IROHIN EMPOWERING WOMEN AND YOUTH INNOVATORS

2016 Taking Africa to the Classroom The Center for African Studies at the University of Florida

IROHIN 2016

Dr. Agnes Ngoma Leslie editor Amanda Jansen graphic and layout designer 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS CAS OUTREACH PROGRAM

Center for African Studies Outreach Program 3 The Center for African Studies (CAS) is partially funded under Title VI of the Federal Higher Education Act as a National Resource Center on Africa. One of only nine in the U.S., Florida’s is the only Center located in the southeastern United States. The Center directs, develops, and coordinates interdisciplinary instruction, research, and outreach on Africa. The Outreach Program includes a variety of activities whose objective is to improve the teaching of Africa in primary and secondary schools, Understanding the Size of Africa 4 colleges, universities and local communities. The following are some of the regular activities that fall under the Outreach Pro- gram:

Women Empowerment in Rwanda and Other African Countries 5 ALICIA ESPRIELLA Jambo! Community & School Presentations

Each summer, the Center holds a high school language Faculty and graduate students make presentations on Africa Changing the Narrative of Africa: Empowering Youth Innovators 8 program to introduce the students to an African language. to local communities and schools. JOHORA WARREN Publications Teachers’ Workshops Kgotla in Botswana: A Model Democracy in Africa 11 The Center publishes and distributes teaching resources The Center offers in-service workshops for K-12 teachers about instruction on Africa throughout the school year. DENIELLE WEBB including Irohin, a publication for K-12 teachers.

Ubuntu: Understanding the Past to Transform Our Future 13 Summer Institutes AMY MELISSA BROCK Each summer, the Center for African Studies at the University of Florida hosts a K-12 Teachers Institute. The objective of the institute is to help teachers increase their knowledge about Africa and develop lesson plans to use in their classrooms. The Why Are There So Many/ Few Countries In Africa, and Can We Expect More? 15 creative lesson plans and articles in this issue of Irohin were written by participants in the 2014 institute. Please feel free to use these materials in your teaching and share them with other teachers. Write or call the Center for African Studies for ad- MICHAEL ALLARD ditional copies or download this issue, as well as previous ones, in PDF format at http://www.africa.ufl.edu/outreach. The Summer Institute is free to teachers. To apply for next year, see the application on the back page. Transforming Traditions: Contemporary African Artists Creating New Meanings 18 TIFFANY MATYAS DREW

Graffiti as an Art Form: Re-Imagining and Re-Designing Public Space 21 GRISELDA RODRIGUEZ

The African Art of Story Telling 23 DEON STUPART

Climate Change: How Will Africa Respond? 26 ROBIN MILLER EDWARDS

Understanding the Realities of Ebola…and Its Mark 28 AUSTIN COUNCIL

Works Cited 31

These articles were written by the K-12 teachers in this picture who participated in the Summer Institute 2015: Deon Stupart, Griselda Rodriguez, Michael Allard, Tiffany Matyas Drew, Denielle Webb, Robin Miller Edwards, Dr. Agnes Ngoma Leslie (Institute Director), Alicia Espriella, Johora Warren, Austin Council, Dr. Rose Lugano (Presenter) and Amy Melissa Brock. 4 5 UNDERSTANDING THE SIZE OF AFRICA WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN RWANDA AND OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES For those of us who have only experienced Africa through images and maps, it can be difficult to understand the true size of Africa. The hard facts don't often resolve our misconceptions. It's understandably difficult to appreciate the vastness of 11.67 ALICIA ESPRIELLA million square miles (the area of Africa). Instead consider this: have you ever flown—or driven!—across the US? If you have, then you can appreciate the size of the US; you've seen the variety of terrain; you've heard the accents shift; you've sat and sat and sat. Now consider this: Africa is more than three times the size of the contiguous United States; there are more than 500 extant languages spoken across more than 50 countries; and the landscape spans from desert to rainforest. Languages, cultures, scenery and even the hemispheres change as you traverse Africa. This map may help us understand the true size of Introduction and Overview Mass murders and rapes of Tutsi people Africa and it's diversity. When you hear the phrases “gender had an immense impact on Rwanda and equality” or “female empowerment,” the its neighboring countries. On the Day th United States of America may come to of Remembrance (April 7 ), Rwandans mind. Have you ever considered Rwanda annually commemorate those that were to be a land of opportunity and gender killed, hurt, and affected during this equality? With today’s messages from unthinkable time. media and misinformation about Rwan- Due to the mass genocide of Rwandan da and African countries in general, one males, women made up 70% of Rwanda’s may not immediately assume this to be population after 1994, which meant true. The home is now not the only place that women were desperately needed for women to work and they are fill- to help lead