The 3i's Project Workshop on Internationalization and Inclusiveness
The 3is Workshops on Internationalization and Inclusiveness of Higher Education was held in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 21st and 22nd, 2024, University of Girona, University of Gondar, Kenyatta University and Turkana University College were represented. These were to reflect on the remarkable journey of collaboration, dialogue, and innovative thinking that marked these significant events.
Laying the Groundwork for Internationalization
The workshop began with a warm institutional welcome, setting a collaborative tone for the event. Yenesew Alene Belew and Solomon Lingerih from the University of Gondar introduced the workshop agenda, preparing the stage for a series of insightful discussions. The first session, chaired by Jaume Guia from the University of Girona, focused on the framework for the internationalization of higher education. This session challenged participants to consider the broader implications of applying internationalization frameworks, pushing the boundaries of conventional thought and encouraging inclusivity.
The Deputy Principal Administration Finance & Planning (Prof. George Muthaa, sited 2nd from right) reflecting on Internationalization in Higher Education.
The second day of the workshop shifted focus towards research internationalization. Chaired once again by Jaume Guia, this session explored best practices and the future potential of cross-border research collaboration. The discussions underscored the importance of knowledge exchange and the necessity of fostering global partnerships to enhance research outcomes.
Following this, Yenesew Alene Belew led a compelling session on community and industry engagement, highlighting the critical role of connecting academic research with real-world applications. Turkana University, represented by its dedicated faculty members, contributed significantly to this dialogue, sharing their experiences and strategies for engaging with local communities and industries in northern Kenya. The afternoon sessions, chaired by Alicia Betts, centered around institutional engagement, where participants shared strategies for enhancing the internationalization of their respective institutions. The day ended on a reflective note with a closing session co-chaired by Jaume Guia, Dr. Adugna Abebe, and Yenesew Alene Belew. Participants shared their final thoughts, outlined next steps, and left the workshop with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
3is project Stakeholders during the Internationalization & Inclusiveness meeting held in Addis Ababa
Parallel to the discussions on internationalization, the 3is Workshop on Inclusiveness of Higher Education served as a platform for reflective dialogues aimed at creating a more inclusive academic environment. The workshop commenced with a courtesy call to the consortium members, followed by an insightful session on the framework for higher education inclusiveness, led by Dr. Adugna Abebe. This session emphasized the immense benefits of inclusiveness, encouraging participants to refine their practices and plan for future enhancements.
The workshop continued with thought-provoking discussions on curriculum design, pedagogy, research, and management, chaired by Dr. Adugna Abebe. Dr. Edgar Ndubi from Kenyatta University led a session on the practice of inclusivity across various dimensions, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for fostering inclusiveness in higher education. Turkana University’s commitment to inclusivity was evident through its active participation, with representatives sharing their initiatives aimed at supporting students from marginalized communities and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
On the second day, discussions shifted towards the transition to employment for graduates with disabilities, led by Carol Puyaltó. This session emphasized the importance of supporting employability and inclusion in higher education, highlighting the strategies universities can use to enhance inclusiveness for all students. A brainstorming session, chaired by Dr. Edgar Ndubi, provided participants with the opportunity to plan actionable steps to enhance inclusiveness within their institutions, setting the stage for continued progress.
The 3is Workshops on Internationalization and Inclusiveness of Higher Education provided a valuable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. With active participation from institutions like Turkana University, the workshops underscored the importance of creating a more inclusive and internationalized higher education landscape. As participants return to their respective institutions, they do so with a renewed commitment to ensuring that the seeds planted in Addis Ababa continue to grow and flourish, contributing to a brighter future for all.