Global skills exchanged

Global cooperation and solidarity are of fundamental importance for institutions of higher learning not only towards achieving quality in higher education but also in reducing the gap in development by increasing knowledge transfer. In light of this the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) recently entered into an international cooperation agreement with the Molde University College in Norway.

The agreement provides an interactive platform from where the role of international networks, joint research initiatives and student and staff exchange initiatives as well as bursaries can be explored.
 

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Campus and the Molde University College was signed by Prof Solfrid Vatne (Rector, Molde University College), Prof Thanyani Mariba (Rector: Vaal Triangle Campus), Prof Ottar Ohen (Dean, Molde University College) and Prof Herman van der Merwe (Dean, Vaal Triangle Campus).

Through this interactivity between the two institutions the focus will predominantly be on the advancement of technological, education and ideological progress. According to the Vice Rector, Prof Linda du Plessis the cooperation agreement represents an integral part of the Campus’s bid for funding from the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Building in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) for the development of future programme offerings.

The overall goal of NORHED is to build higher education and research capacities in low and middle income countries as a means to enhance sustainable conditions conducive to societal development and poverty reduction. “If successful the programme will be based on equal partnerships between the Campus and institutions – like the Molde University College, in Norway”, explains Prof Du Plessis.
NORHED is organised in several sub programmes with specific thematic and/or geographic focus and may support education on Bachelor-, Master- and PhD-levels, as well as joint research. Areas of interest for the Campus include Sport and Recreation Science, Nursing and Social Science.

Published by Sipho Msolo