The SoL-Project

Since 2018, there has been a cooperation between katho and CHRIST (Deemed to be University) in Bangalore, India, which was established via the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU). An intensive and lasting collaboration has already been established in recent years. In the period 2023 - 2026, the project “SoL - Social Responsibility and Leadership in Community” will take place as part of the DAAD funding program “SDG Partnerships”. The funds from the funding program will enable the two universities to expand their existing activities.

In order to intensify partnerships between German universities and universities in developing and emerging countries that contribute to sustainable development in the sense of the 2030 Agenda, to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to the establishment of efficient and internationally networked universities in the partner countries, a common interest is required despite all differences and diversity. The basis is not a one-way street, but reciprocity as well as openness and a willingness to learn from and with each other. This is something that has connected katho and CHRIST (Deemed to be University) since the beginning of their collaboration. The project acronym “SoL”, which is similar in pronunciation to the word “soul”, is also intended to illustrate these principles of cooperation and the social responsibility of both universities.

The practical implementation of the topic of social responsibility is planned jointly by katho and the Sociology and Social Work Department at CHRIST. Katho and CHRIST offer joint courses and internships that deal with social work topics such as social inequalities, human rights, child protection, violence and social entrepreneurship. The courses are offered either digitally or in person. As a result of such a joint course on violence against girls and women, an anthology on gender-based violence in India and Germany is being prepared by colleagues from both universities. In addition, joint conferences on the topic of socio-ecological sustainability are being planned.

At CHRIST in Bangalore, specific SDG-related projects are currently being planned, developed and implemented in areas with precarious living situations. Here, the SDG goals “No poverty” (SDG 1), “Quality education” (SDG 4), “Gender equality” (SDG 5), “Clean water and sanitation” (SDG 6), “Affordable and clean energy” (SDG 7) and “Partnerships to achieve the goals” (SDG 17) are brought to life and measures for sustainability are developed, implemented and tested for practicability in the specific living environment of the addressees. For instance, in the DREAMS sub-project, katho and CHRIST social work students visit schools to identify pupils' dreams and goals for the future and support them in realizing their dreams. These numerous activities are documented. In all these areas, the idea of the local is combined with the global. After all, social work professionals who accompany and support people in their social spaces are confronted with global development in a local environment.

The binding cooperation between the university management teams in the area of leadership and social responsibility enables the planning, development and implementation of a strong university partnership. The aim is to promote the SDG-related further development of structures at CHRIST and katho in teaching as well as in university and science management. In addition, the aim is to jointly develop solutions for the challenges faced by people in precarious living conditions in Bangalore. The joint Centre for Ecological and Social Responsibility (CESS) was founded in November 2024 to structurally anchor these objectives at both universities and in the spirit of global cooperation across continents.

Interested colleagues, practitioners and academics are welcome to contact the project manager Prof. Dr. Grit Höppner.

The SoL project refers to the SDGs of the United Nations. At CHRIST in Bangalore, specific SDG-related projects are currently being planned, developed and implemented in areas with precarious living situations. Here, the SDG goals “No poverty” (SDG 1), “Quality education” (SDG 4), “Gender equality” (SDG 5), “Clean water and sanitation” (SDG 6), “Affordable and clean energy” (SDG 7) and “Partnerships to achieve the goals” (SDG 17) are brought to life and measures for sustainability are developed, implemented and tested for practicability in the specific living environment of the addressees. For instance, in the DREAMS sub-project, katho and CHRIST social work students visit schools to identify pupils' dreams and goals for the future and support them in realizing their dreams. These numerous activities are documented. In all these areas, the idea of the local is combined with the global. After all, social work professionals who accompany and support people in their social spaces are confronted with global development in a local environment.

The binding cooperation between the university management teams in the area of leadership and social responsibility enables the planning, development and implementation of a strong university partnership. The aim is to promote the SDG-related further development of structures at CHRIST and katho in teaching as well as in university and science management. In addition, the aim is to jointly develop solutions for the challenges faced by people in precarious living conditions in Bangalore. The joint Centre for Ecological and Social Responsibility (CESS) was founded in November 2024 to structurally anchor these objectives at both universities and in the spirit of global cooperation across continents.

Interested colleagues, practitioners and academics are welcome to contact the project manager Prof. Dr. Grit Höppner.