As part of its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Coventry University’s School of Economics, Finance, and Accounting (EFA) successfully organized a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project in June 2024, titled “Sustainability Virtual Field Trip 2024” This project, which involved partnerships with Hanson College in Canada, The Knowledge Hub in Egypt, and AFEX in Nigeria, emphasized individual and community accountability in sustainability.
The COIL project focused on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), particularly targeting SDG 4.7, which aims to ensure all learners acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to promote sustainable development. Through a combination of hybrid and online sessions, as well as asynchronous and synchronous activities, the project provided a platform for students to engage in intercultural communication on sustainability issues, enhancing their skills for sustainable futures. The sessions were attended by staff and students from Coventry University and partner institutions, fostering global citizenship and promoting the principles of sustainable development.
Project Sessions
The first session of the COIL project was conducted in collaboration with The Knowledge Hub (TKH) in Egypt. Coventry University students from the AFIB Level 6 undergraduate program participated on campus, while students and academics from TKH led a virtual tour of Egypt. The session began with a Kahoot quiz on Egyptian culture, followed by a presentation on how TKH integrates SDG 4 into its curriculum.
TKH Business School students shared their experiences from a visit to L’Oréal, discussing the company’s sustainability practices in Egypt and how they apply this learning in real-life situations. Coventry University students then presented on how the university contributes to SDG 4, focusing on Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development Education within the UK’s national education framework. They highlighted how sustainable practices are embedded in curricula and student assessments at Coventry University.
In the second session, Dr. Peter Harrison, an expert in Curriculum Development and Academic Excellence at Coventry University, delivered a session on Sustainable Skill Development and Graduate Attributes. The session was attended by students from Coventry University’s IFAB Top-up program and Level 4 Accounting and Finance program, along with international partner institutions involved in the COIL project.
Dr. Harrison used Coventry University as a case study to illustrate how graduate attributes and sustainable skills are embedded within the curriculum. The session began with an interactive Padlet exercise, where students identified attributes they believe are essential for employability, such as communication skills and adaptability. Dr. Harrison then discussed how these attributes are integrated into each module’s learning outcomes and developed throughout the curriculum from Level 4 to Level 6.
The session also highlighted Coventry University’s commitment to SDG 4, emphasising the importance of embedding sustainable skills like creative thinking and effective communication into the educational process. Dr. Harrison shared examples of how these attributes are cultivated across different courses and the impact of auditing courses for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The third session, held in collaboration with Hanson College, Canada, involved students from a master’s program in Accounting and Finance at Coventry University. The session began with a Mentimeter quiz on UK culture and its connection to sustainability, led by Coventry students. Presentations then focused on the Technology Industry’s critical role in achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education) and the contribution of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to this goal.
Students discussed how technology enhances education by empowering teachers and supporting partnerships from national to global levels. They explored implementation strategies, including curriculum development, policy integration, teacher training, community engagement, and sustainable campus operations, all aligned with SDG 4.
Hanson College students presented on their institution’s progress toward SDG 4, highlighting how they manage student diversity and foster opportunities through student-led activities, team building, curriculum development, research initiatives, and campus sustainability efforts. They also addressed industry challenges and proposed solutions, focusing on expanding outreach and future prospects for both the tech industry and HEIs.
The final session of the COIL series focused on sustainability efforts in Nigeria, led by staff from AFEX, Coventry University’s industry partner. The session, attended by MSc Fintech and MSc Finance students both virtually and on campus, explored AFEX’s contributions to SDG 4 and other related SDGs (4, 5, 8, 12).
The session began with a Mentimeter quiz on Nigeria’s geography, festivals, and economy, followed by a deep dive into AFEX’s ecosystem, including their online payment platform, CUDIE. Presenters highlighted AFEX’s initiatives to empower rural economies through financial literacy for farmers, addressing regional disparities, and promoting responsible technology adoption. Students engaged in an interactive Q&A, discussing AFEX’s challenges, safety features, and government support.
Through this intercultural exchange, students gained valuable insights into AFEX’s role in supporting farmers and driving positive change in Nigeria. The session concluded with a discussion on the importance of SDG 4 and how students can apply this knowledge in their future careers. Overall, the virtual field trip was a successful and enriching experience, broadening students’ understanding of SDG 4 within different global contexts.
Project testimonials
Impact of the Sessions on Knowledge and Practices Related to SDGs Goal 4:
“The session has provided valuable insights on how to improve sustainability practices and apply in real world”. – Arjun Vijay, CU
“Attending COIL sessions on SDG Goal 4 broadens perspectives by exposing participants to diverse global educational practices and challenges. It deepens understanding of SDG 4 targets, fosters exchange of best practices, and enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Participants gain hands-on experience through collaborative projects, build valuable international networks, and become better advocates for quality education”’. – Isha Beig, Hanson College, Canada.
Enhancement of Employability and Graduate Skills:
“The sessions have significantly enhanced my employability and graduate skills by improving my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. They have also strengthened my communication skills, enabling me to articulate ideas clearly and interact effectively with diverse groups. Additionally, the sessions have fostered my teamwork and leadership capabilities, making me a better collaborator. They have equipped me with the adaptability needed to thrive in changing work environments. Furthermore, the sessions have expanded my knowledge of sustainable practices and current industry trends, making me a more informed and valuable candidate in the job market” – Prerna Kapoor, Hanson College, Canada.
I found that session was very useful to my knowledge like graduate with relevant skills and we always keep in mind to have equal environments despite of genders”. – Thuzar Zoe, Coventry University.
Intent to Apply Knowledge of SDG Goal 4 to Employability and Lifestyle Choices:
“I intend to use the knowledge of SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education) gained from the sessions to enhance both my professional and personal life. Professionally, I will integrate this understanding into my work by advocating for inclusive and equitable educational practices, developing and implementing strategies that promote lifelong learning, and collaborating with stakeholders to create impactful educational programs. In my personal life, I will commit to continuous learning, support educational initiatives in my community, and raise awareness about the importance of quality education for all, thereby contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development”. – Anonymous, TKH, Egypt.
“I plan to actively participate in training courses to train, and to keep knowledge update leading to continuous adjustment and marking progress, impacting to society development. In my locality, organize a workshop to train and educate student on the use of financial app and mobile application to access financial information and perform transaction so as pass knowledge to the upcoming youths /generation”. – Blessing Ginikachukwu Okpala, Coventry University.
Thanks to the organisers; Dr. Mehul Chhatbar and Mr Daniel Johnson as well as co-leads and dedicated student presenters at CU, committed student presenters and academics from Hanson College, Canada; The Knowledge Hub, Egypt; and Industry experts from AFEX, Nigeria.
Let’s continue to build sustainable connections across borders!