THE UNIVERSITY OF KISUBI IS ADVANCING IN ITS NEWLY ESTABLISHED UNESCO CHAIR ON “DANCE FOR GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION”
What is a UNESCO Chair?
The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, initiated in 1992, is designed to foster academic solidarity and collaboration worldwide. It establishes UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks within various universities, with the objective of fostering institutional progress through the sharing of knowledge and cooperative efforts. These Chairs and Networks are integral to UNESCO’s areas of expertise, including education, sciences, culture, and communication.
Educational and research institutions globally merge their efforts through this programme to confront critical issues and contribute positively to societal advancement. Often, these entities act as advisory bodies and connectors among academia, civil society, communities, researchers, and policymakers. They have been instrumental in guiding policy decisions, crafting new educational ventures, sparking research-driven innovations, and enhancing existing academic programs while celebrating cultural plurality
In regions where expertise is limited, the UNESCO Chairs and Networks become centers of excellence and innovation, not only enriching local capabilities but also fostering collaboration between the Global North and South. This initiative reinforces the exchange of knowledge and best practices across borders, enhancing global educational and cultural understanding.
The main goal of the Chair is to enhance research, share good practices, and raise awareness about the connection between tangible (physical) and intangible (cultural) heritage. This includes highlighting the importance of traditional skills in preserving cultural heritage.
Source: https://en.unesco.org/unitwin-unesco-chairs-programme
Summary of the University of Kisubi UNESCO Chair
Project:
The University of Kisubi has been selected to establish a UNESCO Chair, DANCE FOR GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION. This June 2024, we will launch our project which aims to foster inclusive learning environments for secondary school students in Uganda and beyond through dance education.
The project seeks to enhance the academic conversation on cross-cultural education. Aligned with Ugandan curriculum reforms in the Performing Arts, we aim to empower students with practical skills while preserving indigenous cultural practices to include the decolonizing of dance pedagogy. .With a focus on equity and gender sensitivity, the project objectives include cultivating teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills while engaging with, adapting to, and bridging cultural differences. . The proposed outcomes include advancing knowledge and promoting lifelong learning globally through publications and technological platforms.
Our Partners in the Project
The project will bring together faculty and students from partner universities, including
- Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship (CAME), University of Florida, USA, https://arts.ufl.edu/sites/center-for-arts-migration-and-entrepreneurship/about-the-center/
- Dance Studies Department, The University of Auckland, New Zealand, www.creative.auckland.ac.nz
- School of the Arts, Drama University of Pretoria, SA https://www.up.ac.za/drama-department
UNESCO Chair Holder
Jill Pribyl (Chair Holder Education)
UNESCO Chair, DANCE FOR GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
