METODIC project aims at developing the green competences of the students of the textile engineering departments in HEIs in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda by introducing a new blended learning Bachelor course of sustainable and circular business models in the textile sector. Understanding the importance to connect with the industry and sustain the academia-business relationship, the project aims at supporting the academics and staff of African HEIs through the creation of Collaboration Centres (initially operating in departments regarding the textile sector) as a service the universities will offer to the industry. Finally, to provide opportunities to everyone involved and build bridges for a truly internationalized education that is accessible by everyone, the project will explore the development of frameworks for joint courses among universities and new mobility schemes, to ensure transfer of knowledge for a globalized educational experience. The starting point will be of course the tested course that will be created in the project.
Sub-Saharan Africa region is a large area with 49 countries and a population of over 1 billion. Higher education is crucial for the region’s economic development and producing future leaders, but there is a shortage of skilled human resources, as the salaries, living conditions, and security issues are discouraging professors from staying in their home country. Women and low-income groups are underrepresented in higher education, and affirmative action policies have not been effective. The region is also facing humanitarian crises and high unemployment rates. The textile industry has potential for job creation, but infrastructure challenges raise production costs and deter investment. Despite increased investment in research, textile higher education is still not accessible to all students and a reason for this is the lack of digital investment. For all these reasons this project considered to be necessary.
Project Τitle: Strengthening the links between industry and academia for a sustainable textile sector that promotes circular economy in Sub- Sharan Africa
Project Duration: 01.11.2024 –31.10.2027
Project URL: https://metodic.eu/
Project Framework & Funding: Erasmus+ Programme (ERASMUS) Project: [101178999] — [METODIC] — [ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE]
Funding: 123.470,00 maximum (Total Project: 799.997,00)
Principal Investigator (UNIWA):
Prof. Georgios Priniotakis
Consortium – Partners:
- UNIWA -University of West Attica, Department of Industrial and Product Design Engineering, Laboratory of Design and Development of Innovative Knitted Textiles and Garments –DIKNIGA), Greece, Coordinator
- Ghent University, Belgium
- IDEC SA, Greece
- MOI UNIVERSITY (MoiU), Kenya
- Technical University of Kenya (TU-K), Kenya
- Bahir Dar University (BDU), Ethiopia
- Jimma University, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Institute of Technology–Mekelle (EiT-M), Ethiopia
- Busitema University (BU), Uganda
- Kyambogo University, Uganda