their country to recovery. ing high political and decision-making Tragedy struck in other African coun- positions in record numbers. According tries as well, such as South Africa and to Ailli Tripp, “Today, Africa is a leader Uganda. The South African apartheid in women’s parliamentary representa- occurred between 1948- 1994, and Idi tion globally” (2013). In addition, it has Amin Dada’s dictatorship in Uganda been leading in the number of female from 1971- 1979. The ethnic and racial discrimination, mistreatment, segre- presidents. By 2016 Africa has had Ellen Johnson Sirleaf four female presidents. In 2005, Ellen gation, and murders that were part of Johnson-Sirleaf became the first female these conflicts led to women’s eagerness by some countries, including Rwanda, president in Liberia, Africa. From 2012 to organize during the transition period, Uganda and South Africa that ensures to 2014 Joyce Banda was Malawi’s 4th to ensure new regimes would benefit that women hold at least 30 percent of president. In 2014, Catherine Samba- female as well as male citizens (2003). the seats in parliament. This ensures Panza was elected interim president of During this time, an astonishing number that women have a voice that reflects the Central African Republic. In 2015, of women moved away from their tradi- the needs of all. Ameenah Gurib was elected president of tional roles and into the political sphere. In Uganda, seats are reserved for Mauritius. They wanted to be certain to break the women, and the constitution calls for At 64%, Rwanda has the highest per- bonds of ethnic inequality and be certain their representation in parliament. Ar- centage of women in Parliament in the their voices were being heard in order ticle 78 of their Constitution states, “the world. South Africa has a representation to ensure equal representation and just parliament shall consist of one woman of 42% women in parliament. Uganda policies. They also demanded significant representative for every district” (IDEA, has 35% of women in parliament (Wom- female representation in parliament and 2015). The election takes place on a cer- en in National Parliaments, 2015). The government positions. tain day, apart from the regular Election continent also has a record number of Day, where residents vote for their one female speakers of the House or Parlia- Quota Systems and Laws female representative. Women can also ment. This is something that needs to be Not only are women motivated to run during the regular election. praised and acknowledged. run for decision making positions to In 2003, Rwanda included a Gender prevent catastrophes, there are laws Quota System at the constitutional level Road to Empowerment encouraging and supporting gender and has articles enforcing this law. The constitution states that there must be a The Rwandan Genocide in 1994 equality in government positions! The multi-party system with elections and brought great strife and unrest to many. Quota System is a structure set in place democracy. It also states that 30% of 6 7 positions in decision, making positions tion in 1996 to include more rights for secondary education free of charge; Conclusion be reserved for women (Bennett, 2014). women and children that are based on In the past, without equal representa- Rwanda’s innovative measures have economic, social, and cultural rights. • Law punishing gender-based crimes- tion, women’s needs were not always greatly enhanced female representation, In order to guarantee an even more bal- labels it as illegal and a serious met. Many African countries have real- including the way elections and votes anced representation in parliament, the crime; ized that in order to have a more demo- are held. At a local level, each voter re- ANC combines with the PR (Proportion- cratic government, more women need to ceives three ballots, including one with al Representation) electoral system. • Divorce rate is increasing, women be involved. Goetz and Hassim, authors only women candidates. feel empowered to leave husbands “Under the PR system, political par- of “No Short Cuts to Power,” mention, with no fear of being unable to sus- “Indirect elections to the next higher ties present lists of candidates for the “about one-third of government council- tain themselves; levels are structured to ensure that National Assembly and the nine pro- ors in both countries (Uganda and South at least 20 per cent of those elected Africa) are women (pg. 1). Although vincial legislatures. Voters…use two • 1999 Law on Matrimonial Regimes, are women. Through this proce- many Rwandan women got involved in ballots - one national and the other Liberalities, and Successions. Wom- dure of multiple ballots and indirect politics out of necessity, what a major provincial (with nine variations on the en have the right to inherit property. elections to each higher level, 24 of accomplishment it was for them to have the 80 seats in the lower house of provincial list) - to cast votes for the Because of the genocide, land was gone through that type of tragic loss Former Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel meeting then Malawian President, Joyce Banda when she parliament are reserved for women. party of their choice. In this electoral destroyed and families separated and still be able to step up