Centurion University’s Commitment to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) emphasizes the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainability. At Centurion University, we adopt the CARES framework—Community Engagement, Academics, Research, Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact—to collaborate with governments, NGOs, and educational institutions, enhancing our capacity to address social and environmental challenges. Through these partnerships, we reinforce our commitment to sustainable development.
Community Engagement: Collaboration for Sustainable Development
The University actively engages with local communities by partnering with various organizations to emphasize collaboration for sustainable development. Centurion University in Andhra Pradesh has implemented community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development through collaborative efforts with local communities, businesses, and government bodies. Here are some key strategies and initiatives:
- Skill Development and Livelihood Programs
Centurion University offers various skill development programs to empower the local population with employable skills. Training in areas like agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship equips the community members to create sustainable livelihoods.
Programs focus on rural youth and women, aiming to bridge the gap between educational opportunities and market demand.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development
The university collaborates with local farmers to introduce sustainable agricultural practices. By using organic farming techniques, precision farming, and water conservation methods, it helps improve yields and promote environmental conservation.
Research initiatives focus on developing sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural practices tailored to local needs.
- Renewable Energy Initiatives
Centurion University has established partnerships to implement renewable energy solutions like solar and bioenergy within the community. These projects aim to reduce dependency on non-renewable resources, improve energy access, and minimize environmental impact.
- Health and Sanitation Programs
Health awareness campaigns and sanitation programs are organized to improve community health and hygiene standards. The university’s health initiatives focus on preventive care, maternal health, and disease control, in partnership with healthcare professionals and NGOs.
- Educational Outreach and Awareness
Through community-based education programs, the university raises awareness on issues like environmental conservation, clean water usage, and social equity.
Workshops and awareness camps engage locals in conversations around sustainable development goals (SDGs), creating a more informed and active community.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hubs
Innovation hubs and entrepreneurship cells at Centurion University support local businesses and startups focusing on sustainable products and services.
These hubs provide mentoring, funding assistance, and training, fostering an ecosystem where community members can launch or scale enterprises that contribute to sustainable development.
- Social Research and Policy Advocacy
Faculty and students at Centurion University conduct research on regional socio-economic challenges and work with policymakers to develop solutions that are both innovative and grounded in the needs of the local community.
- Eco-Friendly Campus and Community Engagement
The university’s eco-friendly campus serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure, integrating green building designs, water conservation, and waste management systems that reflect its commitment to sustainability.
Centurion University’s community engagement in Andhra Pradesh highlights how collaborative, sustainable initiatives can improve quality of life, drive economic growth, and preserve the environment. These efforts contribute to building resilient communities well-prepared for future challenges
These collaborations empower communities with essential knowledge and resources, reflecting the essence of SDG 17 by fostering connections for social progress.
Academic Partnerships: Promoting Knowledge Exchange and Research
Academic partnerships are crucial for promoting knowledge exchange and research aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborations with National and International Universities
Centurion University has partnered with several renowned universities globally, including institutions in countries such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These collaborations provide avenues for joint research projects, exchange programs, and shared expertise in fields like sustainable development, renewable energy, and agriculture.
Academic partnerships facilitate student and faculty exchange programs, allowing Centurion University students to study abroad and learn from different cultural and academic perspectives. These programs broaden students’ academic and cultural horizons and enhance global exposure.
Research: Initiatives for Social and Environmental Impact
Centurion University is dedicated to research that drives social and environmental impact through collaborative projects. The establishment of the “Governance and Sustainable Societies” research center, in partnership with NGOs like BREDS and SACAL, focuses on sustainable livelihoods, natural resource management, and policy development. Through collaborative research projects funded by both national and international grants, Centurion University engages in innovative research that addresses regional and global challenges. These initiatives focus on areas such as rural development, renewable energy, technology, and healthcare.
Partnerships enable the university to leverage resources, infrastructure, and expertise from partner institutions, making it easier to tackle complex problems through multi-disciplinary research.
