Mahalo* from CIFAL Honolulu
Aloha and thank you for your kindness, passion for global education, and your help in coordinating this once-in-a-lifetime journey!"
This is feedback from Dr Mindy McDermott, Assistant Professor of Biology, Director of Experiential Honors and Ka Hiki Mai Leadership Programs, Chaminade University of Honolulu.
Our University and CIFAL Newcastle recently hosted ambassadors from CIFAL Honolulu at Chaminade University of Honolulu. CIFAL enables universities to partner with the United Nations through training and research, using the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The delegation, made up of eight students and two staff members, spent four days seeing how our University is taking action in either research or teaching to progress our communities in achieving the SDGs.
Professor Jennifer Milam, PVC Academic Excellence, explained how this initiative aligns to our University’s strategic focus on the Asia Pacific region.
“This strategic partnership aims to empower communities in the Asia Pacific to create a sustainable future, through exchange of knowledge,” said Jennifer. “Thank you to all of the academics and researchers from across our University who shared their knowledge and passion about their field of expertise. The students had a jam-packed agenda, and their feedback shows how appreciative they were of being exposed to progressive ways of problem-solving for a sustainable future.”
Mindy summed up the experience with “this journey has been an opportunity to explore the culture and history of another island nation embedded with significant conflict similar to the struggles of our native Hawaiian population, as well as broaden horizons regarding careers and our definitions of happiness. Each speaker and opportunity presented a wealth of information. We were all taken aback by the depth of honesty and inquiry provided. I am overwhelmed by your hospitality and the knowledge you shared. I firmly believe global education is essential to the expansion of awareness, compassion, and learning. What a life-changing experience this was! I look forward to building upon this wonderful collaboration!”
Where do we go from here? Some of the students have expressed an interest in furthering their careers at our University, and we look forward to the outcome. CIFAL Newcastle and Global Engagement and Partnerships are exploring a modified version of this workshop program to support this year’s international student recruitment efforts. Keep an eye on The Loop for updates on CIFAL Newcastle and global education collaboration.
*"Mahalo" is a Hawaiian word meaning thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, esteem, regards, or respects.
Contact
- Steve Wheatley
- Email: steave.wheatley@newcastle.edu.au
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.