Uukumwe Project 2026

Teaching Partnership Between Namibian Educators and Pacific Lutheran University

Affirming PLU’s commitment to educational partnerships, the Wang Center for Global and Community Engaged Education in collaboration with PLU’s Alumni and Student Connections is continuing a project initiated in 2023 to support collaborative opportunities with PLU Education Alumni and Namibian educators. The Uukumwe (togetherness) Project aims to maintain established partnerships, enhance educational practices, and build collaborative exchanges among individuals, schools, and educational organizations.

Pacific Lutheran University seeks proposals from Namibian educators who want to further grow connections with U.S. educators as a way of building cultural exchanges, and fostering collaboration and collegial practices focused on improving instructional practice and student learning. In May 2026, the selected Namibian teachers will travel to Washington state, live in a guest house, and be hosted in the teacher’s classroom and school for 7 days. They will work on established projects, engage with educators from Pacific Lutheran University, and participate in a Washington State excursion. In July, six selected participants will host U.S. PLU Alumni teachers for two weeks in Namibian classrooms working on school projects, interacting with teachers and learners, and participating in a cultural activity.

The Uukumwe Fund will cover flight, lodging, in town transportation, excursion costs, and meals for the time in the U.S. Not included: fees associated with documentation, health requirements, and additional travel insurance.

2026 Uukumwe Apply Now

Deadline 15 December 2025

The 2026 Uukumwe application is open to Namibian teachers determined by the Ministry of Education.

For more information and questions, please contact Dr. Jan Weiss, Associate Professor, Pacific Lutheran University, weissjm@plu.edu.