Virtual Exchange Model for Climate Change and Sustainability Education in Intercultural Teacher Training (Teach4Sustainability)

Basic data for this project

Type of projectEU-project hosted at University of Münster
Duration at the University of Münster01/02/2026 - 31/01/2029

Description

This ‘Teach4Sustainability’ project leverages virtual exchanges as a transformative, inclusive, and youth-centered learning format to empower teacher trainees with the competencies, confidence, and intercultural perspective needed to act as sustainability change agents. The project uses digital collaboration, intercultural dialogue, and problem-based learning across six higher education institutions: two from Europe (Germany and Spain) and four from Sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda and The Gambia). Focusing on Climate Change and Sustainability Education (CCSE), the core objectives are to: Build pedagogical and digital competencies among teacher trainees; Co-create and test a 6-topic CCSE curriculum with virtual field trips and inclusive tools; Facilitate intercultural collaboration among at least 2,500 participants; Strengthen institutional and cross-continental capacity for CCSE; Promote EU values through open, equitable knowledge sharing. Key activities: Joint needs assessment on CCSE and virtual learning gaps; Curriculum design, co-creation, and facilitator training; Delivery of moderated virtual exchange cycles with gamified and interactive elements; Evaluation of learning outcomes using digital badging and recognition tools; Dissemination through open educational resources (OER), webinars, and policy briefs. Expected outputs: Accessible, culturally relevant CCSE curriculum; A tested model for virtual exchanges in teacher training; Documented learning outcomes and gains in soft skills (e.g., critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy); Curated OERs and dissemination packages for replication. Expected impacts: Over 2,500 future educators and faculty staff trained; Embedded virtual pedagogies practices in partner institutions; Stronger EU–Africa education ties and systemic change through intercultural exchanges.

KeywordsInternationalisation; Pre-service teacher training; Digitalisation; Change agents; Education for sustainability; Innovative pedagogies; Africa–EU cooperation; Sub-Saharan Africa
Funding identifier101251923
Funder / funding scheme
  • EC - Erasmus+ - Learning Mobility of Individuals (KA131)

Project management at the University of Münster

Mehren, Rainer
Professorship of Didactics of Geography (Prof. Mehren)

Applicants from the University of Münster

Mehren, Rainer
Professorship of Didactics of Geography (Prof. Mehren)

Project partners outside the University of Münster

  • University of NigeriaNigeria
  • National University of Distance Education (UNED)Spain
  • University of the Gambia (UTG)Gambia
  • University of Kigali (UoK)Rwanda
  • Aksum University (AKU)Ethiopia