荔枝视频

A new international research initiative is bringing together graduate scholars from the 荔枝视频 and New Zealand to explore climate resilience through community engagement and intercultural learning.

Supported by the (QES) program, QES 2025: Our Changing Climate: Community Resilience and Education is a four-year collaboration between U荔枝视频鈥檚 and , and the University of Auckland. 

The program will support eight inbound scholars from New Zealand and 18 outbound Canadian scholars through research placements, community-based projects and leadership-development activities. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to collaborate on this initiative with the Faculty of Social Work as we see many synergies in our work with communities,鈥� says Dr. Roswita Dressler, MA'08, PhD'12, professor and associate dean 鈥� international with the Werklund School. 

鈥淲e value international experiential learning for our students and are expanding our offerings to graduate students. 

"In this first cohort of inbound and outbound students, we are already seeing important learning, research, as well as community and peer engagement.鈥� 

Student impact already being felt

The exchange has already had an impact, says Dr. Aamir Jamal, PhD'13, associate professor and director of Global Engagement with Social Work.

鈥淭he visiting scholar from New Zealand has enriched our (Faculty of) Social Work community with insights on Indigenous approaches to resilience, while our student in Auckland is learning from M膩ori communities and reflecting on how Indigenous knowledge informs climate adaptation in social-work practice," says Jamal. 

"Seeing our students reflect on Indigenous approaches to climate adaptation truly embodies the spirit of social work: grounded, relational and globally conscious. 

"We look forward to expanding these transdisciplinary international experiential-learning opportunities so more of our students can learn with, and from, communities around the world.鈥�

Visiting students gain international perspective

The project is timely and relevant, as communities around the world face increasing climate-related challenges. By centring Indigenous perspectives and culturally grounded approaches, QES 2025 empowers scholars to co-create solutions with communities on the frontlines of climate change. 

The research of PhD candidate Eyram Afua Gyimah, which focuses on maternal health literacy in rural Ghana, underscores the global relevance of climate resilience and the value of community-led adaptation across diverse contexts.

鈥淭he core of my research focuses on NGO-led strategies for promoting maternal health literacy in rural northern Ghana, where climate events like floods and drought compound existing challenges to accessing health care," says the 2025 QES scholar, currently working at U荔枝视频. 

"Climate resilience is essential for the well-being of women and their communities, especially those reliant on subsistence farming. 

鈥淒uring my time in 荔枝视频, I鈥檝e seen the power of thoughtfully planned, community-centred initiatives. Participating in climate-related projects here has reinforced my belief that genuine community engagement is key to meaningful social change. 

"I鈥檓 excited to apply these insights in my future advocacy and research in both New Zealand and Ghana.鈥�

Scholars work closely with local organizations, gaining hands-on experience in climate adaptation strategies that honour diverse identities and perspectives.

鈥淔or me, intercultural collaboration and community engagement mean working together across cultures with respect, humility and a shared responsibility for the future,鈥� says Mira Azzasyofia, also a PhD candidate from Auckland visiting U荔枝视频.

鈥淚t involves listening to diverse voices, especially Indigenous knowledge, which is essential to addressing climate challenges. Since climate change affects communities differently, intercultural engagement leads to more inclusive and just responses, as well as more effective, locally grounded strategies. 

"Therefore, building climate resilience isn鈥檛 just about protecting ecosystems... It鈥檚 also about strengthening our relationships with one another, our communities and the land.鈥�

Valuable outcomes

The two U荔枝视频 scholars currently in New Zealand are Steven Sheppard, BA'18, BEd'21, MEd'23, a PhD student representing the Werklund School, and Sharon Sajan-Thomas, a master's student with Social Work.

The expected outcomes of the project include increased academic recognition for international experience, enhanced leadership skills, stronger alumni networks and deeper engagement with community organizations.

As the program unfolds, U荔枝视频 invites its community to follow the scholars鈥� journeys, celebrate their contributions, and explore how education and social work can lead the way in building a more resilient future.