Entrepreneurship: Training for Local and Global Impact
Centurion University of Technology and Management ,Vizianagaram actively promotes entrepreneurship by providing comprehensive training programs that equip students and community members with the skills needed to create local and global impact. By fostering a strong entrepreneurial culture, the university enables individuals to address socio-economic challenges and contribute to sustainable development. Here are the main elements of Centurion University’s entrepreneurship training initiatives:
- Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC)
Centurion University has an active Entrepreneurship Development Cell that encourages and supports students interested in launching startups. The EDC offers mentorship, workshops, and training sessions on business planning, market analysis, funding, and more.
The cell also organizes guest lectures by successful entrepreneurs, allowing students to gain insights into the real-world challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
- Startup Incubation Centers
The university has established startup incubation centers, providing a nurturing environment for budding entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable businesses. These centers offer workspace, mentoring, and access to resources that facilitate business growth.
Through the incubation centers, students and community members have the opportunity to refine their business models, connect with industry mentors, and develop pilot projects that cater to both local and global markets.
- Skill Development and Vocational Training Programs
Centurion University offers skill-based training programs that focus on industry-relevant skills like digital marketing, software development, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable agriculture. These programs enable students to build practical skills and foster entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors critical to the local economy.
Specialized courses on financial literacy, project management, and leadership are also offered to prepare students for the entrepreneurial journey, helping them navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
- Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship Labs
Centurion University has established innovation labs and social entrepreneurship programs that encourage students to develop solutions for pressing social issues like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.
These labs promote a “design thinking” approach, where students learn to identify community needs, brainstorm innovative solutions, and prototype products that can improve lives and create a positive impact on society.
Social Impact: Policy Development Initiatives
The University contributes to policy development and implementation through collaborations with NGOs and government bodies. Its partnership promotes allied health education and research, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and healthcare improvement. Similarly, the partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) aligns with the national agenda for skill development, poverty reduction, and improved employability—key elements for achieving sustainable social impact. The university engages in collaborative research, community programs, and advocacy to drive positive change in areas such as rural development, health, education, and environmental sustainability. Here’s how Centurion University’s policy development initiatives contribute to social impact. Skill Development and Employment Policies
The university actively collaborates with the government to shape policies that promote skill development, especially for rural youth and underprivileged communities. Centurion University’s skill training programs inform policies on vocational education and workforce development, equipping individuals with skills that align with industry demands and promote local economic growth.
Through policy advocacy, Centurion University also works to create more employment opportunities in the region, thereby reducing migration to urban areas and contributing to balanced regional development.
- Health and Sanitation Policy Recommendations
Centurion University undertakes research and community health initiatives that inform health policies aimed at improving sanitation, maternal and child health, and disease prevention in rural communities. The university’s policy work in health often centers on preventive care, access to healthcare, and public health awareness.
The university collaborates with local health authorities to pilot community health programs that can be scaled up and integrated into regional health policies, improving access to basic health services in underserved areas.
Student Volunteering Programmes :
Centurion University Celebrates Blood Donation Drives: of Saving Lives
This institution has been a beacon of hope, bringing together students, faculty, and the local community to save lives through voluntary blood donations. Each blood drive approximately150 students and staff volunteer to donate blood.
Empowering Changes with SDG- Centric Learning at Centurion University
Centurion University is duly recognized as a pioneer in ‘Skill Integrated Higher Education”. Its unique model specifically emphasizes creating sustainable livelihoods nationally in challenging geographies through education that results in employability and sparks entrepreneurship. The university has five campuses and a number of social entrepreneurial outreach entities that, along with collaborating institutions and networks, form its ecosystem
School of Paramedics:
SoPAHS is committed to Sustainable Development Goals focusing on No Poverty, Good Health and well-being, Quality Education, Reduced Inequality, and Partnership for Goals. Community Diagnostics Center (CDC) is established and operated by faculty and students of SoPAHS as an action learning laboratory catering to the community’s health needs. SoPAHS, taking cognizance of the dismal doctor/ paramedic to student ratio in India, particularly rura Vizianagaram and Visakhapatanam in collaboration with various NGO. Importantly, SoPAHS being located in a rural area makes a difference in reaching out to the community through various outreach programs and health camps. In partnership with Essilor, the optical store offers free optometric services and corrective devices at a subsidized price.
