University expertise benefits Sudan

Friday, 15 July 2011

l to r: Dr Gamal Hamid, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, University of Khartoum with Dr Abbas Elmualim, School of Construction management & Engineering, University of Reading

A partnership dedicated to improving the standard of the construction industry in the Sudan has grown ever stronger as the University's School of Construction Management (SCME) recently welcomed colleagues from the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Khartoum for a series of workshops and presentations. The local community also joined both institutions and guests from the Sudanese Embassy for a special celebration of Sudanese culture.

The visit was part of a three-year project funded by the Department for International Development and administered by the British Council. The partnership aims to advance the education and sound practice of construction management in the Sudan.

A 2009 United Nations Millennium Development Goal (UNMDG) report revealed that sub-Saharan Africa ‘remains the region with the highest prevalence of slums'. During the visit, Reading experts delivered various presentations covering international construction, construction of areas of conflict with reference to Southern Sudan and Darfur and sustainable social housing. Discussions will also took place concerning the development of specialised undergraduate, postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development courses.

Professor Steve Mithen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International and External Engagement at the University, said: "The principal aim of the Construction Management Project is to share knowledge and develop an open approach to the design and management of buildings and infrastructure. As well as developing courses, the partnership will promote the exchange of excellence and ideas, academic materials and publications in construction management, and host joint workshops and international conferences. "

To enhance the experience for the visitors the University organised trips to locations such as the London Olympic construction site. The guests also visited Reading's Greenlands Campus and enjoyed several social events to celebrate their visit and the burgeoning partnership.

view photos of the recent celebration of Sudanese culture event