From left, Dr Bruce Damons, Director Engagement Office, Mandela University; Dr Susan Kurgat, CERM-ESA Coordinator; Dr Noluvo Rangana (Mandela) University; Professor Anne Kisilu, Dean: School of Education, Moi University, Professor Deidre Geduld, Education Faculty, Mandela University and Professor Isaac Sanga Kosgey, Vice-Chancellor, Moi University.
The goal was to collaborate and share knowledge with the School of Education staff to establish an Engagement Unit in the School. The Unit would then align with the University's strategic objectives, also addressing the aspirations and goals of the School.
Mandela University colleagues Drs Noluvo Rangana and Bruce Damons, and Professor Deidre Geduld, engaged with the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, who expressed a keen interest in formalising an agreement and partnership.
To commit to this collaboration, Mandela University, represented by the Engagement Office, and Moi University, agreed to explore various areas of potential cooperation:
Both institutions are eager to activate formal institutional relationships to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Mandela University want to collaborate closely with the CERM-ESA to introduce the Hubs of Convergence engagement framework, contributing to socially responsive universities,
To further enrich the learning, teaching, research, and transformed engaged experiences, both institutions will collaborate on piloting the Nelson Mandela University Community-Based Research Short Learning Programme. This would foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing. The SLP is inspired by Dr Noluvo Rangana’s African Calabash proposition, drawing on the cultural symbolism of the African Calabash.
This vessel, historically used throughout Africa, represents unity, community, and interconnectedness. Its philosophy closely aligns with Kenya’s "Harambee" Kenya and South Africa's Ubuntu philosophy, emphasising collective effort and communal collaboration to address challenges.
The Calabash's symbolises preservation and sharing of valuable insights, fostering nourishment and sustainability in communities and organisations involved in action research. It also represents resilience, highlighting the adaptability to overcome challenges in engagement and research.
This fusion of African Calabash philosophy, Harambee, and Ubuntu forms a culturally resonant framework guiding the African epistemic action research process, promoting unity, collaboration, and adaptability for positive and sustainable change.
Both Moi University and Mandela University recognise the crucial role of securing adequate funding for their joint initiatives. Despite budget constraints both institutions are actively seeking external funding sources. The establishment of the Engagement Unit at Moi University and the partnership with Mandela University mark significant progress, positioning both institutions as engaged universities dedicated to serving their societies.
These collaborative efforts promise to enhance the experiences of students, staff, and communities, contributing significantly to intellectual, scholarly, and programmatic endeavours. This partnership serves as a beacon of innovation, engagement, and educational progress, benefiting not only the region but also the global community.