Villa College actively engages in international collaborations to advance and share best practices for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By partnering with global institutions, research bodies, and development organizations, the college contributes to comparative studies and research aimed at tackling common challenges, particularly in education, healthcare, and social equity.
Multimodal Approach to Teacher Professional Development (MATPD):
Villa College’s "Multimodal Approach to Teacher Professional Development (MATPD)" project is a collaborative initiative designed to advance teacher professional development (TPD) in under-resourced and developing contexts, specifically in India, Afghanistan, Maldives, and Nepal. This project implements elements of two innovative approaches on Teacher Professional development (TPD) developed by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ (TISS). It is designed for under-resourced and developing contexts where it will be collaboratively adapted to suit national contexts of participating countries. The MATPD project has specific goals: to understand enablers for an integrative distance TPD model in low-resource settings; to build the leadership skills of teachers and educators, empowering them to use new media and technology to enhance their practices; and to engage stakeholders in adopting and sustaining these pedagogically rich TPD methods. Comparative research across the three countries has provided valuable insights, contributing to the development of project deliverables and culminating in presentations at the ICSRI 2023 conference. Through these efforts, Villa College actively promotes international collaboration to enhance and share best practices in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
International Symposium on Law and Global Affairs:
Villa College hosted its first International Symposium on Law and Global Affairs on December 20-21, 2023, bringing together scholars, practitioners, and students from six countries, including the Maldives, India, the UK, and Ireland. Organized by the Faculty of Shariah and Law in partnership with the University of Essex, UK, and MM Shankarrao Chavan Law College, India, the symposium featured discussions on global legal frameworks, human rights, and climate change. The event supported SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while also advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through targeted discussions. Through this platform, Villa College underscored its commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering academic collaboration to address global issues. The symposium represents Villa College’s active role in international partnerships aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Strategic Support for Accreditation of Programmes and Internationalisation (SSAPI) project:
Three esteemed academics from Villa College attended the Strategic Support for Accreditation of Programmes and Internationalisation (SSAPI) project meeting in Thimphu, Bhutan, as part of the Erasmus+ initiative. This gathering aimed to enhance accreditation standards and support internationalization in South Asian higher education institutions. Villa College’s representatives—Moosa Mohamed Manik, Dr. Fazeela Ibrahim, and Dr. Mohamed Adil—contributed expertise in academic development and research to the project’s objectives. Their involvement highlights Villa College’s commitment to fostering educational quality and international collaboration, aligning with SDG best practices. This partnership with nine South Asian institutes and two European partners strengthens Villa College's role in advancing sustainable development within the region's higher education sector.
MoU with MM Shankarrao Chavan Law College, Pune:
On December 17, 2023, Villa College signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MM Shankarrao Chavan Law College, Pune, aimed at fostering collaboration in research and advancing SDG best practices. This partnership, which builds on their work together for the upcoming International Symposium on Law and Global Affairs, will focus on organizing joint symposiums and promoting student and staff exchanges. These initiatives will explore the Maldives' unique legal landscape within the context of international law, supporting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in sustainable development practices.
Staff Exchange Trip to Chang’an University, China:
On December 5, 2023, Villa College will participate in a staff exchange trip to China, facilitated by its Chinese Language Center and in partnership with Chang’an University and Hunan Mass-Media Vocational & Technical College. Led by Deputy Vice Rector Dr. Abdulla Sadiq, this exchange focuses on strengthening collaborations around dual-degree programs, micro-credential integration, and research initiatives, while exploring SDG best practices in education and academic processes. The delegation will also attend the 2023 World Chinese Language Conference, fostering deeper insights into Chinese language education and international partnerships.
Our Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) hosted a workshop to share key findings from UNICEF’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Study on parenting and childcare in the Maldives, conducted by IRI. Attended by government officials and CSO representatives, the event fostered collaborative discussions aimed at enriching the study's insights and enhancing its impact on national childcare policies. By aligning with SDG best practices, this workshop supports evidence-based approaches to improve parenting and childcare initiatives through the Maldives Joint Positive Parenting Programme (JPPP).
Villa College Signs MoU With INTI University Malaysia:
On July 28, 2023, Villa College signed an MoU with INTI University Malaysia, establishing a new partnership to expand academic and research collaboration. This MoU enables joint academic programs, staff and student exchange, and collaborative research, supporting Villa College's commitment to sharing SDG best practices. Through this alliance, both institutions aim to foster international learning and research opportunities aligned with sustainable development goals.
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Villa College Signs MoU with Symbiosis International (Deemed University):
On March 17, 2023, Villa College signed an MoU with Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, India, enhancing international collaboration in education and research. The agreement focuses on student and lecturer exchange, internships, and academic research, advancing shared best practices for SDGs. This partnership, strengthened by discussions on academic development, promotes cross-border learning and contributes to sustainable development goals through joint research and training initiatives.
Through these efforts, Villa College develops insights and strategies that not only address local needs but also align with global standards and practices. This commitment to collaborative research and knowledge exchange strengthens Villa College’s role in advancing SDG solutions and contributing to sustainable development both regionally and internationally.