This is the second in a two-part article series showcasing the achievements of Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education & Training’s achievements in international development projects in 2024.
Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training Education made a remarkable impact in 2024, bridging continents and empowering communities around the world through innovative initiatives.
With International Development Week 2025 taking place, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on the Institute’s contributions to education, equality, and sustainability over the past year.
Throughout the year, the Institute team worked on six funded global education projects across eight countries and delivered a webinar series on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Green Energy, reaching 500 participants from over 130 countries. Over 20 Niagara College experts from 12 departments and schools contributed their expertise to these global endeavors.
Together, these projects advanced 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Here are some of these impactful international development projects.
Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE-07) Program – Ecotourism Partnership
Through SAGE-07, NC collaborates with Nova Scotia Community College, Seneca Polytechnic, and partners from six countries in the Caribbean (Jamaica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Belize, and Dominica) to develop six ecotourism courses. In 2024, NC faculty experts Dr. Agnes Nowaczek and Professor Jennifer Hall from the School of Hospitality and Tourism created “Green Events” and “Principles for Ecotourism Guides,” which emphasize sustainable practices in tourism and event management.
In 2024, a range of collaborative activities further strengthened partnerships and advanced the SAGE-07 project. Among these, NC delivered virtual sessions for Caribbean and Canadian partners, building on modules introduced during the 2023 study tour in Guyana and Jamaica.
To support the rollout of the new short courses in early 2025, NC experts and partners from Guyana, Belize, and Dominica participated in capacity-building and train-the-trainer activities hosted by Excelsior Community College (ECC) in Jamaica.
Contributions also extended to ECC’s Leadership Symposium, where NC School of Business and Management Professors Holly Catalfamo and Monique Finley shared their expertise. Catalfamo also led an interactive session on gender-inclusive curriculum for ECC educators and other TVET institutions, which was live-streamed to SAGE-07 partners across six countries.
- SDGs supported: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE-05) Program
Through SAGE-05, NC works with Moneague College (MC) and Ebony Park Academy (EPA), in Jamaica, to develop competency-based programs in agro-food processing and build institutional capacity in areas such as gender equality, research-based projects, and environmental sustainability.
Nigara College hosted partners from Jamaica for an Applied Research Study Tour as part of the SAGE-05 program.
In 2024, NC hosted partners from EPA and MC for an Applied Research Study Tour. Focused on agro-food processing, sustainability, gender equality, and entrepreneurship, the tour included site visits to sustainable businesses in the Niagara Region Fresh and campus tours.
Workshops and sessions were led by experts, including Professor Catalfamo, Marc Nantel (Vice President, Research, Innovation, and Strategic Enterprises), Taryn Wilkinson (Manager, Sustainability), Professor Jamie Oresar (School of Academic & Liberal Studies), Professor Amy Proulx (School of Food & Wine Sciences).
Additionally, Professors Catalfamo and Finley participated in ECC’s Leadership Symposium, in Jamaica. Catalfamo delivered a presentation titled “Emerging Leaders: Your Future is Bright,” offering insights on overcoming gender-based barriers and developing pathways to leadership. Monique presented “The Find Your Why Then Spread the Word: Personal Branding,” focusing on entrepreneurship, discovering one’s purpose, and amplifying their voice as a leader.
- SDGs supported: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
NC’s partnership with Caribbean institutions through the SAGE program has created impactful opportunities for cross-cultural learning. COIL sessions have brought NC students together with their peers from Jamaican partner institutions, ECC and MC, fostering meaningful global connections and shared knowledge.
School of Hospitality and Tourism Professor Agnes Nowaczek led COIL sessions connecting NC and ECC students, engaging participants in interactive discussions and activities centered on local tourism. Similarly, School of Business & Management Studies Professor Susan Ehlert facilitated COIL sessions for NC Business Administration – Human Resources students, who collaborated with their counterparts from MC on strategic planning projects, enhancing both their practical skills and cultural awareness.
Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training
Bringing together the expertise of a highly skilled NC team with partner organizations worldwide, Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training proudly provides educational solutions designed to inspire sustainable global change. For over 20 years, NC has collaborated with global institutions to develop and deliver customized education and training programs as well as capacity building projects, empowering learners and global partners to achieve their goals. Building on this expertise, NC launched its official global education hub in May 2024. This resource leverages NC’s world-renowned education and training programs while also offering newly developed modularized global programs. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Institute is committed to fostering impactful partnerships and advancing sustainable development through education.
