The Global Social Impact Projects in India brought together Charles Sturt University students, Parul University students and staff, and rural village communities in Gujarat to develop innovative and culturally-appropriate solutions addressing sustainable development challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Global Social Impact Projects aim to facilitate international student collaboration and cross-cultural learning to develop awareness of complex sustainable development challenges and generate innovative, locally-relevant solutions for implementation in village communities. Rather than arriving with predetermined projects, students worked alongside Indian communities to address locally identified priorities.
Our focus centered on building practical understanding of sustainable development implementation through direct community engagement. Within this focus, we investigated effective approaches to SDG implementation, understanding what works in local contexts and why successful interventions take hold, and how we might create meaningful impact together across cultural boundaries.
Facilitated through the Asia Pacific Hub for Community-Based Global Learning Collaborative, Charles Sturt students worked alongside Parul University students and community members to co-design solutions through intensive field experiences and Collaborative Innovation Solution Sprints. Solutions addressed key issues identified by communities themselves and were co-designed with local partners.
Charles Sturt University aligns our research, policies, procedures, and other work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are the most relevant SDGs for this initiative.
"Overall, this experience was incredibly valuable and rewarding, and I am eternally grateful to have learned so much about Indian culture, social issues, and cross-cultural communication. The cultural activities, in particular, added so much depth and helped me understand the context in which we were working, which in turn allowed me to engage with the project more thoughtfully and respectfully."
"I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of something so profound and to have walked away feeling more connected to myself, to others, and to the world I hope to contribute to. I learned a great deal not only about the world, but about myself, as a student, a team member, and a person navigating difference. Some of these lessons were pleasantly surprising, while others invited honest reflection and growth."
"This experience has been one of the most meaningful and transformative journeys I've taken, both personally and professionally. Being immersed in such a complex and vibrant cultural landscape reminded me of the power of connection, the importance of humility, and the value of listening with intention."
"This journey has deepened my understanding of social impact, broadened my perspective as an accounting student, and reminded me of the importance of humility, empathy, and mutual respect in all forms of learning and service."
Students participated in cross-cultural competency training incorporating cultural safety frameworks, SDG education, global citizenship development, and ethical practice in international development contexts. This preparation established foundations for respectful, effective cross-cultural collaboration.
The first week built foundational understanding through traditional welcome ceremonies, academic sessions on sustainability initiatives, and initial village field visits. Students participated in Hindi language instruction, hands-on Indian arts workshops (Henna, Rangoli, block printing), and cultural performances including traditional dance, puppet shows, and fashion displays. Visits to Social Responsive Cell centres and local markets in Vadodara City provided insight into community engagement models. Group reflection sessions helped students process observations and identify community priorities aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.
The second week focused on intensive community engagement and project execution. Students conducted in-depth village data gathering through systematic interviews and participatory methods, then delivered co-designed interventions including street theatre (Nukkad Natak), health awareness sessions, and educational programming. Cultural learning continued through yoga, meditation, traditional cooking workshops, and heritage site visits to Champaner and Lakshmi Vilas Palace. The week culminated in presentations to a jury panel and a closing ceremony celebrating collaborative achievements and cross-cultural connections.