The main objective of this memorable event was to promote membership efforts by bringing key stakeholders, including students and alumni, together to a round table. The gathering showcased the role of EU mobility schemes in developing skills for economic growth in the region. Given the fact that the Southern African region recorded low participation levels and had the lowest population of ASAF members, the event’s rationale was fully justified.

The event aimed to create, induct, and initiate strategic efforts that holistically documented ASAF’s visibility in the region, fostering collaboration, information sharing, professional development, and the exchange of best practices in advancing knowledge, innovations and critical thinking. The theme, “Enhancement of Mobility, Collaboration and Innovation in Southern African region”, strategically placed the event to champion innovations, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, as well as creativity amongst the students and alumni members. The goal was to unlock the hidden potential of the Southern Saharan sub region, prompting unprecedented economic development through mobility schemes, collaborations, and networking amongst key stakeholders. 

At the heart of this high-level meeting were the key collaborating partners, including government officials, university staff and students, the EU local delegation lead team, ASAF volunteers, and the media. The Erasmus + information event covered several relevant topics of discussion that included the role of the EU mobility scholarships in enhancing the quality of higher education including the available opportunities for staff, students and various participating institutions dealing with skills development. Discussions also covered aligning skills for networking and problem-solving. The role of ASAF at national and regional levels in championing education excellence, research, innovations and strategic partnership was emphasised.

The event attracted more than 100 students,  12 ASAF volunteer members from Zambia, Namibia and Mozambique, and over 20 key-stakeholders and high profile guests. This engagement further consolidated the working relationships between the ASAF volunteers in the region and key stakeholders, including the government officials, paving the way for future collaborations and partnership ventures. It also provided a rich opportunity for students to better understand the vision, mission, and the strategic goals of ASAF as a professional network within the framework of economic development.

The venue of the event was strategically chosen as one of the busiest higher education institutions in the Southern African region, with over 25,000 students. To maximise the potential of the event, the programme included formal speeches, discussions, networking tea breaks, networking lunches, and open Q&A sessions in the morning. The afternoon significantly enhanced the event’s impact, with hundreds of students visiting the ASAF stand and receiving firsthand information about the network, as well as about EU funded scholarships and studying abroad.

Furthermore, the local EU delegation enhanced the event with contributions such as branded T-shirts, bags, and banners, and supported the planning and implementation. The diversity of personnel in terms of skills, culture, expertise and experiences further created an exciting atmosphere, with students and staff showing great curiosity and asking insightful questions. 

The entire programme was a great success, exceeding all expectations and beyond, as evidenced by the overwhelming attendances. Special recognition goes to the European Union for their vision and funding, as well as to the service providers whose support before, during and after the event laid the foundation for this accomplishment.

The event not only built bridges between existing and future members, but also fostered a renewed sense of teamwork, unity, and collaboration among the ASAF volunteer network at both national and regional levels. It set a precedent for future initiatives, inspiring robust engagement and paving the way for even greater achievements.

Replicating such initiatives in the future will build awareness and interest among current and future members and beneficiaries.

 

Zambia, Kabwe, 2 April 2025
Misheck Samakao, ASAF Zambia volunteer and former Liaison Officer for Capacity Building and Professional Development (msamakao@gmail.com)
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team