In November 2024, Davin Jaggesar, the Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) for Trinidad and Tobago, took a significant step in strengthening international education opportunities for students and researchers in the country. As part of his ongoing efforts to promote the Erasmus+ programme, he met with the Office of Research and Institutional Advancement at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus. This strategic meeting aimed to explore new avenues for collaboration, increase awareness of Erasmus+ opportunities, and enhance institutional participation in the programme.
Strengthening Institutional Engagement
The meeting brought together key representatives from UWI’s Office of Research and Institutional Advancement, who play a pivotal role in fostering international partnerships and securing funding for research initiatives. During the discussion, Davin Jaggesar provided a comprehensive overview of Erasmus+, emphasizing its potential to support academic mobility, capacity-building projects, and international cooperation in higher education.
By engaging with institutional stakeholders, he highlighted the benefits of Erasmus+ funding for both students and faculty, including opportunities for exchange programmes, joint research projects, and collaborative initiatives with European universities. The dialogue also addressed the challenges that institutions in the Caribbean face in accessing these opportunities and explored ways to streamline the application process and encourage wider participation.
Raising Awareness and Encouraging Participation
One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the need for greater awareness and targeted outreach to faculty members and students. To address this, the discussion included plans for hosting dedicated Erasmus+ information sessions at UWI, ensuring that students and academics are well-informed about scholarships, mobility grants, and research collaboration prospects.
Davin also shared insights into successful Erasmus+ projects from other Caribbean nations, demonstrating how Trinidad and Tobago can maximize its engagement in the programme. The meeting concluded with a commitment to fostering closer collaboration between the ENFP and UWI’s Office of Research and Institutional Advancement to drive Erasmus+ participation forward.
Looking Ahead
The engagement with UWI St. Augustine marks a crucial step in expanding Erasmus+ outreach efforts in Trinidad and Tobago. Moving forward, Davin Jaggesar aims to build on this momentum by collaborating with other higher education institutions in the country, facilitating training sessions on Erasmus+ applications, and connecting local stakeholders with European counterparts.
Through continuous efforts like these, Erasmus+ will become an increasingly valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers in Trinidad and Tobago, further strengthening international academic collaboration and fostering a global learning environment.
Stay tuned for upcoming Erasmus+ events and initiatives in the region!
Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to learn more about Erasmus+ programs and scholarships for you and your institution in your country? Feel free to contact your Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP)!
ENFP of Trinidad and Tobago: Davin Jagessar: davin.jagessar@planning.gov.tt
Please log in or sign up to comment.