The UnaVEx project held its mid-term meeting on 17–18 June 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. The event was hosted by the University of Nairobi and brought together key partners of the ERASMUS+ initiative in a hybrid format, with 28 participants in total—five of whom joined online.
The meeting was officially opened by Mrs. Margareth Hutchinson, Vice Rector of the University of Nairobi, who warmly welcomed the UnaVEx team. The local organizing committee was chaired by Professor Solomon Derense, also from the University of Nairobi.
As a gesture of partnership and shared values, the University of Helsinki—coordinator of the UnaVEx project—presented the University of Nairobi with copies of “The Avenues to Sustainability – Gaudeamus”, a book co-edited by former President of Finland Tarja Halonen and her colleagues.
Beyond the formal sessions, participants had the opportunity to explore the Nairobi National Park and enjoy a networking dinner at the Nairobi Safari Club, offering a memorable cultural experience for all attendees.
The core focus of the meeting was a reflection on the first UnaVEx Virtual Exchange (VE) Week, which was successfully piloted in February–March 2025. Discussions centered on lessons learned and strategies for reducing no-shows and drop-outs in the upcoming second edition. The group shared several practical ideas for enhancing participation and engagement.
The dates for the 2nd VE Week were also confirmed: it will take place over five sessions—three hours each—from 13 November to 4 December 2025, scheduled from 15:00 to 18:00 Helsinki time. The sessions will be held on 13 Nov, 20 Nov, 26 Nov, 27 Nov, and 4 Dec.
The call for students and new moderators will open on 15 September 2025. Stay tuned—and join UnaVEx!