to the plate visited the U.S. in 2013. In addition, Rwanda has instituted system, half of the 400 members of the and Rwanda was in a state of crisis. in a world that had been traditionally Tips and Lesson Plan Ideas for Incorporating Gender Equality and Female a system of all-women councils at National Assembly are chosen from the Women realized the importance of male in a society that held women in Empowerment in your Classroom. the grass-roots level. The head of nine provincial lists, and the other half creating this law so land and food submissive positions…and still take care each women’s council also holds a from single national lists prepared by production would not be taken from reserved seat on the general local of their families! What an amazing and Elementary Middle/ High School the parties. (Parties may also choose them; council, forging a connection be- only to construct provincial lists.)” much admired role reversal. “I will be a Hummingbird” narrated by Have students choose a profession tween the two bodies and ensuring The United States has 18% in House Wangari Maathai is a video on YouTube. that seems to be dominated by one (eisa.org, 2015) • Establishment of The National that the concerns of the women’s and 20% in Senate, which is below the This is a great video to show your stu- gender and do a report of a successful Council for Women in 1996; council can be communicated to the Between the PR system and the ANC’s world average of 22.1% with both houses dents at the beginning of the school year. female in that field. members of the general council.” quota system, South Africa maintains a combined (World Bank, 2014). It’s taken Discuss Wangari Maathai and her ac- Have students write a mock letter to • Community Based Health Care (Kantegwa, 2005) very well rounded and balanced rep- America 200 years to get roughly 20% of complishments and have students write their state senator that has to do with Programs allow more women to Having female representatives at both resentation in parliament and aims to women represented in parliament. Yes, a journal entry about the meaning of the promoting gender equality and have seek healthcare, which has caused the grass-roots level and higher levels, reach higher ratios of men to women in other African countries still have a ways video. Share aloud. them present their letter to the class. women and infant mortality rate to help encompass women’s necessities in decision-making positions. to go to have true gender equality and For Presidents Day, show female Research a famous female politician drop significantly; daily life, no matter their rankings. representation, but so do most coun- presidents from Africa and around the and come up with a day for her (exam- According to Harvard Kennedy Impact of Having Women as Leaders tries. How long will it take for men and world. Some examples are Ellen John- ple: MLK day). Have students write a re- in Rwanda • 2001 Law on Rights and Protection School’s Public Policy Journal, “of those of the Child Against Violence ex- women to have equal political represen- son Sirleaf, Catherine Samba- Panza, port about why this person was chosen, elected to the Rwanda House of Depu- Women have strived for and accom- plains the rights and responsibilities tation in the U.S.? Remi Sonaiya, and Cristina Fernandez why he or she chose that day, and why ties in 2008, 56 percent were women. In plished major changes in Rwandan poli- of children and criminalizes dehu- While learning more about the quota De Kirchner. the woman is important. 2013, women’s representation rose even tics and society as a whole. Below are manizing acts; systems in Rwanda, South Africa, and For primary grades have students Have students write a report or further to 64 percent” (Bennett, 2014). just a few developments and improve- Uganda and researching Rwanda’s mi- draw an image of what they picture journal entry on this topic: “If you were Rwanda is the only country in the entire ments that have been enforced since • The establishment of the Ministry raculous example of equality, I contem- when they hear the words “doctor”, president, what kind of laws would you world with a majority of female mem- women and men have begun to work of Gender and Family Promotion. plated how I could incorporate these “lawyer”, and “president”. Have a dis- create to ensure gender equality and bers. The government also enacted laws together to enact gender-sensitive laws Their mission: themes and ideas in my classroom. As cussion afterwards and show pictures of why? prohibiting genocide ideology, and any and an equality in society. teachers, it is vital for us to strip the female leaders in those areas to dissolve form of dissent, which is all to prevent idea of gender roles and look to Rwanda the bias. At all grade levels: Guarantee secure environment for history from repeating itself. Source: Documentary “Gender Progress as a shining example of what a success- Create a “Game of Life” board game Class libraries, posters, and projected all family members South Africa also has laws instituted in Rwanda,” ful non-gender biased government and that cancels out gender stereotypes. images should be gender-equal. Try to Empower women and girls that promote gender equality very ef- society should look like. It is our job to