The University of Victoria is extending its global reach and impact on environmental education after a "groundbreaking" partnership in Brazil, it said.
In 2022, UVic co-created the Universidade de Catadoras e Catadores (UNICATA) with Brazilian waste pickers – people who sift through garbage to look for recyclable materials – and they recently signed an agreement that will see their Division of Continuing Studies issue a non-credit micro credential certificate to students who complete its educational modules.
Over the week of Dec. 9, the first cohort of students received their certificates.
UNICATA students take part in six, 14-week modules on topics including the history of waste picking, waste governance and environmental issues such as sustainability, resource extraction and pollution. The courses include classroom work, experiential learning and research.
“This is the sort of thing we’re talking about at UVic when we’re talking about having an impact globally,” said Kevin Hall, UVic president, in a news release. “Through this partnership in Brazil, we’re helping the waste pickers build a new future for themselves and their country.”
The partnership is rooted in a research and community outreach project launched in 2006 by UVic geography professor Jutta Gutberlet. She worked with waste pickers to develop course materials, focusing on what they know from their experiences and what they need to learn to build better lives.
