2011+Program+-+Africa

Students who attended last year’s conference on Africa had the opportunity to hear Mr. Steven Sokol, the President and CEO of the World Affairs Council speak about his international experiences. Before coming to the Council, he worked in various foundations and non-profits in the United States and Europe, including the American Council on Germany and the Aspen Institute. He grew up in London, England and studied in Germany. He holds a M.A. in International Relations and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University's Paul Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.



He then introduced Mr. Charles Lwanga, who was a PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), who was from Uganda. Mr. Lwanga directs the African Music and Dance Ensemble. As a performer, he has performed and conducted workshops on African music and dance in various states of the U.S., as well as Europe and Africa. Mr. Lwanga performed a lively piece of African music that represented his Ugandan musical heritage. In addition to his experience at a master drummer and clinician in African music, Mr. Lwanga preserves his cultural heritage by composing and performing his work throughout the world.



Prior to attending the conference the students completed a unit of study covering the geography, history, cultural, and political development of several countries of Africa. The students attended breakout sessions conducted by a variety of speakers from the continent. Some of the countries represented were: Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. At the end of the conference, the students then had lunch in the Cathedral of Learning followed by a tour of the Nationality Rooms. Each student them submitted a culminating project that evidenced their learning connected to the Student Ambassador Program. All of the Kiski Area students who attended created PowerPoint presentations about one of the countries that they learned about during the program. You may view some of their projects by clicking on the links below.

