Faculty of Education Signs MOU with Maldives National University to Advance Education and Research
The Faculty of Education and the Maldives National University (MNU) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for impactful collaboration in education and research. Held at MNU, the signing ceremony was attended by Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, H.E. David Jessup, a testament to the significance of this partnership.
The MOU was signed by Dr Aishath Shehenaaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of MNU, and Dr Rhonda Di Biase, representing the University of Melbourne.
Dr Di Biase, an academic from the Faculty of Education, specialises in the unique challenges of education in small states like the Maldives. Her research currently focuses on school reform and promoting education for sustainable development.
Dr Di Biase is currently leading a project supported by Melbourne Climate Futures at the University of Melbourne, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. In the Maldives, in collaboration with academic colleagues at the MNU, she is working to establish school kitchen gardens in pilot schools on local islands, as part of this project.
Reflecting on the potential of this partnership, Dr Di Biase shared her enthusiasm, stating:
"I am truly excited by the significance of this moment in formally connecting the two institutions. I look forward to future collaboration and academic engagement with MNU."
The agreement opens doors to collaborative research projects and student exchange programs. It reflects a shared commitment to fostering academic excellence, driving innovation, and building sustainable futures.
“This collaboration with the University of Melbourne, a globally recognised institution, significantly enhances MNU’s ability to achieve its academic and research goals,” said Dr Shehenaaz at the ceremony.
This MOU is an example of how the Faculty is advancing its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region through international efforts supporting climate action and regional security. As a dynamic and rapidly evolving area with diverse cultural, environmental, and geopolitical significance, the region presents unique opportunities for important collaboration. The Faculty of Education looks forward to fostering academic excellence and societal growth through this partnership.