Professor Arve Gunnestad receives The King's Medal of Merit
We are proud to announce that Associate Professor Arve Gunnestad was awarded The King's Medal of Merit earlier this year.
The County Governor of Sør-Trøndelag, Brit Skjelbred, presents Professor Gunnestad with his Medal.
Professor Gunnestad received the prestigious award because of the work he has done helping to build up Early Childhood Education and Care institutions in several African countries.
Gunnestad has been the leader and initializer of the Competence Building Network for Early Childhood Education in East and Southern Africa (CBN). Participating countries are Zambia, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania. He created the network in 1999 after being involved with preschool teacher training in Zambia, Namibia and Swaziland (Read more about Net Africa)
- It's very moving to read all the recommendations the County Governor has received, regarding Arve Gunnestad, both from African and Norwegian partners. He is clearly a wise and tolerant man that cares deeply for his fellow human beings. He is a man of an unique integrity, who through an impressive effort has helped several countries building up their child care structure. He is also a very good leader and has managed to pass along the responsibility to the participating countries, so that they can continue the work.
- This means a lot to me, says Professor Gunnestad. - It's a strong recognition of the work we have done, and a great inspiration to continue the work further. Queen Maud University of Early Childhood Education and Care has always been a strong part of this work. Several of my colleagues have travelled to Africa to teach and participate on conferences and seminars, and several have also supported the network financially.
Published: 14/02/2017 00:00