Villa College strengthened its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through extensive collaboration with over 10 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). These partnerships encompass a diverse range of initiatives, including student volunteering programs, collaborative workshops, capacity-building trainings, impactful research projects, and the development of educational resources to address urgent global challenges.
Development of Resources:Collaboration with Maldives Australia Alumni (MAA) for SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities:
In March 2023, Villa College's Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) collaborated with the Maldives Australia Alumni (MAA) to organize its second "Academic Holhuashi" seminar. Focused on SDG 11, this event aimed to promote community development through academic collaboration and shared insights. Supported by Australia Awards, the seminar fostered discussions around sustainable urbanization and community-driven projects. The collaboration lasted for two months and engaged 41 participants, primarily students, in building awareness and capacity for achieving sustainable communities.
Student Volunteering Program:Collaboration with PILC and Migrants Matter for SDG4: Quality Education:
On April 7, 2023, the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) at Villa College collaborated with PILC and Migrants Matter to organize a capacity-building and training session focused on SDG 4, Quality Education. The event aimed to provide students with practical knowledge and essential graduation skills, while volunteers assisted migrant workers in completing a standard form and Power of Attorney (PoA). This collaboration enabled volunteers to gather consensual information from migrant workers, enhancing both academic learning and social impact. The event lasted for one day and involved 47 participants, promoting hands-on engagement in legal and educational empowerment.
Research Program:
Collaboration with Equal Rights Initiative, USAID Maldives, and NDI Maldives for SDG4: Quality Education:
On April 19-20, 2023, the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) at Villa College collaborated with Equal Rights Initiative, USAID Maldives, and NDI Maldives for a joint research and analysis initiative focused on SDG 4, Quality Education. The collaboration culminated in the International Conference on Implementing People-Focused Access to Justice, where participants were provided with practical knowledge to develop graduation skills and contribute to policymaking in the area of access to justice. This event not only enabled the representation of Villa College and the Maldives at the international level but also empowered attendees to engage in meaningful dialogues that could influence legal reforms. The conference lasted two days and involved 169 participants, creating an impactful platform for education and justice advocacy.
Development of Resources:Collaboration with Transparency Maldives for SDG4: Quality Education
On December 28, 2023, the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) at Villa College partnered with Transparency Maldives for a capacity-building and training event focused on SDG 4, Quality Education. The event aimed to provide free legal aid to migrant workers while enabling students to acquire essential graduation skills under the supervision of experienced lawyers and legal observers. This initiative not only supported the professional development of students but also contributed to social justice by assisting vulnerable communities. The event lasted for one day and saw the active participation of 38 individuals, helping to foster practical legal experience and community engagement.
Development of Resources:Collaboration with Equal Rights Initiative for SDG4: Quality Education
On April 25, 2023, the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) at Villa College signed a MoU with the Equal Rights Initiative to promote collaborative legal aid pro-bono activities and enhance employment skills for Villa College students. The partnership focuses on offering internships and field-based legal training opportunities, which will help students gain practical experience while contributing to the community. This capacity-building initiative supports SDG 4: Quality Education by providing students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for professional careers in law.
Development of Resources:
Collaboration with Maldives Moot Court Society for SDG4: Quality Education
On August 9, 2023, the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) at Villa College signed a MoU with the Maldives Moot Court Society. The collaboration aims to promote legal aid pro-bono activities and enhance employment skills for Villa College students, offering opportunities such as internships and field-based legal training. This capacity-building initiative, aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education, seeks to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in the legal field, helping them develop critical skills needed for their professional careers.
Research Program:
Knowledge Exchange on Cross-Border Commercial Disputes for SDG4: Quality Education
On December 26, 2023, the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) at Villa College, in collaboration with UNCITRAL, MMCS, MNU, and IUM, hosted a one-day event titled "Resolving Cross-Border Commercial Disputes in the Asia-Pacific: Digital Dynamics and the Role of Mediation." The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, bringing together law students, professionals, ADR practitioners, and academics to discuss the evolving role of digital mediation in cross-border commercial disputes. Aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education, the event provided valuable insights and practical knowledge to participants, further enriching their understanding of international legal frameworks and dispute resolution methods. This collaboration contributed to enhancing the academic and professional development of those involved.
Student Volunteering Program:Collaboration with Scout Association of Maldives:
On November 5, 2023, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) at Villa College participated in a Knowledge Exchange event organized by the Scout Association of Maldives, held as part of the SDG Fair. The event focused on SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), where Villa College students and staff showcased pioneering projects aimed at promoting clean energy solutions and fostering innovation in industry and infrastructure. The initiative attracted between 50 to 100 participants and was an impactful demonstration of how academic institutions can contribute to global sustainability efforts through knowledge sharing and project-based learning.
Student Volunteering Program:SDG4 Workshop on Quality Education and Technical Skills
On June 21, 2023, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) at Villa College hosted a collaborative workshop for the Scout Association of Maldives, focusing on SDG 4 (Quality Education). The workshop aimed to provide participants with valuable technical skills and knowledge through interactive sessions and hands-on activities. This initiative contributed to SDG 4 by promoting practical learning experiences in engineering disciplines and empowering the members of the Scout Association with the skills needed for personal and community development. A total of 35 participants benefited from this transformative learning opportunity.
Student Volunteering Program:Psychosocial Support Training with Journey NGO
From January 22nd to 26th, 2023, the Faculty of Educational Studies (FES) at Villa College, in collaboration with Journey NGO, held a week-long training program under the initiative RISEN. This training focused on equipping psychology students with essential skills for providing psychosocial support, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The sessions covered crucial topics such as effective communication, self-esteem enhancement, anger management, and team-building activities, all aimed at fostering emotional well-being and personal growth. Dr. Aishath Nasheeda led the initiative, and the training was facilitated by Ali Adeeb from Journey NGO.
By working closely with NGOs, Villa College promotes a hands-on approach to sustainable development, empowering both students and faculty to make substantial contributions to social progress and environmental stewardship. This collaborative model not only advances our institutional mission but also highlights Villa College's dedication to SDG best practices in academia and beyond, paving the way for meaningful, lasting impact.