ICT in Education students honoured at Virtual Exchange Awards

PGCE ICT in Education students recently received awards after completing a Virtual Exchange Programme focused on global challenges and sustainable development.

Dr Asaph Nkomo welcomes and congratulates the award recipients. The Faculty of Humanities Department of Educational Foundation in collaboration with the International Office hosted the ceremony for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education ICT in Education students at Casa Toscana Lodge. The event honoured the students’ hard work and dedication.

Students collaborated with peers from Malmö University in Sweden and University of Maryland, Baltimore County in the United States to develop innovative solutions to real world challenges.

The project addressed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 13. These goals aim to make cities inclusive safe resilient and sustainable and to act against climate change and its effects by 2030.

Students focused on improving urban life through affordable housing safe public transport green spaces disaster resilience and reduced environmental impact. They designed and developed sustainable multimedia video learning materials for learners aged 7 to 17. The videos address waste reduction, the environmental impact of urban littering and effective waste management. Teachers can integrate these resources into curriculum delivery aligned with the relevant SDGs.

Dr Asaph Nkomo from the Department of Educational Foundation, opened the ceremony and congratulated the award recipients. He said the event celebrated connections collaboration and shared values.

“This project has shown us that distance is not a barrier but a platform where curiosity, openness, commitment and global understanding can be discussed together,” he said.

He added that participants engaged in meaningful dialogue and developed innovative ideas. The experience strengthened academic and professional skills and fostered empathy cultural awareness and global citizenship.

Prof Sibongile Mnisi shares words of gratitude and praise for work well done. Proud recipients of the Virtual Exchange Awards with Prof Mnisi. Prof Sibongile Mnisi lecturer in ICT in Education in the Department of Educational Foundation said the programme broadened students’ perspectives on education. She said international collaboration helped students build confidence and recognise their ability to engage with peers from other contexts.

“In the 21st century each and every student will be required to have a global skill,” she said.

Students agreed that the Virtual Exchange Programme gave them a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and create educational resources with practical value.