SoWEGLoW in Mumbai
At Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), we have enjoyed a strong, fruitful collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) through the Into the World! project for more than three years. The focus of this initiative has been to create meaningful exchange opportunities between our institutions—a goal we have successfully achieved and are genuinely proud of.
Our excellent partnership with TISS has now paved the way for an exciting new chapter: the SoWEGLoW project. During our recent visit to TISS in Mumbai, it was advantageous to connect these two projects. We had the chance to bid farewell to Into the World! while wholeheartedly embracing our new collaboration under SoWEGLoW.
From HVL, it was Hege Aarlie (project leader of both projects) and Sandra Opheim (leader of WP1 in the Into the World! project and leader of the section, bachelor's in child protection and child welfare) meeting with great colleagues at TISS, Bipin Jojo (Dean of Social work), Manish Jha (co leader WP 1 SoWEGloW project), Smitha Nair and Swati Banerjee (partners in SoWEGloW) and Zaied Choudhury (international office). Our discussions around the SoWEGLoW project also naturally involved our partner, the University of the Western Cape, even though they were not physically present at the meetings.
During the visit, we discussed many of the tasks and opportunities ahead for the SoWEGLoW partnership. This includes developing structures for mutual exchange between our institutions, implementing COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) programs, and establishing a mentorship program, to name just a few. We also had the privilege of joining exciting organisational visits, which may become potential internship placements for HVL students in the future. In addition, we were delighted to welcome two HVL students who had just begun their exchange stay at TISS. Their presence reminded us of the tangible impact of these collaborations.
Furthermore, we had the honour of visiting the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Mumbai, where we presented our projects and the collaboration between HVL and TISS. This was highly appreciated by the Norwegian Consul General, who expressed a strong interest in being involved during our next visit.
Finally, we cannot overstate the value of the warm hospitality extended to us by TISS. This generosity and openness are truly invaluable and deeply appreciated—it is the foundation that makes our joint efforts so successful.
