Laurea, Bindura University and Dzikwa Trust are combining their expertise to promote sustainable development

Laurea and Bindura University of Science Education in Zimbabwe began their collaboration in 2025. The collaboration is built on shared values aimed at promoting sustainable development. This collaboration has been made possible by Erasmus+ funding awarded to Laurea, which aims to promote global mobility between higher education institutions.

During this late-summer visit week, visitors learned about Laurea, listened to keynote speakers, enjoyed a sauna and planned collaboration centred on sustainable development.

Working together towards sustainable development

“I have so much expectations for this collaboration. It should see the two universities grow to appreciate the differences in culture, to breach the gaps and to work towards a sustainable development of the globe”, says Dr. Miidzo Mavesera, Senior Lecturer at Bindura University.

The collaboration is based on the pillars of sustainable development and the sharing of expertise. Bindura University’s strengths lie in ecological sustainability, human rights and creativity from the perspective of African cultural heritage. Laurea brings expertise in digital solutions, the ‘Learning by Developing’ pedagogy and key partnership activities that deepen links with the world of work. Dzikwa Trust, for its part, complements the collaboration with its local knowledge, extensive networks and long-standing experience of international cooperation.

“For the students, it has been an opportunity to see the development on this side of the globe. It’s quite exciting, it’s quite educative”, Dr. Mavesera sums up.

A week packed with learning

The week’s programme delved into themes of sustainable development. Keynote speakers gave talks covering topics such as cultural heritage, climate change and human trafficking.

During the week, the visitors had the opportunity to explore, amongst other things, Laurea Living Labs, the simulation facilities, key partnership activities and the ‘Learning by Developing’ pedagogy. In return, those at Laurea were given an insight into Bindura University’s operations, research laboratories and production lines.

Among other things, the guests had lunch with Laurea’s rector, experienced Finnish sauna culture and visited the Oodi library.

“It was a very wonderful week, and I learnt a lot”, says Precious Wadzingaira, a student of network engineering, during a podcast recording.

Wadzingaira was particularly inspired by the ‘Learning by Developing’ pedagogy. “Students get projects from real partners, and the projects help the partners in real life time and in the community. At the same time, students get to apply their skills in practice. I think that one I want to take with me to Zimbabwe”, she explains.

Directions for future collaboration

One potential focus area for future cooperation is the work to combat human trafficking, which is already being carried out at Bindura University.

“We began brainstorming ways to raise awareness of human trafficking in Zimbabwe and its neighbouring countries, and how Laurea’s Safety, Security and Risk Management programme could be involved,” explains lecturer and R&D specialist Eeva-Kaisa Kinnunen, who coordinates the collaboration alongside lecturer Katri Kärkkäinen.

She hopes that this collaboration will lead to something truly significant and impactful in light of the ethics of sustainable development. The next step is to explore funding opportunities relating to the issue of human trafficking and to reapply for global mobility funding.

The aim of the collaboration is that, in future, Laurea students will be able to go to Zimbabwe on student exchange or for internships in various fields. Internships could take place, for example, at the Dzikwa Trust, a local charity that supports Zimbabwean children and young people at grassroots level.

Kinnunen says she is delighted by how many people at Laurea have got involved in the collaboration. She encourages people to approach collaboration opportunities from a variety of perspectives. “I hope we can make the most of this connection in a wide range of ways now that the collaboration is up and running”, she says.