Context

VLIR-UOS is the Flemish Interuniversity Council supporting partnerships between Flemish universities (Belgium) of applied sciences and arts, and partner countries in the Global South, that are searching for answers to global and local challenges. The VLIR International Training Programmes (ITP) focus on a medium-term, intensive, interactive and practice-oriented training course for professionals from academic, governmental, and industrial organizations, located in the partner countries.
In 2023, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries were ranked No. 73-167 out of 167 ranked countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index. Progress on SDG12: responsible sustainable consumption and production, which aims at increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles, is still lacking while it is considered a driving force of the worldwide economy. For example, the challenges associated with the management of municipal solid waste, electronic and plastic waste still (significantly) remain.

Aims

This ITP, called “Sustainability and SDG’s - how to measure and move forward”, aims to tackle those challenges by training professionals in Kenya and other SSA countries, regarding techniques to measure and improve the sustainability of processes and products. The training will focus on sustainable development, clean technology, circularity, sustainability assessment methodologies, life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA), and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, within areas such as agriculture, plastics, textile, etc. Not only theory and concepts but also exercises will be given associated with the local Sustainable Development Strategies.

Scholarships

All selected candidates will receive a scholarship for this training. The scholarship includes (for module 2 only):
▪ Transport cost to and from Nairobi (flight/train/bus)
▪ Accommodation in Nairobi, max 6 nights
▪ Meals
▪ Farewell event
▪ Souvenirs
▪ Insurance for the stay in Nairobi (if needed)
Participation is limited to 20 candidates. Besides the scholarship, selected candidates will benefit from free access to course learning materials

Application Process

Candidates should apply by sending an email before 15th November 2024 to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. including the following required documentation:
▪ Proof that you are a national and resident of, or an employee of a target organization (HEI, NGO, etc.) in Benin, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda (e.g., passport, a letter from the employer);
▪ Proof of studies - Applicants must have a higher education and are expected to have knowledge in (i) mathematics; and (ii) environmental science;
▪ A reference letter from the employer, stating that you will follow the training if selected;
▪ English Proficiency Certificates and/or other supporting documents;
▪ Motivation letter (max. one A4 page). Applicants should be motivated to transfer the knowledge or to set up projects regarding sustainable development;
▪ Short CV (max. two A4 pages).

Contact Us

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Charles Nzila This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dr. Trang Nhu This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dr. Faith Kandie This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dr. Pieter Nachtergaele This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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