The Faculty of Philosophy brings new ideas for inclusive education from Zanzibar
Innovations are brought to us by our colleagues Associate Professor Mariana Sirotová and Dr. Veronika Michvocíková, who participated in a mobility program in distant Africa.
The mobility took place within the Erasmus+ program and was hosted by The State University of Zanzibar, specifically the School of Education. The aim was to deepen the partnership between universities, exchange experiences in higher education pedagogy, and seek common solutions in the field of inclusive education.
The first few days were devoted to getting to know the academic environment, infrastructure, and functioning of the university. There were discussions with students about opportunities to participate in international mobility programs, as well as conversations about what Erasmus+ brings and where it still has challenges.


Expert discussions and specific inspiration
The program continued with a series of working meetings with faculty and department heads. Discussions focused on the organization of studies, the selection of teachers for mobility programs, and the preparation of future teachers. The main topic was pedagogy, from preschool and primary education to special and inclusive education.
Inclusion received special attention. Meetings with students with special educational needs and a visit to a training school provided an opportunity to compare Slovak and Tanzanian approaches. It turned out that although the conditions are different, the goal is the same: to create an environment in which every student has the chance to develop their full potential.
Cooperation that continues
International mobility has not only brought new contacts, but also specific ideas for the further development of study programs and joint projects. The Faculty of Arts at UCM thus confirms that international cooperation is not a formality, but a living process that enriches teachers, students, and the entire academic environment.
