Embracing the previous collaboration between University Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI), Daugavpils University (DU), and Erasmus+ in Inter-institutional Agreement which focuses on learning mobility for higher education students and staff, UAI sent three delegations to follow DU International Staff Training and Teaching Week 2023 in Latvia from May 8 to May 12, 2023. The delegates from UAI are Dwi Astharini, S.T., M.Sc. (Head of Publication of Institute for Research and Community Service), Muhammad Fadli, S.E., M.H. (Head of Administrative Services Division, Scholarship, Internship, Mobilization and General Affairs), and Meldini Alivia, S.I.Kom. (Head of Subsection Directorate of Academic Facilities). Besides UAI, this event also was followed by eight universities across the globe which are involving Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Georgia European University, University of Mindanao, National University of Lesotho, Academy of Music K. Lipinski in Wroclaw, Khujand Polytechnic Institute of the Tajik Technical University, Russian-Tajik University, and Tajik National University, Tajikistan. By having this event, it is expected to strengthen the relation between education and research, to promote academic excellence on a global scale, and to practice sustainable development in several seminars and interactive sessions.
“During my participation in mobility activities, I gained a lot of new perspectives, inspiration, and enormous motivation. My appreciation for Erasmus+ and DU”. (Mr. Fadli)
Welcoming all the international participants on Monday (8/5), the event was opened by a speech from Prof. Inese Kokina (Vice Rector for Studies), Presentation of DU by Ms. Jeļena Tamane (Project Manager in International Students Recruitment), and seminar about “Socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable future” of Ms. Inga Belousa (Researcher and project manager, NGO Green Liberty). Taking part of it, all the participants also joined the Intensive Latvian culture and language elementary course, Daugavpils Fortress and Mark Rothko Center visitation, and presentations of each university’s representative.
“UAI currently has six Faculties, 19 Bachelor’s Degree Programs and two Master’s Degree Program. We are very open for any collaboration especially in research”. (Mrs. Astharini in Introducing UAI)
Having this prospect, Mrs. Astharini presented three aspects that are focused by UAI as what is obligated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of Republic of Indonesia for Indonesian Higher Education Institution. The focuses include teaching, research, and community services. Furthermore, during the pandemic she explained that UAI has done lots of community services such as Q-Box (A Quarantine Box to sterilize books, stationery, using UV light which were given to libraries), LC PAPR (Air Purifying Respirator equipment for health worker which provide to quarantine centre and small clinics in Indonesia), and SIPPKOM (Supports for early childhood online learning, assistive working for teachers on methods, and technology, and counselling for parents) on Tuesday (9/5).
“It was a life-time journey for me. As a first timer visiting Latvia, I’ve learned an example of how European’s Higher Education works for their Academics facilities. This is something that I will share with my colleagues”. (Ms. Alivia)
On Wednesday (9/5), everyone got the opportunity to Visit to DU research centre “Ilgas” “Practical field work – Environment diversity and protection” and “How Erasmus Mobility+ changed the landscape of Philippine coleopterological research” which was presented by Assoc. Prof. Analyn Cabras (University of Mindanao, Philippine). Thereafter, they also had the chance to have Latgale and Riga sightseeing tours at the end of the event.
Thoughts on The Event from UAI Delegations?
Having participated in this program, we have a strong desire to be part of changing the world for the better by becoming an individual who is not only useful, but also has leverage for the advancement of the organization, state and nation (as a unit of humanity regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender). During the mobility activities, we gained a lot of new perspectives, inspiration, and enormous motivation. We were introduced to various participants from various parts of the world, studied their organizational activities, and built networks to be followed up in the framework of continuing cooperation. Hopefully, the insights that we got can be measured to provide organizational improvement and strengthening. One of which is by developing internationalization efforts and sustainable partnership networks.
Not to mention, all Eramus+ staff mobility training activities could not have happened without the help of the Erasmus+ coordinators and DU Staff who were very agile and cooperative both before, during, and after the mobilization process. Having this platform, we personally would like to thank them for their endless help.
The Wish for Erasmus+ and Future Host University
We would like to convey that Erasmus+ staff mobility training could be participated by more countries from all over the world. Another one, we also hope Erasmus+ will advance their wings by not only visiting European Countries, but also developing countries as well as impoverished countries to provide clear comparisons of their respective developments for achieving the sustainable development goals. (TSH)
Another reference: https://du.lv/en/news/the-erasmus-international-staff-training-and-teaching-week-has-successfully-concluded-at-du/