Launch of VOICE – Collaborative Online International Class.

In a monumental stride towards global education, the VOICE (Virtual Online International Collaborative Education) project was officially Launched on Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025 bringing together students from the University of Nairobi in Kenya, Leiden University, and HAN University in the Netherlands. Under the theme “Crossing Borders Without Crossing Borders,” this innovative online learning platform aims to foster international collaboration among students for the three Universities and broaden their academic horizons. 25 students from the University Faculty of Education and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will participate in the program.

During the launch of this pioneering one-semester program, Prof Jannemieke Geessink representing HAN University of Applied Sciences noted that the program will, among other many benefits of international collaboration, enable the students to acquire better communication skills in a multicultural setting.

Mr. Orindi John, Director of Corporate Affairs and Head of Internationalization at the University of Nairobi commended the efforts of the coordinators and partners involved in creating a platform that allows students to experience the enriching benefits of international education without the need for physical travel. Mr. Orindi applauded the role of technology in connecting people without much travel.

He emphasized the University of Nairobi's continued dedication to international collaboration, highlighting how the VOICE initiative can maximize educational opportunities with minimal resources. "This platform will expose students to diverse perspectives and equip them with the knowledge necessary to address global challenges," he stated. "It is crucial for our students to engage with one another, fostering innovative solutions for the difficulties our world faces today."

The VOICE program promises a dynamic and interactive learning environment, where students will participate in joint projects, discussions, and collaborative research, all while building a global network. Mr. John encouraged students to leverage this opportunity fully, urging them to connect and collaborate to enhance their collective learning experience.

As the world increasingly embraces digitalization, the VOICE project stands as a testament to the potential of virtual education, enabling students to cross geographical boundaries and learn from one another in a truly global classroom.

The meeting that took place on Wednesday 5th February 2025 1:30pm-3:45pm virtually to launch the international collaborative exchange by the partners including the University of Nairobi, Han University of Applied Sciences, and Africa Studies Center, Leiden University, Netherlands.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the introduction of stakeholders and participants in the one-semester global classroom programme. The main aim of the meeting is to allow the students to acquire new ideas and enrich students in education. we are indeed committed in this program.

Prof. Jennifer Muchiri, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Science representing the Dean welcomed the initiative and expressed the same desire to increase the students’ experience while keeping up with the University’s mission of transforming society and leaving no one behind. Dr. Ingrid Bartel, the program coordinator from Han University assured the participants that the University will fully support the initiative and University of Nairobi students will get maximum support. She further added that the program will deliver to its best and glean from those students’ experience to mentor the others who would not have had the opportunity and that exposure. 

Dr.Ditmars m.d. maria the coordinator from University of Leiden expressed the need for more collaboration with Industry partners even in the areas of research to tackle the emerging global challenges as a pathway to prepare students for the future. She referred to the program as ‘The Bridge to Africa’

Professor Anne Aseey program coordinator University of Nairobi expressed the desire of the crossing borders without crossing borders: international collaborative exchange (voices) as an opportunity for the introduction of stakeholders and participants in the one semester global classroom programme to reignite and strengthen the existing collaboration with the University of Nairobi. Prof.Aseey thanked Han University of Applied Sciences and University of Leiden for their dedication to reaching out to students in Africa and more so waiving the one semester graded program tuition fees for University of Nairobi students. Also present during the Launch was Prof. Susan Chepkonga assistant VOICE program coordinator from the Faculty of Education University of Nairobi