Effect of Education on Sustainable Development in East African Universities: A Case of Two Universities in Uganda and Rwanda
Prof. Dr. Kaaya Siraje* – University of Technology and Arts of Byumba, Rwanda and Henry Stanley Mbowa Kampala University, Uganda
*Corresponding author: profkaayas@gmail.com
Received October 17, 2018; Revised November 25, 2018; Accepted November 30, 2018
Abstract: Education is a key resource in society which encourages innovative approaches towards societal transition and sustainability through formal education systems, non-formal and informal learning settings. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocate for all learners to have knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. As the United Nations is advocating for that, many developing countries are still struggling to attain quality education for sustainable development. Therefore, the study assessed the effect of education on sustainable in East African Universities. Kampala University and University of Technology and Arts of Byumba participated and 44 respondents were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data was collected through interviews and checklists from education leaders’ and practitioners’ perspectives on the need for quality education in sustainable development. The validity of the instruments was assured through discussion and verification by experts in education to ensure their validity. Data was analyzed using content value analysis through triangulation and transcription to generate results. The study findings revealed that learners’ understanding of sustainable development is enhanced, the wider knowledge gap among the learners is reduced, hands-on skills and practices for sustainable development are attained too. Therefore, the study recommended that, universities should rethink to broaden the notion of lifelong education, implement culturally-relevant and locally appropriate education in society, apply action-oriented and problem based learning as strategies to quality education for sustainable development.