Students choose a career path but the promote tolerance and equality; these Non-discrimination, and gender fectively. It has a multi-party system. In • Women are encouraged to start shape young minds and open eyes to the career cards can read, “work at home should be the underlying themes in your equality promotion 2006, one of the major political parties, their own businesses and are not importance of acceptance, and gender dad” or “president” (with a woman on teaching. Be sure to hold high expecta- Design and implement positive the ANC (African National Congress) dependent on men; equality. I invite you to take a look at the the front). The idea would be that by tions for both males and females in your masculinity required at least 50% female representa- tips and lesson plan ideas I have listed allowing children to play this game, gen- classroom. Eradicate gender-based violence tion in local elections, and extended it to • The number of children in primary below and I encourage you to take the der stereotypes could be broken. Reinforce family unity and posi- national elections in 2009. The ANC is school has risen to 92%; ideas and adapt them as your own. It is Host a career day and have parents tive parenting the current ruling party, and dominant up to us to empower America’s youth to and volunteers come in from “non-gen- party in South Africa with 264 seats in • In 2009, the 9-Year Basic Educa- be the best they can be, no matter their der stereotyped” careers as an example the National Assembly. (IDEA, 2015). tion Program gave children 6 years gender. of influential women in the work force. South Africa also adapted their constitu- of primary education and 3 years of

8 9 Nicola Jacobs CHANGING THE NARRATIVE OF AFRICA: Nicola Jacobs, a 17-year old from South Africa, was driving home one Thursday afternoon when she passed an EMPOWERING YOUTH INNOVATORS informal settlement. Informal settle- ments are home to millions living in JOHORA WARREN South Africa and many of the settle- ments do not have adequate lighting or infrastructure. A random thought sud- denly came to Jacobs’ mind. “I wondered how emergency personnel locate the In her TED Talks video entitled “The have natural disasters of two extremes- ing of his windmill. He also perused the homes of people who need their atten- Dangers of a Single Story,” Chimamanda both drought and heavy rainfall (BBC roughly drawn pictures and plans from tion in serious, life-threatening situa- Ngozi Adichie spoke briefly about her News, 2015). the textbook, modifying it as he needed. tions at night,” Jacobs said. She thought American roommate in college. Adichie In 2002, the country was struck with As he attempted to build the windmill the absence of lampposts in addition said, “She had felt sorry for me even famine, leaving thousands dying of hun- Kamkwamba was often teased by his to the infrastructure and inadequate before she saw me. Her default position ger. Kamkwamba was attending Kacho- neighbors and called misala, which lighting would make it very difficult for toward me, as an African, was a kind kolo Secondary School when the famine translates to “crazy.” However, at the emergency personnel to reach residents in times of need. Jacobs wanted to come of patronizing, well-meaning pity. My hit, and soon his family was unable to age of 14, he had done it! Kamkwamba William Kamkwamba, self taught how to build windmills in Malawi. roommate had a single story of Africa: afford to pay his school fees. Kamk- had built a 16-foot tall windmill that up with a solution, but first deemed it a single story of catastrophe. In this wamba was forced to drop out of school could power four light bulbs and two necessary to interview residents living in his community. Additionally, Doe cre- single story, there was no possibility of and help his family with farming. During radios in his family’s home (Kamkwamba in the informal settlements. Through ated his own generator to power his ra- Africans being similar to her in any way, this time, he learned to play chess and & Mealer, 2009). her research, Jacobs learned that often Kelvin Doe dio station. Upon its inception, Doe has residents waited hours for emergency hired some friends to assist as reporters no possibility of feelings more complex other games, but Kamkwamba decided His story reached the TED organiza- Kelvin Doe is another young person personnel to locate their homes. After and station managers, the average age of than pity, no possibility of a connection he needed a better hobby to take his tion and he was able to attend TEDGlob- who saw a need in his community and learning this, Jacobs knew something his crew being 12 (Sengeh, 2012)! At his as human equals” (2009). mind off of how much he missed school. al on a fellowship. There, Kamkwamba came up with a solution. He grew up in had to be done. radio station and in his community, he The single story of Africa, one in He remembered a small library that was able to share his invention with the Sierra Leone, a country located in the Jacobs formulated the simple yet uses the handle “DJ Focus” because, “I which many Americans believe, view opened at a nearby primary school and world. Following this success, Kamk- western part of Africa. Doe describes his effective idea of using a 40cm x 40cm believe if you focus, you