The Directorate of International Relations held a welcoming function for the exchange students from the University of Warwick, UK on Warwick in Africa (WiA) project. The welcome function was recently held at the UNIVEN Art Gallery. This initiative is a joint project between UNIVEN, University of Warwick and the Vhembe District Department of Education. The exchange provides opportunity for volunteer teachers from the University of Warwick to teach English, Science and Mathematics at the identified schools around Vuwani Science Resource Center.
Students from the University of Warwick, UNIVEN and staff pose for a picture
The programme started in 2013 with the aim of increasing pass rate in English, Maths and Sciences at the identified schools. In the year 2017, the Warwick students worked in partnership with selected UNIVEN students doing teaching practice from the School of Education but due to financial constraints, this could not materialise this year. There were presentations on basic Tshivenda language, international studies at UNIVEN and performances by the Arts and Culture groups.
During his welcome address, Dr Segun Obadire, Acting Director International Relations said that the collaboration with the University of Warwick has always been contributing immensely to the improved standard of education in the identified schools. He encouraged students to learn even as they work with the learners and always see the project as an opportunity to give back to the community. Dr Elelwani
Ramaite, Coordinator of the Art Gallery introduced the group to basic Tshivenda language. Warwick team was led by Ms Marianne Davies, the International Relations Officer, University of Warwick, who thanked the organisers of the orientation programme and promised that the Warwick students will be of their best behaviour and will work very hard to improve the standard of education of the schools they will be working with.
L-R: Dr Elelwani Ramaite from UNIVEN and Ms Marianne Davies, International Relations Officer, University of Warwick, UK during their talk at the function
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 03 September 2018
