Eight Bachelor of Education students from the School of Education went on an intensive eight-day Teacher Education Study tour in Berlin, Germany.

Organiser of the tour and UKZN Academic Leader for Community Engagement Dr Angela James accompanied them on the trip.

The focus of the tour was school development in the context of Education for Sustainability (ESD)/ Global Education – an exchange about projects/initiatives and the Teaching of ESD in South Africa and Germany.

The students participated in various activities, visited schools and attended workshops and conferences as a means of discussing and sharing their views on issues affecting the world.

Fourth year student Mr Wonder Tono said: ‘I learned about the practicality of implementing inclusive education and how it requires so much input from different stakeholders in order for it to be effective. I enjoyed learning about my country through the eyes of different people and sharing information about my heritage and our education system.’

Said second year student Mr Philani Shezi: ‘It was a delightful and fruitful experience. South Africa is so different from Germany. I believe we can learn a lot from each other in order to close the knowledge gap.’

On their return, the students hosted a feedback session for school staff, students and sponsors in which they discussed their experiences and what they learned on tour.

Fellow student Mr Mnqobi Msezane who attended the feedback presentation said: ‘As students we felt included and learned a lot from the presentation. It motivated us to also excel academically in order to be a part of such international activities in the future.’

As a result of what they learnt on the tour, students plan on implementing various projects in the community and on campus.