can do an inven- Africa as a place with “beautiful land- was stocked with books donated by the wamba was able to attend the African town as having little electricity, where wooden sign that would have the num- tion perfectly” (15-Yr-Old Kelvin Doe scapes, beautiful animals, and incompre- American government. Kamkwamba be- Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, people could go without for a month ber of the dwelling written on it using Wows M.I.T., 2012). hensible people, fighting senseless wars, gan to spend time reading in the library, South Africa, which seeks to transform or longer (15-Yr-Old Kelvin Doe Wows glow-in-the-dark fluorescent paint. She It wasn’t long before Doe caught the dying of poverty and AIDS, unable to gravitating toward science books. He Africa by identifying, developing, and M.I.T., 2012). This led him to create his called this invention the Lumo Board. eye of David Monina Sengeh, a gradu- speak for themselves and waiting to be quickly became consumed with learning. connecting the next generation of Afri- own battery to help power lights in the Jacobs hoped the Lumo Board would ate student at Massachusetts Institute saved by a kind, white foreigner” (Ngozi One day, Kamkwamba found a textbook can leaders (Africanleadershipacademy. houses of the people in his community, help save lives by cutting down the of Technology (MIT) Media Lab, while Adichie, 2009). called. “Using Energy,” and this is the org, n.d.). Following the African Leader- despite having no formal training. Using response time for emergency personnel Doe was attending a summer program What this single story fails to ac- book he says changed his life (Kamk- ship Academy, he went on to attend and soda, acid and metal, he dumped these to locate those in need who live in the Sengeh runs in Sierra Leone called In- knowledge are the stories of arguably wamba & Mealer, 2009). graduate from Dartmouth College in materials into a tin cup, waited for his informal settlements. novate Salone. This program is also run the continent’s most important citizens­– Armed with this book, Kamkwamba Hanover, New Hampshire. Additionally, mixture to dry and wrapped tape around Jacobs presented this idea to In- through GMin (Sengeh, 2012). Sengeh Africa’s youth. The youth in Africa are realized that the windmills detailed Kamkwamba has detailed his life in the the cup to make a battery. Doe tried novate the Cape, a program created by arranged for Doe to travel to the United doing what westerners thought was within it would be the answers to some autobiographical book called “The Boy several times until he had succeeded in the international organization Global States and participate as a three-week impossible: they are helping themselves of his problems. A windmill could gener- Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Cur- creating his own battery (Sengeh, 2012). Minimum Inc. (GMin) that promotes resident at MIT’s “Visiting Practitioner’s and their countries. The youth of Africa ate electricity for him and his family but rents of Electricity and Hope” (there is Doe was just 13 at the time and learned innovative learning in order to solve Program,” making Doe the youngest are changing the narrative of Africa, and most important of all, a windmill could a Young Readers’ Edition as well) and a by being creative. He learned by taking problems in South Africa. Her idea won person in history to do so. While in the thus changing the misconceptions that also rotate a pump for water and irriga- feature-length documentary called “Wil- things apart, looking at it, and trying to for her school and she was awarded the U.S., Doe was also able to attend the contribute to the single story of Africa. tion! Living in a society dependent on liam and the Windmill” based on the reverse-engineer the object. chance to participate in the competition. 2012 World Maker Faire in New York And they are doing this through innova- farming, a water pump would be neces- documentary short, “Moving Windmills” After Doe created this battery, he Jacobs and her team researched ways to and participate on the “Meet the Young tion. sary for survival. Crops could be irri- (Ted.com, n.d.). moved on to create his own FM radio make the Lumo Board more eco-friendly Makers” panel. Additionally, Doe visited gated and his family could harvest twice transmitter, using scrap pieces he found. William Kamkwamba and sustainable. Based on the feedback Harvard University, met with the presi- a year instead of depending only on rain. By the age of 15, Doe had created his from the residents and improving its ef- dent of the university and lectured with William Kamkwamba was born in Kamkwamba said, “A windmill meant own radio station using recycled scraps ficiency, Jacobs hoped to provide Lumo undergraduate students there as well as Malawi, a country in the southeastern more than just power, it was freedom” and discarded materials. His reasoning Boards to every resident in an informal at MIT (Sengeh, 2012). Doe says his next region of Africa, between Zambia, Mo- (Kamkwamba & Mealer, 2009, p.159). for creating a radio station was simple: settlement South Africa by 2020. invention will be a windmill to create zambique and Tanzania. Malawi tends to He searched his village for scrap ma- Doe wanted to give a voice to