With VAMOS concluding, we are better equipped than ever to address wicked problems and spread the valuable teachings gathered throughout the project. This repertoire of knowledge is being put to good use, as VAMOS contributors are paying forward in many ways. One such avenue is the newly launched Jardim Secreto project spearheaded by the collaborators behind the VAMOS pilot course Sustainable Cities & Communities. 

The project aims to retrofit an open and multifunctional classroom for children in Villa das Torres in Curitiba that will serve as a space that enables youth to learn about literature, food security and culture of peace. Jardim Secreto has hosted a successful fundraiser to improve the capabilities of the classroom and continues to spread the word of their mission through social media. Make sure to follow their progress on Instagram @Jardimsecretoprojeto!

Another showcase of VAMOS’ longevity is a speaker session held by VAMOS contributors Dr. Mirjam Hauck of UNICollaboration as well as Prof. Madson Gois and Prof. Roberto Guerra of the Federal University of Pernambuco. The session was part of the lecture series ’Decolonising Academic Practice’ hosted by Birmingham City University during the month of May with a ”focus on specific examples of how decolonising knowledge provides challenges but also opportunities in Higher Education teaching and research”. 

The session, titled ”Addressing wicked problems and decolonising knowledge through critical virtual exchange: case studies from the VAMOS project” was held on the 16th of May and featured the experiences from the VAMOS project as an example of how virtual exchange can be utilized to address wicked problems. The audience had the opportunity to follow along case studies of the VAMOS pilot courses and build insight on critical virtual exchange. CVE is characterized by the speakers with the following elements:

• The use of low-bandwidth technologies
• A focus on students underrepresented in IaH, e.g., from low socio-economic backgrounds
• Student exchange project topics informed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and as a distinct way of addressing wicked problems
• Wherever possible, integration of local student outreach work with businesses, NGOs, and charities to support SDGs achievement.

All in all, CVE ”aims to ensure more equitable and inclusive student exchange experiences”.

Make sure to catch the speaker session in full here, available on the Birmingham City University YouTube page.

Consider what you can learn from VAMOS, and what you can do apply that knowledge to help VAMOS live on!