As part of the 10th anniversary of this relationship, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Hilda Israel, recently visited PHSG to take part in a week-long seminar series hosted at the Rorschach campus from 07 to 11 April 2025.
This visit marks the beginning of a series of collaborative initiatives planned for 2025, when PHSG will formally celebrate a decade of cooperation with UMP. In recognition of this milestone, South Africa has been named PHSG’s country of focus for the year, and senior officials – including the Rector, Professor Horst Biedermann, and the Prorector, Professor Nicolas Robin – are scheduled to visit UMP in May 2025.
“The partnership between the Faculty of Education at UMP and PHSG is built on the shared values of educational innovation, cultural appreciation, and the mutual development of student teachers. “It creates meaningful opportunities for staff and students from both institutions to engage in cross-cultural dialogue, collaborative learning, and reflective teaching practices,” said Professor Israel.
Over the years, the collaboration has enabled Swiss student teachers to visit UMP campuses in Siyabuswa and Mbombela, where they are placed in local schools for practical training in South Africa’s diverse educational context.
Concurrently, UMP’s fourth-year Education students contribute by creating culturally relevant storybooks that serve as valuable teaching tools. These storybooks have become a hallmark of the partnership, blending creative expression, cultural heritage, and educational theory.
During the recent seminars in Switzerland, UMP staff delivered a series of online presentations on various aspects of South African culture and education. These covered the importance of Siswati and isiNdebele languages, Indian heritage in South Africa, the use of technology in classrooms, and music’s role in early learning.
Students from both institutions collaborated virtually, discussing these topics and co-developing books for the African Storybook project. Titles such as Gogo’s Garden and Together is Better reflected the students’ creativity and thoughtful engagement.
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“Through Zoom meetings and continued communication via WhatsApp and email, our students built strong connections with their Swiss peers,” Professor Israel noted. “These engagements not only contributed to their academic growth but also fostered friendships that transcend geographical boundaries.”
The Rorschach campus, where the seminars were held, reflects a deep sense of tradition and humility. Originally a monastery dating back to the 15th century, it has served as a teacher-training institution since 1864. Today, it accommodates approximately 1 400 students and 300 academic staff.
“One of the things that left a lasting impression on me was the concept of servant leadership embodied in the architecture,” said Professor Israel. “The low monastery doors require you to bow your head to enter – reminding every teacher and student of the humility that lies at the heart of education.”
Outside the academic environment, Professor Israel also explored the city of St. Gallen, renowned for its cultural and historical richness. “It’s a beautiful and vibrant city, filled with international influences and historical sites,” she said.
“The St. Gallen Cathedral and the Abbey Library are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, housing manuscripts that date back over 1,400 years. I was also intrigued to learn about the region’s historical importance in the global textile industry – St. Gallen textiles are now highly sought after in both West and East Africa.”
Looking ahead, the collaboration between UMP and PHSG is expected to deepen further. In May 2025, Swiss student teachers will return to Siyabuswa Campus, where they will be paired with UMP students for teaching practice placements in township schools. These immersive experiences are designed to broaden perspectives and promote inclusive, globally informed teaching.
“The longevity and depth of this partnership affirm its value,” Professor Israel concluded. “Through projects like the African storybooks, cultural seminars, and student exchanges, we are not only enhancing educational practice, but also nurturing empathetic, globally minded educators. I look forward to seeing how this partnership continues to evolve and benefit both institutions in the years to come.”
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.