the youth terial that he could recycle in the build- even more electricity for his community 10 11 (15-Yr-Old Kelvin Doe Wows M.I.T., ship Academy. Winners of the Anzisha -Ask students to identify problems in 2012). Prize, called “Anzisha Fellows” and are their community. List those prob- THE KGOTLA IN BOTSWANA: A MODEL Global Minimum Inc. (GMin) supported for life through an ongoing lems on a flip chart paper. Fortunately, there are organizations mentorship program also hosted by the -Have students quietly reflect on how they could choose one of those prob- within Africa that have recognized the African Leadership Academy. OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA According to the Anzisha Prize website, lems and come up with a solution importance of promoting and encourag- to solve it. Allow students to write their reasoning for hosting this com- ing youth innovation. Global Minimum about this and draw a picture. DENIELLE WEBB Inc. (GMin) is one of these organiza- petition is the “#AnzishaEffect.” The tions. According to the GMin website, #AnzishaEffect “is the power of these Extension: amazing stories to encourage others to “Global Minimum Inc (GMin) is a 501(c) -Watch Wangari Maathai’s “The Hum- (3) charitable international organiza- follow in the footsteps of the Anzisha mingbird” video on YouTube. Also tion that encourages young innovators Fellows” (Anzishaprize.org, n.d.). Each watch YouTube video on Kelvin Doe. chief acts as a kind of presiding judge and leaders in Africa to engage with year the Anzisha Network grows larger, -Continue with the writing and allow as he listens and facilitates discussion critical thinking skills and hands-on generating more support from the com- students to create physical manifes- amongst the members of the village. The learning programs to tackle challenges munity as well as more competitors tations of their ideas. kgosi are traditionally given authorita- affecting their communities” (Gmin.org, from across the continent. tive power, but it is also important to n.d.). GMin currently works with young Lesson Ideas note that the people of the village or township have expectations for their people aged 13-18 in the countries of Conclusion -Ask students to do research on differ- chiefs. Denbow (2006) states that “the South Africa, Sierra Leone and Kenya by There are many more stories than ent tribal governments around the people expect the kgosi to be mod- providing workshops, mentoring oppor- just those of William Kamkwamba, world. Because there are indigenous populations around the world, there est, compassionate and diligent while tunities, tools and resources. GMin says Nicola Jacobs and Kelvin Doe, and it is showing respect for tribal customs and that providing these resources ultimate- our duty to acknowledge those stories. should be many different examples. Have students compare and contrast practices in his daily life as exemplified ly equips “young people in Africa with David Monina Sengeh, mentor for Kelvin the different way each tribal govern- in the often-recited proverb “kgosi ke Doe, wrote a poignant article for CNN unique opportunities to take their future ment interacts with the national kgosi ka batho” (literally, a kgosi is a into their own hands” (Gmin.org, n.d.). about the need for Africa’s youth to government. kgosi by the grace of the people)-(p. 22). GMin also hosts Innovate Challenges step forward and change the narrative -Conduct a mock kgotla. Have students If the majority of his “constituents” do (InChallenges), which are innovation of Africa. Sengeh says, “Africa’s future create a problem that needs to be not think the chief is practicing accord- challenges in those countries in which towards sustained and equitable growth resolved. Maybe a goat was stolen Inside Botswana's parliament, one of the most democratic in Africa and it can be traced to the ing to tribal laws and customs, they are students propose an idea for the oppor- lies in the hands of its capable youth. by a young neighbor and you need to Kgotla system. able to remove him from power. tunity to make a tangible solution for With a little help and encouragement, have a kgotla to resolve the conflict. A Kgotla meeting traditionally took place outdoors under a tree where a problem plaguing their communities. we will re-write, re-build and share our Students can pick roles or you can When we think of democracy and its most stable and successful nations to- villagers would gather in a semicircle These InChallenges include Innovate the stories of Africa” (Sengeh, 2013). write the roles on pieces of paper traditions, there is a common belief that day. Botswana’s success can be attribut- and have each student pick them out with the chief and his advisors at the Cape in South Africa, Innovate Salone it exists primarily in Western countries. ed to the role of the kgotla and its impact of a hat. Have student sit in a semi- head. Depending on the issue, it could in Sierra Leone and Innovate Kenya in Lesson Plan (Grades 3-5) On the contrary, the African continent on its modern government. circle or better yet go outside and sit Kenya (Gmin.org, n.d.). take hours for a meeting to conclude, near a tree. Remember that only one has had many examples of early demo- Essential Question: How can youth make What is Kgotla? due