Bridging cultures and climate resilience through UCalgary Education and Social Work

A new international research initiative is bringing together graduate scholars from the University of Calgary and New Zealand to explore climate resilience through community engagement and intercultural learning.

Supported by the Queen Elizabeth Scholars (QES) program, QES 2025: Our Changing Climate: Community Resilience and Education is a four-year collaboration between UCalgary’s Werklund School of Education and Faculty of Social Work, and the University of Auckland. 

The program will support eight inbound scholars from New Zealand and 18 outbound Canadian scholars through research placements, community-based projects and leadership-development activities. 

“We’re excited to collaborate on this initiative with the Faculty of Social Work as we see many synergies in our work with communities,” says Dr. Roswita Dressler, MA'08, PhD'12, professor and associate dean – international with the Werklund School. 

“We value international experiential learning for our students and are expanding our offerings to graduate students. 

"In this first cohort of inbound and outbound students, we are already seeing important learning, research, as well as community and peer engagement.” 

Student impact already being felt

The exchange has already had an impact, says Dr. Aamir Jamal, PhD'13, associate professor and director of Global Engagement with Social Work.

“The visiting scholar from New Zealand has enriched our (Faculty of) Social Work community with insights on Indigenous approaches to resilience, while our student in Auckland is learning from Māori communities and reflecting on how Indigenous knowledge informs climate adaptation in social-work practice," says Jamal. 

"Seeing our students reflect on Indigenous approaches to climate adaptation truly embodies the spirit of social work: grounded, relational and globally conscious. 

"We look forward to expanding these transdisciplinary international experiential-learning opportunities so more of our students can learn with, and from, communities around the world.”

Visiting students gain international perspective

The project is timely and relevant, as communities around the world face increasing climate-related challenges. By centring Indigenous perspectives and culturally grounded approaches, QES 2025 empowers scholars to co-create solutions with communities on the frontlines of climate change. 

The research of University of Auckland PhD candidate Eyram Afua Gyimah, which focuses on maternal health literacy in rural Ghana, underscores the global relevance of climate resilience and the value of community-led adaptation across diverse contexts.

“The core of my research focuses on NGO-led strategies for promoting maternal health literacy in rural northern Ghana, where climate events like floods and drought compound existing challenges to accessing health care," says the 2025 QES scholar, currently working at UCalgary. 

"Climate resilience is essential for the well-being of women and their communities, especially those reliant on subsistence farming. 

“During my time in Calgary, I’ve seen the power of thoughtfully planned, community-centred initiatives. Participating in climate-related projects here has reinforced my belief that genuine community engagement is key to meaningful social change. 

"I’m excited to apply these insights in my future advocacy and research in both New Zealand and Ghana.”

Scholars work closely with local organizations, gaining hands-on experience in climate adaptation strategies that honour diverse identities and perspectives.

“For me, intercultural collaboration and community engagement mean working together across cultures with respect, humility and a shared responsibility for the future,” says Mira Azzasyofia, also a PhD candidate from Auckland visiting UCalgary.

“It involves listening to diverse voices, especially Indigenous knowledge, which is essential to addressing climate challenges. Since climate change affects communities differently, intercultural engagement leads to more inclusive and just responses, as well as more effective, locally grounded strategies. 

"Therefore, building climate resilience isn’t just about protecting ecosystems... It’s also about strengthening our relationships with one another, our communities and the land.”

Valuable outcomes

The two UCalgary scholars currently in New Zealand are Steven Sheppard, BA'18, BEd'21, MEd'23, a PhD student representing the Werklund School, and Sharon Sajan-Thomas, a master's student with Social Work.

The expected outcomes of the project include increased academic recognition for international experience, enhanced leadership skills, stronger alumni networks and deeper engagement with community organizations.

As the program unfolds, UCalgary invites its community to follow the scholars’ journeys, celebrate their contributions, and explore how education and social work can lead the way in building a more resilient future.