SHINE Project Inception Dinner Report

The SHINE project Inception dinner was hosted by Welwitchia University and held on the 26^th of March 2026 at Protea, Furstenhof in Windhoek, Namibia. The dinner aimed to foster a united and innovative environment among the project team members in a relaxed, non-formal setting. In attendance were the EU project funding donors, Welwitchia University, University of Namibia, International University of Management and Namibia University of Science and Technology consortium team members. 

Objectives of the dinner

The primary objective was to kick-start the project and get acquainted with each other by ensuring all partners were on the same page regarding the project's primary vision, goals, and the strategic importance of our collective efforts for Internationalisation in Higher education. Beyond mere alignment, the dinner was designed to be a fertile ground to foster a stronger sense of team cohesion and interpersonal connections, which are crucial for sustained collaboration.

The dinner allowed consortium members to have open dialogue and brainstorm, which encouraged free-flowing discussions, where members felt comfortable sharing diverse perspectives and unconventional ideas. The opportunity to facilitate interactions between the different Institutions and departments allowed the exchange of unique approaches and insights. The goal was not just to have a pleasant evening, but to translate the discussions and ideas into tangible progress by outlining the immediate actions required to move forward on the available work packages to ensure successful project results.
Highlights of the dinner

High engagement levels were witnessed during the dinner, and attendees were actively involved in discussions. The informal setting and shared experience fostered a relaxed yet productive atmosphere, strengthening relationships and building trust among consortium members. A substantial sense of enthusiasm and commitment to the project was evident at the conclusion of the dinner, with individuals expressing eagerness to contribute. Entertainment by the Welwitchia University choir also brought relaxation to those present. 

In essence, the Inception Dinner served as a highly effective kick-off, successfully aligning stakeholders, igniting creative thinking, and establishing a clear foundation for future collaborative success.

Next Steps

• Schedule kickoff workshops for priority work packages, targeting April and May 2026.
• Establish shared digital platforms for ongoing collaboration and document sharing.

Attendance

Representatives from the consortium included:

• University of Alicante 
• University of Saarland 
• University of Namibia delegates
• International University of Management participants
• Namibia University of Science and Technology consortium members
• Welwitchia University team members

In essence, the Inception Dinner effectively aligned stakeholders, ignited creative thinking, and laid a solid foundation for collaborative success.