The motivation behind the decision for the two umbrella challenges for two MCL campaigns conducted in 2022 and 2023 – The umbrella challenges needed to touch the society, their solutions are based on spatial data, information and communication technology systems and respective sustainable development goal(s) (SDGs). In addition, for the MCL 2.0 in 2023, an entrepreneurship and innovation criteria were added.

The MCL concept was not only new but also interesting and challenging in so many ways. Deciding on an umbrella challenge that can be relevant and engaging for students isn’t easy. It took the team a lot of research and deliberation. We can’t imagine anything more involving.

Of course, there was continuous support of the wider GeoICT4e project members, who provided their inputs from time to time through scheduled meetings. In the end, we had two umbrella challenges that, through the selection criteria, had a societal touch in terms of addressing the actual challenges (responding to the SDGs) as well as leading to students applying geospatial and tech skills in addressing them (this was the core of the challenge). Through this process, we arrived at our two umbrella challenges: Poor Conditions, Availability and Accessibility of Water and Sanitation Services in DSM (MCL 1.0, 2022) and Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship through Geospatial and ICT Technologies (MCL 2.0, 2023).

The Multi-Competence Learning (MCL) program is spearheaded by brilliant minds from universities in Tanzania and Finland. The visionary individuals behind this noble initiative have actively interacted with students in their roles as experts. In the case of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), their continuous engagement and assessment of student’s progress stand as the key factor contributing to students’ remarkable achievements in the program.