He University (China), a member institution of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), conducted two activities in 2018 in support of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, particularly the goals on No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being and Quality Education:
Inspirational Class
With the support of the Luodian County Party Committee and the County Government of Guizhou Province, 11 students from Luodian County were enrolled in the Major of Nursing in the Technical School of He University in 2018. The students were all from poor families, unable to afford tuition fees and living expenditures.
As a result of poverty, many students in the region had to drop out of high school to make a living. To change the situation, He University assists the students in need by providing allowance and subsidies during their study. A follow-up survey showed that all 11 students found the courses offered by He University useful. They believe the education model that combines theory and practice will lead to sustainable employment and help them stay out of poverty.
China-Africa Eye Health Forum
The China-Africa Eye Health Forum, under the theme Sight for Africa, took place on 18 August 2018 at the China National Convention Center. The forum welcomed around 100 experts of ophthalmology from the International Association for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) and the Ophthalmological Society of African Countries, as well as representatives from international NGOs and ophthalmologists of the Belt and Road nations.
The forum served as a platform for intercultural dialogue between China and Africa on eye health issues. Human capacity building via training, continuing education and higher education was found to be the most effective way to prevent and treat blindness in Africa. He University is committed to providing higher education opportunities for African students, and series of medical training to health workers at the training base affiliated to the university.