Uukumwe Namibia Partners

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 has initiated a two-year project (2023 & 2024) to support collaborative opportunities with PLU Education Alumni and Namibian educators. The Uukumwe (togetherness) Pilot Fund 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 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. Tentatively from 7-22 September 2024, 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 8-10 days. They will continue to work on established projects, engage with educators from Pacific Lutheran University, and participate in a Washington State excursion.

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.

Deadline 29 March, 2024

The 2024 Uukumwe application is open to Namibian teachers at schools determined by the Ministry of Education.

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