Villa College reaffirmed its commitment to delivering meaningful education aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all disciplines and academic levels. Villa College offers a total of 206 programs through its academic divisions, spanning from Certificate to Postgraduate levels, with program offerings as follows:
Centre for Foundation Studies: 33 programs
Centre for Postgraduate Studies: 4 programs
Faculty of Business Management: 54 programs
Faculty of Educational Studies: 54 programs
Faculty of Engineering and Technology: 33 programs
Faculty of Health Science: 17 programs
Faculty of Shariah and Law: 10 programs
The Institute of Academic Development at Villa College has comprehensively mapped each program to specific SDGs, integrating these global objectives into the curriculum to ensure all students receive education relevant to sustainable development. Notably, the mapping identified the following SDG alignments across programs:
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): 12%
SDG 4 (Quality Education): 100%
SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): 10%
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): 10%
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): 7%
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): 20%
SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): 6%
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): 11%
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): 36%
SDG 13 (Climate Action): 11%
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): 5%
SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals): 15%
Through these programs, Villa College aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address global challenges and contribute positively to society, promoting sustainable practices across various sectors.
Integrating Sustainability Education at Villa College:
Villa College integrates sustainability across all its academic programs, ensuring that sustainability principles are embedded within various disciplines to foster a comprehensive understanding of global and local environmental challenges. In addition, Villa College has introduced a dedicated Sustainability course for all students, providing a thorough exploration of sustainability practices with a focus on their application both globally and in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In 2023, the college introduced dedicated courses that focus specifically on sustainability and its application across various sectors. These courses, which are part of both degree programs and elective options, cover a wide range of sustainability topics, including climate change, renewable energy, sustainable economic development, and the blue economy, with a particular emphasis on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Maldives. This course delves into pressing sustainability issues such as climate change, renewable energy, economic sustainability, and the blue economy, all of which are particularly relevant to the Maldives and similar island nations. By combining theoretical foundations with practical case studies and real-world applications, the course equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to actively contribute to global and local sustainability initiatives.
Through these courses, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into sustainability challenges and solutions, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to global and local sustainability efforts. In addition, Villa College offers a specialized sustainability course that is integrated into the core curriculum for all students, ensuring that every graduate has a foundational understanding of sustainable practices. This comprehensive approach to sustainability education not only supports Villa College’s commitment to SDGs but also equips students with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
To further promote sustainability education, Villa College has developed a free online Public Module on Sustainability. This open-access course aims to engage a wider audience and raise awareness about sustainable practices, providing valuable knowledge and skills to individuals worldwide at no cost. Through this initiative, Villa College extends its commitment to sustainability education, fostering a more informed and proactive global community.
Sustainability as one of our Guiding Pillars:
Villa College’s commitment to sustainability as a core guiding pillar emphasizes the integration of SDG-focused education and sustainable practices across all levels of the institution. Recognizing the significance of both financial and environmental responsibility, Villa College implements sustainable policies and practices that serve as real-world learning opportunities for students. The College has adopted a comprehensive no single-use plastic policy to minimize plastic waste and promote an eco-friendly campus, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship. Through these efforts, alongside the integration of SDG topics and principles into the curriculum across all programs, Villa College equips students with essential knowledge and practices that support a sustainable future, encouraging a campus culture that values sustainability in every aspect of student and institutional life.