to its nature of giving every voice person can speak at a time with no cratic-like systems of governance in the The Anzisha Prize a difference in our community? a chance to be heard. The general rule interruptions. The meeting can’t end past and even currently. Some African “The movement under the trees Vocabulary: innovation, invention, har- is that if someone is speaking, no one Other organizations have also dis- until there has been a consensus and societies had a history of pre-colonial caught my eye. There were a group ness else is allowed to interrupt. No one else covered the importance of investing in everyone who wants to speak has traditional rule that promoted democ- ofpeople sitting around in the open -Introduce the lesson by reviewing key can speak until the current speaker is Africa’s youth. The African Leadership had a chance to speak. racy. Unfortunately, many of those air, talking, gesticulating, engaged vocabulary. completely finished. In order for a meet- Academy and the MasterCard Founda- traditional systems were disrupted by insome intense activity. What were -Discuss the continent of Africa and key ing to conclude there must be a consen- tion have teamed together to create colonial rule. Despite the colonial op- they doing? This was my first expo- geographical facts. Locate Malawi on sure toa kgotla in Botswana, south- sus where all members of the meeting the Anzhisa Prize, Africa’s premier pression and control, there have been a map. ern Africa, in 1981.”(Griffiths, 1998, have come to an agreement. According award for young entrepreneurs. Accord- -Ask students what people used prior to some countries that have managed to p. 588) to Denbow (2006), when a meeting has ing to the Anzisha Prize website, “the electricity. Are there other types of hold on to their traditional democratic Kgotla, pronounced like “hotla,” means concluded everyone yells ‘pula’ which Anzisha Prize seeks to award young energy that can generate electricity? values. One great example is the case of meeting place. A Kgotla is a kind of means ‘let there be rain!’ This saying is entrepreneurs who have developed and (solar energy from the sun, wind Botswana. Long before the Europeans traditional court where members of a like a blessing and given that Botswana implemented innovative solutions to energy from the wind) arrived, Botswana had a traditional form village or township come together and is a very arid land, it would be consid- social challenges or started successful -Read the picture book version of “The of decentralized governance that pos- discuss issues or concerns. It is also ered a sign of good luck and abundance. businesses within their communities”. Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.” sesses core components of democracy. a place where the local kgosi (chief) -Have students share their reactions of (p. 23). Pula is also the name of the Finalists for this prestigious prize get an Due to the unique blend of the tradi- receive feedback from the public on mat- the book. What did they like? What Botswana currency. all-expense-paid trip to South Africa to tional ethnic governance known as the ters that have been previously discussed surprised them? How would you Kgotlas provide a space for free attend a weeklong conference on entre- kgotla system and modern democracy, in private with advisors (Denbow, 2006, describe William Kakwamba? speech and consensus, and allow for all preneurship held at the African Leader- Botswana enjoys being one of Africa’s p. 22). During a Kgotla meeting, the 12 13 members of the society to take part of permission they were required to wear pointed a chief since many are now ap- the decision-making process that affects long-sleeve dresses and sit in the back. pointed by elected government officials. UBUNTU: UNDERSTANDING THE PAST their daily lives. “Everyone has a space This has changed over time but to this Another way that traditions of kgotla to dance, stomp, run and jump on it day men dominate this space. have adapted is the education of chiefs. without hindrance. In other words, par- Another criticism is the nature in In the past, most chiefs were not literate TO TRANSFORM THE FUTURE ticipation and attendances are open to which chiefs gain power. Moumakwa since most villages were from the oral all members of the community; therefore (2010) shares, “A chief has to be born traditions. Today many chiefs are highly educated and have degrees in law (Mo- AMY MELISSA BROCK anyone regardless of social stratifica- into the royal family and that it is only lutsi, 2011, p. 30). tion has a space to partake (Moumakwa, his children that can inherit the chief- There are of course some villages that 2010, p. 4). These practices are the tainship has indeed probed some ques- still have strong traditional connections cornerstone of every democracy. In tions on its democratic ‘voice’ (p. 73). but are given the authority to take all some ways, kgotlas are beyond democ- Others question the use of corporal matters into their own hands without re- History of Ubuntu his role in ending Apartheid in South creates a revolution of thinking in his racy because they rely on consensus punishment that is known to occur spect to national laws. In most cases the Ubuntu is the ancient South African Africa, has spoken about Ubuntu many