Interview with Dr. Charles Drago Kato on Expanding Horizons Through INSSPIRE and the SSTC Network

Dr. Charles D Kato, a veterinarian and Senior Lecturer at Makerere University in Uganda, shares how his involvement in the INSSPIRE project has significantly enriched his professional capacity. Through innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and collaboration within the SSTC network, Dr. Kato has gained valuable insights that enhance his research and teaching.

How has your participation in the INSSPIRE project enriched your capacity as a lecturer and researcher?

The experience in the INSSPIRE project has been transformative,” says Dr. Kato, reflecting on the INSSPIRE activities. A key takeaway has been the innovative teaching method introduced by Dr. Gregor Cerincek from the Institute of Research and Innovation of the University of Ljubljana (IRI-UL). This method uses visualisation exercises to describe and address agriculture and climate change challenges. This approach can be adopted with students for more practical learning.

Dr. Kato also highlighted his appreciation of the curriculum development skills and the insights into designing more engaging, relevant courses. Networking was another highlight, with potential collaborations already being discussed with colleagues from institutions like Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). He was also impressed by the workshop’s organization, which has inspired him to enrich his project coordination for future events.

What do you hope to gain in the future from the SSTC network?

“The first thing I hope to gain is continued collaboration within the SSTC network,” says Dr. Charles Kato, emphasizing the potential for joint research proposals and grant applications. “We’re already planning to apply for a mobility grant together with some partners and will continue to monitor opportunities for other research grants. I see this network as a platform for not just research but also for students’ development.”

Our next upcoming initiative is a Training of Trainers (ToT) for a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project in October 2024, which will offer more practical learning experiences for students across the network.

What is your personal motivation to be part of INSSPIRE and the SSTC network?

Dr. Charles Kato is passionate about teaching, and his motivation to participate in the INSSPIRE project and the SSTC network stems from his desire to enhance learning opportunities for his students, particularly in the areas of Food Security and Climate Change (FSCC). “As a teacher, my goal is to equip my students with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s challenging job market. Over the past two years, climate change has become a major focus for me, and INSSPIRE has really opened my eyes to how we can integrate these pressing issues into our educational programs.”

In fact, INSSPIRE has had such an impact on him that it inspired him to pursue funding in this area. “I applied for a climate change grant from the World Health Organization (WHO), and I got it! That was a huge achievement for me, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the knowledge and inspiration I gained through this project.”

Dr. Charles Kato also sees the project as a way to positively impact communities. “By integrating FSCC into our university programs, we’re helping to shape the next generation of leaders who will go on to improve livelihoods in their communities. That’s something I’m incredibly proud to be a part of.”