Changemaker Exchange programme helps Polish University tackle equality issues

Polish students took home new ideas and strategies to help tackle inequality in their home university after a recent exchange programme with University of Northampton.

Students from the University of Warsaw spent ten days here and in the local community exploring equality, in particular relating to race equality.

They are developing project ideas to take back to Warsaw to work on and implement within their own setting to help tackle the problem of race inequality at their University.

The students from Poland also benefitted from the visit by forming new networks for future projects, and seeing first-hand how well different communities can work together when they interact.

The programme, led by the University of Northampton’s Changemaker Hub team, was also supported by Northampton University students.

Aleksandra Goldys, from the Social Challenges Unit at the University of Warsaw, praised the value of the trip: “Once again – thanks for everything, for fantastic schedule, for your warmth and attitude towards students and me as well,

“They were positively surprised how approachable you are and how supportive university staff can be.”

Jemma Vobe, Uni of Northampton Masters Student, added: “I have been involved with global changemaker initiatives before as part of the Changemaker Summit in 2016 and having the opportunity to work with the students from Warsaw has reinforced international networks.

“I have met people who inspire me and make me want to go the extra mile to make change.​​In 2013, in recognition for our commitment to developing the Changemakers of tomorrow, the University of Northampton was designated the UK’s first and only Changemaker Campus.”

As the UK’s first ‘Ashoka U Changemaker Campus’, the Changemaker Hub here at University of Northampton are internationally recognised for a commitment to employability that is different to that of other Universities.

This designation places us amongst only 30 such Universities across the world and highlights our unique achievement of providing a student experience that places social innovation and social enterprise at the centre of everything we believe and do.

We develop the essential skills required to succeed in the 21st century jobs market through a commitment to social impact.

The University of Warsaw are due to host our students next Easter as part of the exchange to follow up on the progress of the projects and to continue the innovation through workshops delivered at the University of Warsaw.