Health promotion teaching and learning at the university of the Western Cape, South Africa: Thinking global, acting local

ABSTRACT

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is well-known for its struggle against apartheid and continued fight against inequality. The School of Public Health was established in 1993 and the first institution to offer postgraduate education in public health using distance education which allows health and associated service providers to work and study simultaneously and at their own pace. The program consists of three qualifications and attracts people from all over the continent. The health promotion module is compulsory, and optional Winter and Summer Schools are offered where the module is taught as a short course to students and the public. The course is known for its practice-oriented approach and for strengthening health promotion competencies. Principles of the Ottawa Charter are used to inform teaching and learning, and adult and authentic learning principles used to facilitate application of theoretical concepts in real work life. The distance learning program is supported by an integrated online Learning Management System, which offers a platform for engagement using synchronous and asynchronous methods. The impact of COVID-19 on remote teaching and learning has further accelerated the transition to digital literacy and will hopefully transform other African universities into active role players in digital transformation. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022. All rights reserved.