School of Forensics Sciences
School of Forensic Sciences under Centurion University of Technology and Management aims to create the required experts in the field of investigative science with the application of advanced scientific techniques. The aim of the course is to develop a platform wherein various scientific means and methods are applied so that social justice can be brought about within our society
School of Vocational Education and Training :-
The skill-integrated framework has enabled the University to offer such a model of education, which is also approved by the Directorate General of Training, Govt of India. The school is recognized as a centre of excellence in the skilling ecosystem by the Ministry of Skill Development, the government of India. Partnering with NSDC, all its curriculum is aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (job roles and National Occupational Standards). Aligning with these NOS enables the students to attain additional National Council for Vocational Training certification
School of Smart Agriculture
The School of Smart Agriculture is committed to Sustainable Development Goals focusing on No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Climate Action, Responsible consumption and production, Life on Land, and Partnership for Goals. Recognizing that we urgently need to reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods, the School is not only involved in a number of initiatives such as smart farm machinery, soil and water conservation, vertical cultivation of vegetables in a controlled environment, soilless culture of various produce, mulching and protected cultivation of flowers and vegetables, food processing, plant tissue culture within the campus but also taking these initiatives to farmers. The school focuses on the Efficient management of resources, including re-engineering of appropriate technology for small farmers, application of sensors and actuators in farm machinery, and the use of drones in agriculture.
Centurion University’s Commitment to SDG Education through Community Outreach Programs
Avoidable or preventive blindness is known as blindness that could be treated or prevented by cost-effective means with earlier detection of a condition. Globally 285 million people are visually impaired, of which 39 million people are blind in the world. India ranking with the 2nd highest in the world with 8 million for having a greater number of blind people
The causes for blindness in India are 62.6% for cataracts, 19.7% for uncorrected refractive errors, 5.8% for glaucoma, 0.9% for corneal pathologies, and 11.0% due to other causes. Uncorrected refractive error is one of the most important causes of visual impairment . Lack of awareness and resources like vision screening programs may cause late presentation and significant vision impairment associated with the conditions.
The School of Paramedical and Allied health sciences owns an optometry curriculum at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Andhra Pradesh. The Optometry students and the faculty are making strenuous efforts to achieve tremendous outreach on community eye care services by offering vision screening camps.
- Kisan Mela:
Centurion University’s Kisan Mela is a flagship event aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices by providing local farmers with hands-on training, exposure to the latest farming technologies, and access to expert advice for enhancing productivity and income.
During the Exposure Visit, Farmers Visited the Following Units:
- Composting and Vermicomposting unit
- Organic Research farm
- Under Exploited Fruit
- Apiculture
- Biofertilizers Lab
- Insect-Biocontrol Lab
- Spawn unit
- Livestock and Poultry Management
- Dairy Unit
- Horticulture Nursery
- Hi-tech polyhouse
- Dragon Fruit
- Protected Cultivation
- Block Mushroom Farming
It is essential to recognize how climate change influences organizations, affecting their performance, growth, and long-term sustainability. Understanding the framework of sustainable development and the relevance of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is necessary to ensure the continued viability of organizations. The related SDGs are
Evaluating Sustainability Literacy at Centurion University: A Holistic Approach
Centurion University evaluates students’ ability to learn and retain key concepts of sustainability through several methods integrated into its academic framework and co-curricular activities:
- Course Assessments: Sustainability is embedded within specific degree programs and electives. Students are assessed through exams, quizzes, and projects focused on sustainability concepts. These formal assessments gauge their theoretical understanding and ability to apply sustainability principles.
- Project-Based Learning: Centurion emphasizes experiential learning, where students work on real-world projects related to sustainability, such as renewable energy initiatives for sustainable agriculture practices. These projects are evaluated based on creativity, problem-solving skills, and the effective application of sustainability knowledge in practical scenarios.
