The Engaged University
Developing University capacity in the SADC towards Participatory Approaches for knowledge production in pursuing the selected SDGs
Our Project
Start Date
Completion Date
30 November 2026
Programme Management
SARUA & OBREAL Global
Prof René Pellissier
EngageSDG Programme manager
SARUA Focus Area Leader: Knowledge Co-Production
Rene.pellissier@sarua.africa
6 Project partners (SADC)
4 Project partners (Europe)
Our Project
Start Date
Completion Date
30 November 2026
Programme Management
SARUA & OBREAL Global
Prof René Pellissier
EngageSDG Programme manager
SARUA Focus Area Leader: Knowledge Co-Production
Rene.pellissier@sarua.africa
6 Project partners (SADC)
4 Project partners (Europe)
Developing university capacity in the SADC towards Participatory Approaches for knowledge production in pursuing the selected SDGs
General Objective
Outcomes
Impact
Digital ecosystem Capacity Outcomes
A SADC network of
universities capacitated in the use of Participatory Approaches towards SDG engagement and implementation, contributing to SADC member state capacity development for sustainable development.
General Objective
Outcomes
Digital ecosystem Capacity Outcomes
Impact
A SADC network of
universities capacitated in the use of PAs towards SDG engagement and implementation, contributing to SADC member state capacity development for sustainable development.
SO1:
To develop a report on the State of Play relating to the use Participatory Approaches in HE in three SADC countries and SADC more widely, to draw attention to their relevance in achieving the SDGs through the HE sector.
SO2:
To develop a conceptual framework, and supporting digital ecosystem, to support decision-making, capacity development and collaboration amongst higher education institutions in the SADC in the use of Participatory Approaches for local engagement
SO3:
To develop the capacity of HEIs
in South Africa, Mauritius and Zambia,
and in the SADC more widely, to adopt
Participatory Approaches for local engagement.
SO4.
To create a
sustainable CoP amongst
regional higher education
institutions in the SADC for
the use of Participatory Approaches in
community-oriented
knowledge production.
Analysis
Design
Transformation
CoP
Governance & mgt
SO1: To develop a report on the
State of Play relating to the use
Participatory Approaches in HE in three SADC
countries and SADC more
widely, so as to draw attention
to their relevance in achieving
the SDGs through the HE
sector.
SO2:
To develop a conceptual framework, and supporting digital ecosystem, to support decision-making, capacity development and collaboration amongst higher education institutions in the SADC in the use of Participatory Approaches for local engagement
SO3:
To develop the capacity of HEIs
in South Africa, Mauritius and Zambia,
and in the SADC more widely, to adopt
Participatory Approaches for local engagement.
SO4.
To create a
sustainable CoP amongst
regional higher education
institutions in the SADC for
the use of Participatory Approaches in
community-oriented
knowledge production.
1. A situation analysis
2. Identification of key SADC Stakeholders
3. Input reports
4. Approved identification of the selected SDGs
Outcome: Documented &
consulted situation analysis on use of Participatory Approaches within the SADC HEIs,including identification of key stakeholder groups & priority SDGs
1. IPF
2. DAE
Outcome: Digitally-enabled decision-making, capacity development & collaboration environment to support SADC HEIs in implementation of Participatory Approaches for local engagement.
1. Implemented pilot
projects
2. Capacity development
programme
Outcome: An implemented capacity development framework to support SADC HEIs in the use of Participatory Approaches for local engagement.
2. Establish sustainable SARUA community of practice
Outcome: An implemented capacity development framework to support SADC HEIs in the use of PAs for local engagement
Consortium Members
Partner institutions in SADC:
Partner institutions in Europe:
Our Methodology
Anticipated outcomes
An Integrated Participatory Framework to support decision-making on the use of Participatory Approaches among university leadership and staff within the SADC HE sector through:
- A digital academic eco-system to support learning and collaboration amongst HEI in the SADC in the use of Participatory Approaches for local engagement.
- Implemented pilot projects on the use of Participatory Approaches by the SADC partner institutions.
- A capacity development programme for HE leadership and staff from 20 HEI in SADC, on the use of Participatory Approaches for local engagement.
- A sustainable SARUA community of practice for HE engagement.