmann, Tjinouhona Tjipura, Kopei Murangi, Prof. Julia Affolderbach, Kaezuko Kamakuere, Prof. Johanna Mäsgen
The recognition as a Learning Site for Sustainability was received with great joy by the entire German-Namibian team. “This recognition strengthens our long-standing collaboration and our shared commitment to Education for Sustainable Development across national borders,” explains Barbara Scharfbillig, who has coordinated the exchange program since 2017. Her Namibian colleague Gijsbertha van Rooyen from the Light for the Children Foundation adds: “We are delighted that our contribution to educational work in the spirit of sustainable development has been recognized.”
Learning Site for Sustainability are cooperation partners for sustainability education officially recognized by the state Government of Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany and operate under public, non-governmental, or private sponsorship. They are distinguished by their special commitment and make sustainability tangible for people of all age groups. With this recognition, the German-Namibian Exchange of Educators is now part of a network of 85 recognized projects throughout Rhineland-Palatinate.
LernOrt Nachhaltigkeit: https://bildung.rlp.de/nachhaltigkeit/lernort-nachhaltigkeit
German-Namibian Exchange of Educators: https://www.uni-trier.de/universitaet/fachbereiche-faecher/fachbereich-vi/faecher/geographie-und-ihre-didaktik/lehrkraefteaustausch
Suni e.V.: https://suni-ev.de/en/projects/namibian-german-exchange/
Light for the Children Foundation: https://lightforthechildren.com/
University of Namibia: https://www.unam.edu.na/