The Professors Without Borders (PWB) ARU 2025 Programme at African Rural University (ARU) has successfully concluded, marking two weeks of hands-on learning, innovation, and exchange of ideas. Held from August 25, 2025 to September 5^th , 2025, the programme was guided by the theme “Upcycling for Sustainable Village Entrepreneurship” and facilitated by Ms. Tabi Mughal, Professor Akbar Saeed, alongside Milly Muhindo Desire, Administrator to the Faculty Dean’s Office at ARU.

During the programme, students explored small business management, upcycling, and participatory research techniques. In Ms. Tabi Mughal’s class, students first learned how to turn bottles into bangles and other ornaments, discovering the potential of simple materials to create valuable products.

This hands-on creative session was followed by lessons on small business management, where Ms. Tabi shared her entrepreneurial journey, showing pictures of her cookie business and the jewellery the students had created, and discussing start-up costs (around 30,000 UGX / $12) and pricing strategies for upcycling ventures. Students also learned how to create good survey questions and plan their surveys to gather data for their projects.

In Professor Akbar Saeed’s class, students engaged in Participatory Action Research (PAR), carrying out research mapping, surveys, interviews, and data analysis. The week concluded with practical lessons on Artificial Intelligence (AI), showing students how technology can enhance research and analysis.

Students reflections during the PROWIBO 2024

Atim Juliet-ARU Year  1 (One)  Student

“In Tabi’s class, we first learnt how to turn bottles into bangles and other ornaments. It was amazing to see how simple materials can be transformed into beautiful products. Later, during the business management sessions, I learned about costing  and how to price in business and now I can handle that . With these skills, I can now even start a business.”

   Kembabazi Mwesige Noeline ;ARU Student

“During the AI sessions, I saw how technology can make research faster, smarter, and more insightful. The activities in Tabi’s class, especially creating ornaments and learning about start-up costs, helped me understand the practical side of running a small business and combining creativity with strategy.”

Kembabazi making her bag during the programme from cement bags

 

Mugisa Edward – Teacher of A-Level Entrepreneurship, URDT Girls Tyhaar Girls School, Nkondo

I attended the programme to represent URDT and gained valuable skills that I plan to transfer to my students. These include making necklaces and bracelets from plastic materials and creating shopping bags from cement bags.

From a research perspective, I learned how to use Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) and understood the importance of actively engaging the community in the learning process. Additionally, I gained insights into interacting with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can be applied in teaching and research.

Facilitator Reflections

Ms. Tabi Mughal; “It was inspiring to see students connect theory with practical entrepreneurship. Their creativity and energy were amazing.”

Professor Akbar Saeed; “PAR and AI gave students practical tools for research. Their curiosity and collaboration stood out throughout the programme.”

Professors Without Borders (PWB) Programme

The Professors Without Borders (PWB) Programme is an international initiative that brings educators and experts to share knowledge, skills, and practical experiences with students and institutions. For more than 8 years, African Rural University (ARU) has been an active partner, hosting the PWB team to engage in hands-on learning, research, and innovation with ARU students, staff, and community members.

The programme supports ARU’s mission of creating effective change agents within the African context, equipping students to drive sustainable development and positive change in rural communities.