Kenyatta University has officially launched the Virtual Exchanges in Religious Euro-African Dialogue (VEREAD) project, an Erasmus+ EU-funded initiative aimed at enhancing interreligious and intercultural understanding through virtual learning platforms. The launch event was graced by Prof. Michael Gicheru, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Outreach), who welcomed Rev. Fr. Innocent Maganya from Tangaza University College—one of the project partners. In his address, Prof. Gicheru emphasized the significance of global collaborations in fostering peaceful coexistence and inclusive education.
VEREAD brings together institutions from Europe and Africa to engage students and scholars in structured online dialogue on religion, philosophy, and culture. The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Kenyatta University plays a central role as a consortium member. The hybrid launch event brought together scholars and students from over 12 universities across Europe and Africa to celebrate the beginning of a transformative initiative in intercultural and interreligious dialogue.
With the theme “Enhancing Peaceful Co-existence in Africa”, the project seeks to foster harmony by facilitating meaningful virtual exchanges among students and academics across cultural and philosophical boundaries.
Speaking during the launch, Prof. Philomena Mwaura, KU’s principal investigator, underscored the value of integrating such innovative programmes into the university’s academic ecosystem, noting that the co-designed courses could enrich the institution’s future curriculum.
Mr. Alex Kato, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, shared how the project had revolutionised his teaching approach and deepened his cultural intelligence through virtual engagement.
Representing the Dean of the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Samuel Mwangi described VEREAD as a “bold and visionary” model for global partnerships, praising its potential to challenge cultural stereotypes and foster inclusive scholarship.
The event’s Chief Guest, Fr. Innocent Maganya, offered an insightful history of the project, tracing its roots to the 1980s and its actualisation through European Union support under the Erasmus+ programme. He highlighted the unique role of students in the project, not just as
recipients of knowledge, but as co-creators.
Officially launching the initiative on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Gicheru, Ag. DVC (Research, Innovation and Outreach) affirmed KU’s pride in leading Erasmus+ projects that champion justice, cultural understanding, and digital learning.
The launch concluded with a shared sense of enthusiasm and commitment to furthering the VEREAD vision, using education to prepare learners for a more peaceful, interconnected world.
The project aligns with the university’s broader commitment to academic excellence, global partnerships, and the promotion of dialogue across diverse communities.
To learn more, visit the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies News Page or watch the VEREAD Launch Video on YouTube.
