University of Venda (UNIVEN) hosted Mr Stijn Callewaert, Coordinator, International Relations Office at the Department of Social Work, University College of Leuven and Limburg (UCLL), Belgium from 1-4 March 2020. He is on campus to continue discussion on possible expansion of the existing collaboration between our two universities. He paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Mr Callewaert for visiting the University at this time. He said, the much-anticipated academic growth and development could only be achieved through strategic partnership initiatives such as the one with UCLL, Belgium. He applauded Stijn and other colleagues from UCLL and UNIVEN for sustaining the partnership. He recalled that six staff members including two Deans visited UCLL, Belgium in November and December 2019 for more opportunities for both staff and students in the two universities in order to expand the partnerships.
Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor and Principal (Right) and Mr Stijn Callewaert, UCLL, Belgium. (Left)
Mr Callewaert had meetings with the Dean School of Human and Social Science, Prof Mokgale Makgopa and colleagues from the School who discussed specifically about the possible collaboration in the Department of Social Work. The School of Human and Social Sciences recently participated in an Erasmus+ proposal with the UCLL, Belgium which was granted to the tune of about €1million for 2020-2023. One of the participants in the proposal submission, Ms M Mamaleka will be visiting Belgium soon for a kick-off meeting. The Dean, Prof Tshilidzi Mulaudzi and colleagues from the School of Health Sciences met with Stijn and agreed on possible collaboration at the Departments of Advanced Nursing and Nutrition.
Prof Afam Jideani, Food Science & Technology with the visitor
The University is currently hosting three students from UCLL at the School of Education, Department of Early Childhood Education. The students arrived in February and will be departing in May 2020. Stijn visited the placement School at Maungani Primary where the three exchange students are carrying out their teaching practice. The School of Agriculture hosted one student under the supervision of Prof Afam Jideani, Food Science and Technology Department for a semester exchange programme from UCLL Belgium last year while UNIVEN also sent a final year student on a semester exchange programme to Belgium through the Vlirous government funding. Similar opportunity may be available for some students soon.
Mr Stijn Callewaert, UCLL, Belgium (fourth from left) pose for a photo with UNIVEN staff.
Issued by: Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 06 March 2020
