Enhancing Global Engagement with the SDGs

We are excited to announce that we are currently developing our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Community-Engaged Platform! This virtual platform will connect Utrecht University with local communities, especially in the Global South, to enrich student learning while contributing meaningfully to social responsibility and community development.

Our mission? To equip teachers with hands-on tools that foster real-world engagement with the SDGs.

What are we building on the platform? 

We are creating an immersive introduction to communities with videos, photos, and interviews with local members. Teachers will learn about the activities, goals, and challenges of local organizations, and how the SDGs are embedded in their context. We will also share academic publications and resources to help teachers to incorporate Community-Engaged Learning into their courses. Plus, we are developing a live feature that will allow teachers to connect students with community members in real-time! 

September 2024 project

As a first step in shaping our new platform, our UGlobe interns Andrea di Maio and Lianne Pieterson spent the month of September in Elangata Wuas engaging with members of local organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration with Utrecht University. 

Elangata Wuas is a traditional Maasai community where the SDGs can inspire impactful collaboration. The community relies on livestock, small-scale farming, and small businesses, and they’ve established self-help groups to support each other financially and socially. However, they also face significant challenges, including limited water access, roads in poor condition, privatization of communal lands, and the impacts of climate change, especially harsh droughts. 

Stay connected for updates on their experiences and reflections, which will be shared on our website and social media!