Collaboration with NGOs for the SDGs

Here are some specific examples of the University of Johannesburg’s collaborations with NGOs to tackle the SDGs through student volunteering programmes, research programmes, and the development of educational resources:

Student Volunteering Programmes:

• UJ-Habitat for Humanity Partnership: Students volunteer on Habitat for Humanity projects, helping to build affordable housing for low-income families. This initiative provides students with hands-on experience in construction and community development while contributing to the SDG of affordable housing.
• UJ-WWF Partnership: Students collaborate with WWF on projects related to environmental conservation and sustainability. This includes activities such as tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and public awareness campaigns. These projects contribute to the SDGs of climate action, responsible consumption and production, and life on land.
• UJ-Soweto Science Centre Partnership: Students volunteer at the Soweto Science Centre, conducting educational workshops and activities for children and young adults. This initiative promotes science education and contributes to the SDG of quality education.

Research Programmes:

• UJ-Department of Water and Sanitation Partnership: Students conduct research on water resource management and water quality in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation. This research contributes to the SDG of clean water and sanitation.
• UJ-Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Partnership: Students collaborate with the CSIR on research projects related to renewable energy and climate change adaptation. This research contributes to the SDGs of climate action and affordable and clean energy.
• UJ-South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Partnership: Students conduct research on biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management in collaboration with SANBI. This research contributes to the SDGs of life on land and sustainable cities and communities.

Educational Resources:

• UJ-WWF Climate Change Education Toolkit: UJ and WWF have developed an educational toolkit on climate change, designed for use in schools and universities. The toolkit includes lesson plans, activities, and resources that help students understand the causes and impacts of climate change and explore solutions.
• UJ-UN Global Compact Partnership: UJ and the UN Global Compact have developed a series of case studies on sustainable business practices in Africa. These case studies are used in business and management courses to teach students about the importance of sustainability in business.
• UJ-Open Learning Centre: UJ’s Open Learning Centre offers a variety of online courses and resources on sustainability and the SDGs. These resources are available to students, educators, and the general public.

These are just a few examples of the many ways in which UJ collaborates with NGOs to tackle the SDGs. Through these partnerships, UJ is providing students with valuable learning opportunities, contributing to research and innovation, and promoting sustainable development in South Africa and beyond.