Week 2 of the UMAP-COIL Joint Program 2021 began with a series of live lectures on August 9, 2021. Dr. Yumiko Ohara (University of Hawaii at Hilo, USA) and Dr. Diana Fox (Bridgewater State University, USA) spoke to the students on the topics of "Languages and Wellbeing" and "Gender and Social Change" respectively, challenging students to see beyond the public image of important issues and promote actionable steps toward native heritage language for mental health and wellbeing, as well as identify problems that extend beyond "women and girls" when addressing SDG #5: Gender Equality. 

 

 

 

Following each lecture, the students were given opportunities to breakout in small groups to reflect on the lecture topics in a local context.

 

 

 

Over the next two weeks, students will engage in independent group project work on topics related to the SDGs and present their action plans to contribute realistic solutions later in September to a panel of guest judges, including previous guest lecturers.

 

If you would like to know more about the program, please visit https://kuiige.wixsite.com/umapcoil/2021-online-program.