School of Modern Languages to play its part in flagship University project

Following the high profile launch of Cardiff University’s five flagship engagement projects last week, we are proud to announce that European foreign policy expert Professor Gordon Cummings will be on the Board of one of the most innovative schemes, the Phoenix Project.

Working in line with the Welsh Government’s Wales for Africa programme, this project aims to strengthen the capacity of the University of Namibia, by providing opportunities for shared learning and development across as many departments as possible. Fundamentally based on the needs of the University of Namibia in the areas of communication, science thinking, and women, children and infectious diseases, activities will include training, shared resources, staff support, student exchanges and IT support.

We are extremely committed to this new collaboration and are looking forward to working closely with our partners and colleagues at the University of Namibia. The project will not only allow staff and students in Namibia and Cardiff to share cultural experiences, but it will also provide many new international opportunities to engage in international development work. Furthermore, it provides a gateway to international development opportunities that may influence other universities, communities and even governments.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Cardiff University and the University of Namibia on 31 July 2014. We hope this will be the start of a long-lasting mutual friendship. The Pheonix Project will not only be highly beneficial for both universities, but it will also be a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of education in delivering the Millennium Development Goals in the wider communities in Wales and Namibia.

Professor Gordon Cummings said:

“The importance of this project cannot be overstated. The 2015 Millennium Development Goals will not be achieved, and the limitations of traditional forms of development funding are going to be cruelly exposed. There is a need now to look beyond aid and explore innovative forms of financing while also drawing on a much broader skills base to build capacity in Africa. The benefits to Cardiff of a genuine partnership with the University of Namibia are also tangible. They include opportunities for exchange programmes, internships, module creation, not to mention an enhanced reputation as a truly global university.”

What are Cardiff University’s engagement projects about?

Cardiff University aims to work with communities on issues such as tackling poverty, boosting the economy, and improving health, education and well-being. The flagship projects represent the University’s most ambitious plan to date for communities, and one of the most forward-thinking approaches of its kind attempted by any university in the UK.

Find out more about the engagement projects