Namibian Government recognises Phoenix Project work

The University’s Phoenix Project has been recognised by the Namibian Government after creating more than 38 joint projects in the country.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan met the Vice-President of Namibia and other senior members of the Namibian Government on a recent visit to consolidate the growing partnership.

The Phoenix Project, which began in 2014, is a collaboration between Cardiff University and the University of Namibia (UNAM).

The impact of Phoenix has been recognised at national level, and received praise from the Namibian Government.

Professor Riordan visited the Office of the Chancellor, who is also the Vice-President of Namibia, HE Dr Nangolo Mbumba; the Minister of Health, Hon Dr Kalumbi Shangula; and the International Relations Minister, Hon Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

He also met his counterpart at UNAM, Professor Kenneth Matengu.

Phoenix has also brought significant benefits to Wales, with Cardiff University staff and students, alongside professionals from other sectors, making the most of learning and development opportunities.

The project’s work now covers more than 38 individual activities in Namibia and the focus has shifted to tackling some of Namibia’s national challenges.

New major activities include:

• The Great Green Wall of Namibia: combating desertification in Namibia through indigenous reforestation.
• Implementation of social science research to control a Hepatitis E outbreak in Namibia.
• An electronic patient record system for Namibia.
• The introduction of Continuous Professional Development for doctors and nurses practising in northern Namibia.
• The Cardiff Trauma Pack, which is manufactured in Namibia: saving lives on roads.
• Grant writing training: teaching academics how to attract international research grants.

Past successes includes:

• Providing specialist training to doctors, nurses and midwives.
• Boosting mathematics knowledge among future scientists.
• Supporting local languages.
• Developing communities of software enthusiasts.
• Saving lives following road accidents.
• Boosting aspirations of young learners.
• Improving study skills.
• Boosting e-learning.
• Improving human rights awareness.

“The true value of the project is best measured through impact,” said Phoenix Project leader Professor Judith Hall.

Phoenix collaborates closely with UNAM on a wide range of activities including education, health, communication and science. It supports the Welsh Government’s Wales for Africa programme.