FAWE Strengthens Partnership with EQUSaT Through Student Support and Institutional Engagement

Equator University of Science and Technology (EQUSaT) recently hosted the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) as part of its quarterly support and engagement with partner learning institutions.

The visit provided an opportunity to assess the progress and wellbeing of sponsored programme participants while strengthening collaboration between FAWE and EQUSaT in promoting an inclusive, supportive and gender-responsive learning environment.

A key component of the engagement was the physical verification of sponsored programme participants, enabling FAWE to interact directly with students and follow up on their academic progress and experiences at the University.

FAWE and EQUSaT management also discussed opportunities to further integrate FAWE's key models into university programmes and student support systems. These include the Extended Orientation Programme (EOP), Mentorship, Gender Responsive Pedagogy (GRP) and Tuseme.

The Extended Orientation Programme (EOP) supports students in transitioning into university life by equipping them with information, skills and guidance necessary to navigate their academic journey successfully. Mentorship, meanwhile, provides students with guidance, encouragement and support as they develop academically, professionally and personally.

The Gender Responsive Pedagogy (GRP) model promotes teaching and learning approaches that recognise and respond to gender-related barriers, creating a more inclusive environment where all students can participate and thrive.

Tuseme, a Swahili word meaning “Let’s speak up,” empowers students to identify and openly discuss issues affecting their academic and social lives. The model encourages students to find their voice, build confidence and contribute to solutions to challenges within their learning environment.

The engagement also provided an important platform for discussing academic challenges affecting students and exploring practical approaches to strengthen student support, retention and academic success.

The quarterly engagement reflects FAWE and EQUSaT's shared commitment to empowering students, advancing gender-responsive education and creating an enabling environment for human capacity development.

Through continued collaboration, the two institutions seek to ensure that students are not only supported to access higher education but are also equipped with the confidence, skills and opportunities to successfully complete their studies and contribute meaningfully to society.

FAWE and EQUSaT remain committed to building an inclusive and supportive university environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.