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21 June 2022

LiepU hosts the academic staff from the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Two members of staff from the School of Education of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) - Dr Angela James and Ms Bongekile Mnguni completed a ten day mobility at Liepaja University from 12th – 21st June. This mobility is linked to the mutual Memorandum of Understanding, Erasmus+ partnership agreement and international Erasmus+ mobility exchange project KA107 of students and staff between programme and partner countries (No. 2020-1-LV01-KA107-077408) which has been implemented between the School of Education, UKZN, and Liepaja University, LiepU.  

The mobility programme included meetings, teaching, a public lecture and excursions. Meetings were held with a range of professionals from various sectors of the university - Rector, professor Dace Markus, the Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Social Work, professor Linda Pavītola and Head of the School Pedagogy and Inclusive Education, professor Dina Bethere, Director of the master study programme “Ecotechnologies” and the Director of LiepU Circular Economy Centre, lecturer Lilita Ābele and Vice-rector for studies, Dr Māra Zeltiņa and the International Relations Department. Dr James presented lectures for PhD students on Research and Service-Learning. A public lecture “Agents of Change” (Teacher Professional Development concerning the diverse actions that School of Education of KwaZulu-Natal engages in with the Communities for Enhancement regarding the actions of an administrative, academic and community focused nature) was presented by Dr Angela James and Ms Bongekile Mnguni at the Assembly Hall of the university.

Our excursions were held around Liepaja University Research Institute of Education and Science, Liepaja Middle school No 5 led by the teacher, project manager Laura Lauberga, Liepaja Society for the Blind people and many cultural and tourist attractions.

Possible collaborations between the School of Education of KwaZulu-Natal and Liepaja University are research projects in Circular Economy, students and staff participating in Eastern European Doctoral Summer School, Music Therapy programmes, Special Needs programmes, Montessori Therapy for Primary School and other opportunities such as cooperation in environmental sciences.

International Coordinator from LiepU International Relations Department Sintija Leigute and the dean Linda Pavītola will visit the School of Education on Erasmus+  exchange from 19th – 28th August 2022. 

Ms Mnguni commented that the network sessions held with Liepaja administrative staff indicated many similarities in work and challenges experienced within our sector. Dr James stated that the opportunity of engaging with administrative and academic staff is holistically  

enhancing for all. Also that the collaboration has much vision and growth for the future of all staff and students at UKZN and LiepU.

Photos from the Erasmus+ mobility: