Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies

Report compiled by Ms. Jane Mutune and Mr. Raphael Kweyu.

Experiential learning was a subject at the heart of Prof Wangari Maathai and so we as PhD students living her legacy took up the challenge by crossing continental boarders searching and gaining experience on the same. The PhD course in Nicaragua at Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA) based on the theme: Conservation, Development and Communication in Diverse Landscapes: Theories and Methods. The overall objective was to elaborate on themes in the field of theory of science and research methodology. The course majored on experiential learning which involves learning by experience in it each time and every time i.e. learning for being as opposed to learning for knowing. Learning for knowing/propositional learning is where by the teacher knows it all and the student only takes notes in readiness to attempt the examinations. For this course it was not learning for knowing because we had the opportunity to be in class to learn and discuss the various theories and methods of research that could be applied particularly in dealing with complex situations in natural resources management.  Then with field visits, we were able to link these methods and theories with practice specifically at an Island known as Zapatera in a Protected Areas i.e. Zapatera National Park.

By Susan Colby

Professor Wangari Maathai was so much more than the first African woman to win the Nobel Prize. On her birthday, April 01, she will be remembered for her vast achievements and the impact she made on the lives of so many people. She is revered by many and even after her death in 2011, she remains a role model and leader in the battle for democracy, human rights and environmental conservation. Read More

P.O. Box 30197-00100

NAIROBI, KENYA

TEL: +254 020 2506448/0788526473                                                                             

WEBSITE: .wmi.uonbi.ac.ke                       EMAIL: wmi@uonbi.ac.ke

DATE: April, 2013

Seven Masters Research  Field Scholarships available at Wangari Maathai Institute

The STAKE PROJECT based at Wangari Maathai Institute invites applications for Masters Research scholarships. The scholarship will meet research costs in accordance to the approved proposal budget and endorsement by supervisors but will not pay for university fees. The selected candidates must work within one of the listed sub-project in Mau complex ecosystem.

The Prince of Wales paid a touching tribute to the environmentalist and human rights campaigner Wangari Maathai who died in 2011.His Royal Highness was at Kew Gardens to plant a tree in memory of Wangari who he described as “someone whom I admired and loved so very greatly indeed”. Read More.

On 27^th March 2013, the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in London is hosting a celebration of Wangari Maathai’s life and legacy. The celebration will be marked through planting a tree by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales at Kew Gardens and an inaugural Wangari Maathai lecture which will be delivered by the first female president of Ireland and the former United Nations High Commissioner for human rights, Mary Robinson.  The Lecture is entitled “Inspiration on courageous leadership and climate justice”.

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in London Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in London

By Muthee, Mutune, Kweyu and Kamau, WMI Phd Students

WMI Doctoral  students having dinner in a Danish home.

In 2012, we visited the University of Copenhagen (UC) in Denmark for a 3 month study visit. It was a very unique and enlightening experience that involved interactive sessions and experiential learning.  

Although the average class was about six hours long, it was punctuated by regular short breaks after every hour. Our supervisors and lecturers were down to earth, friendly, humble and treated us more like colleagues; they were readily available for advice and consultation. University learning materials and academic resources were easily available and accessible through the University libraries, including the e-learning system known as “absolon”.

University of Copenhagen, Denmark.