Driving Sustainable Jobs in the Energy and Environmental Sectors
UNIKIMS, the management school of the University of Kassel, expands educational cooperation
Engineering expertise for sustainable development work – this is the goal pursued by UNIKIMS, researchers from the University of Kassel and Fraunhofer IEE with the Diploma of Basic Studies "Site-Adapted Transformation Technologies for the Global South (SATT)". In cooperation with SOS Children’s Villages International, each year 15 young people from the Global South will receive a full scholarship to participate.
Giving students future opportunities through education: The successful collaboration with UNIKIMS, the management school of the University of Kassel, which has been in place since 2021, has already enabled 38 young people from SOS Children’s Villages programs to participate in the Wind Energy Systems (WES) certification programme, earning an internationally recognized academic qualification.
The idea for the new SATT program came about during a study trip to Malawi by scientists from the University of Kassel and Fraunhofer IEE. "On site, it became clear which technologies and knowledge the population needed, especially in rural areas", says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Detlef Kuhl, who co-designed and heads the program.
General Studies in the Environmental and Energy Sector
The experiences gained on site resulted in a certificate program with seven modules: Waste Management, Water Management, Agriculture, Wind and Solar Energy, Electrical Engineering and Biogas. Participants who complete all modules receive a technical qualification similar to that of a "general engineer". The modules of the online degree program are at Bachelor's level, but are specially adapted to the requirements of countries in the Global South and conclude with a diploma of basic studies of the University of Kassel.
As with the successful Wind Energy Systems (WES) certificate program, the new SATT program is built on a proven scholarship model: UNIKIMS covers the tuition fees, while the Global Scholarship Program of SOS Children’s Villages International provides additional contributions towards living expenses and offers guidance on individual matters. Since online studies represent a significant adjustment for many participants, they are also closely supported by the UNIKIMS team – both academically and organizationally.
"We want to reach out to people in the Global South and provide them a tool for self-help. The knowledge acquired should help to better distribute resources locally and use them more efficiently."
Programme Launch in Autumn 2025
More than 150 applicants have applied for the SATT program. After checking the documents and personal interviews, the participants will be selected. In addition to solid English skills and appropriate educational qualifications, commitment and determination are also taken into account. It is particularly encouraging that more than a third of the applications come from women – a strong signal for diversity and equal opportunities in a technical education, that is traditionally dominated by men. "It is particularly enriching to experience highly motivated young people who are taking advantage of this opportunity with great passion and seriousness", says Dian Yunus, Program Manager at UNIKIMS.
The SATT program will start in September 2025. In addition to scholarship holders from 13 countries, including Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Philippines and Bangladesh, it also offers development cooperation staff the opportunity to further their education in engineering fields. The aim is to facilitate intensive exchange and effective cooperation between the two groups.
"As a provider of university continuing education, we see ourselves as deeply responsible to make our contribution to combating poverty through education. We want to improve young people's chances on the labour market, create new perspectives and equip them with the skills they need to further develop their country", says Dr Jochen Dittmar, Managing Director of UNIKIMS.
Successful Wind Energy Systems Certification Program
In planning and implementing the new program, UNIKIMS benefits from its previous experience in the online Wind Energy Systems degree program. 24 participants from SOS Children's Villages programmes have already completed the one-year certificate programme, and 14 are currently participating. They come from Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, Sierra Leone and Nepal.
For most participants, aged between 18 and 33, this is their first experience with an online degree program. The flexible format makes it easier to combine studies with work and family life. Despite technical hurdles and organisational challenges to master, the students are highly motivated and full of confidence.
"The UNIKIMS program has been an enriching experience for me. The combination of academic rigour, practical relevance and cultural exchange is truly unique."
New Knowledge Creates a Wide Range of Opportunities
Arsema from Ethiopia describes her experience: "This program is great. The professors are very committed, and you can tell that they have a lot of knowledge due to their years of experience." Her fellow student Prosper from Burundi praises the helpful support and is already eager to delve even deeper into the subject matter.
The opportunities that the certificate opens up for the young people are manifold: Some of the graduates are continuing their education by pursuing a master's degree in wind energy at UNIKIMS or at other universities in their country. Others see themselves equipped to find jobs in the wind energy sector.
Some of the students plan to advocate for more training opportunities in the environmental sector and would like to actively support their country in promoting the expansion of renewable energies.
Mutual Learning
The cooperation is a benefit for everyone involved. The students report that they have learned not only professionally, but also in communication, time management and language skills, and that their self-confidence has grown. Prof. Kuhl is also looking forward to the start of the new program: "We are aware that something unknown is coming our way. This course of study is unique, and also the teaching staff will learn as well."
As a reliable partner and sponsor,UNIKIMS opens up valuable future prospects for young talented people from low- and middle-income countries.