Role of Global Citizenship Education in Sustainable Development

Titus O. Pacho
Kisii University, Kenya.
tpacho@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke

Abstract: This study sought to explore the role of Global Citizenship Education in promoting sustainable development in the context of higher education using St. Augustine University of Tanzania as a case study. The specific research questions of the study were (1) What does Global Citizenship Education mean in the context of higher education? (2) Is Global Citizenship Education an important feature of higher education in Tanzania? (3) In what ways, if any, does Global Citizenship Education contribute to sustainable development? The study used an interpretive paradigm through qualitative research approach and a case study design. The target population were postgraduate students, faculty members, and administrators of St. Augustine University of Tanzania. A sample of 21 participants were used to collect data. The sampling techniques employed was purposive sampling. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analysed thematically based on the research questions. Findings revealed that Global Citizenship Education is an important instrument in promoting sustainable development. Global Citizenship Education can significantly shape students, researchers and educators’ trajectories on global issues, collective responsibility, diversity and multiculturalism, and instil in them the determination to act at a global scale. Based on the findings, the study recommends integration of aspects of Global Citizenship Education into the university curriculum, internationalisation of the institution, and varying of pedagogical approaches by faculty members.