UNIMA sociology students attend international workshop

Four students from the Department of Sociology and Population Studies recently attended a one-week workshop in Germany funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ staff and student mobility project. The students are Mtendere Chambwinja, Madalitso Kaphabanda, Innocent Banda, and Bridget Kamanga, and were accompanied by their lecturer, Mr Austin Ndala. The students participated in a one-week academic exchange programme alongside students and staff from European countries such as Germany, Estonia, Norway, Finland, and the Czech Republic. The University of Malawi was the only non-European university represented at the workshop.

The workshop was held at EvH Bochum in Germany from 10th to 14th November, 2025. During the programme, the students learned about diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion. Students took part in a week-long intensive learning workshop under the theme Diversity, Inclusion and Social Cohesion (DISCO). The programme included conferences, group presentations, lectures, city tours, and discussions on topics such as power, oppression, exclusion, discrimination, media influence, and disability, among others.

The students expressed appreciation for the workshop, noting that it provided valuable practical skills. Mr Innocent Banda shared that he learned effective ways to fight discrimination and promote inclusive environments. He gained practical skills in supporting marginalised groups and challenging biases, particularly those related to disability. He also highlighted the importance of being an ally and using one’s privilege to combat injustice.

“Group discussions helped me understand how social privileges affect people’s interactions,” added Bridget Kamanga. She noted that lessons on power and privilege opened her eyes to the inequalities faced by marginalised groups.

The students also had an opportunity to showcase Malawi and its culture. Additionally, they attended a conference and a discussion on disability and inclusion organised by the Bochum Centre of Disability Studies.

The workshop proved to be a practical learning experience that enhanced participants’ knowledge and skills in promoting diversity and inclusion, which are essential in social work practice.

Earlier this semester, the Department also hosted staff and students from Norway and South Africa for a two-week summer school under the NORPART project. These initiatives form part of the Department’s and the University’s internationalisation drive.