‘Universities are key to developing the world’
In a move to support higher education in the developing world, Concordia has joined the Academics Without Borders (AWB) university network, which now includes 18 institutions across Canada.
“Within the context of globalization, universities in developing countries are key for their development,” says Steven Davis, AWB’s executive director.
“Concordia’s membership will support our ‘train the trainer’ strategy to implement vital, practical projects at universities in poor countries.”
Andrew Lang, director of Concordia International, notes that the university’s membership in the network will open new doors for faculty members and staff, complementing other ongoing academic exchanges and research collaborations.
“By joining AWB, Concordia academics and administrators will be able to apply their expertise in different ways through specialized teaching, curriculum development and field work opportunities,” he says.
Volunteer opportunities
AWB’s mission is to help developing nations build capacity in their institutions of higher learning so that they can educate their own experts.
In joining the organization, Concordia offers its faculty, staff and students the opportunity to volunteer on a number of international projects. AWB's work in the developing world includes any activity in which universities are involved: teaching, research, administrative operations, health sciences, computer science, student services, strategic planning and more.
AWB also plans to establish a campus chapter at Concordia, and student members will have the option to intern with the organization.
Speak with past volunteers at an Academics Without Borders info session on Thursday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. in Room MB 5.215 of the John Molson Building (1450 Guy).