workplace. He explains that in non- rather than the majority rule. In that within a kgotla. Retaliation and retribu- traditional law cannot overrule national philosophy that has its premise in the times. He has said, “A person with Ubun- Ubuntu thinking, people focused on sense, Botswana’s local governments has tion is what some would say is the result law, as was the case of a young chief understanding that we are all one human tu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and their individualism will tell themselves succeeded most Western democracies at of certain kgotla meetings, but overall who wanted to practice the customary family. It is said to have originated from generous, willing to share. Such people any type of negative rationale to ex- least on a local level. the premise is to provide reconciliation “deviance” law where someone could be one of the Bantu languages of South Af- are open and available to others, willing plain events that happen in their lives. and mend the harm done (Moumakwa, rica, and is pronounced “uu-Boon-too.” to be vulnerable, affirming to others, do Instead, being connected to others pro- Kgotla influence on Botswana’s gov- flogged if they were suspected of “devi- 2010, p. 73). not feel threatened that others are able vides a necessary opportunity to chal- ernment ant behavior.” The national law prohib- South African Archbishop Desmond its this act and over ruled the chief’s Tutu is one of the key people who has and good, for they have a proper self- lenge these negative stories that may be During the pre-colonial era, Botswana Contemporary uses of kgotla and its jurisdiction in accordance to national popularized the concept of Ubuntu: “I assurance that comes from knowing they sabotaging performance and inhibiting was governed by decentralized chief- implications law. am, because you are.” belong in a greater whole.” growth. According to Lundin, “Ubuntu is doms where the chiefs had the most The kgolta is still very widely used Moreover, the democratic practice of South Africa has a varied climate a philosophy that considers the success authority and control over local town- throughout Botswana. In almost every the Kgotla has gained popularity around which includes Mediterranean climate Contemporary Ubuntu of the group above that of the individual. ships. When the British arrived, there village you will find a structure where the world. The premise of the kgotla and therefore the soil can support crops Understanding the historical context It says that we exist because of our con- was contention about how Botswana’s the kgotla takes place. It is mostly used is such an effective tool for conflict that Europeans were familiar with. of Ubuntu’s beginnings and the resulting nection to the human community. I am modern state would be governed: by as a means of retaining cultural identity resolution and community building. It's South Africa was colonized by the Dutch struggle that South Africans have had in a person through other human beings.” a modern political party system or a and traditions as well as conflict resolu- no surprise that people from outside and English at different times during the protecting their culture is paramount to When the company that Lundin wrote traditional chiefdom? (Molutsi, 2011, p. tion. The Kgotla has been and continues cultures would want to utilize this prac- 17th and 18th century. The resulting un- the comprehension of a contemporary about employed Ubuntu thinking to 28). After much negotiation, the result to be used to promote local land protec- tice. There are many companies that stable capitalism that was forced upon Ubuntu community. Today in South Af- their business model, employee morale was a kind of dual system of government tion from international companies. One have conducted workshops to implement the people destabilized their culture. rica, the philosophy of Ubuntu is taught increased so did productivity. Adopt- giving parliament (national government) example is case of the Southern Oka- Kgotla into the decision making process. Through social and civil unrest, and the largely to the children and modelled by ing Ubuntu in the workplace looks like more national power under the Consti- vango Integrated Water Development In particular, there is a well-known com- actions of a few governing people, a pe- community elders. Ubuntu essentially is people engaged with each other with a tution of Botswana. Local chiefs would Project in 1991. The project required the pany called Kgotla, based out of Neth- riod of time known as apartheid was im- an understanding of mercy and recon- desire to see each other succeed. have jurisdiction over local issues and dredging the Boro River in Ngamiland. erlands, that promotes and conducts posed on the country. Under apartheid, ciliation. Many of the South African laws. The chieftaincy also has a role in In order to voice concerns, a kgotla was workshops to teach companies and black South Africans were segregated religions share beliefs of the ancestors We need Ubuntu in our classrooms modern national government by means conducted with local officials, environ- organizations how to implement kgotla and not allowed to own land or vote. being mediators. The people go ances- When applying Ubuntu thinking to of an advisory board that works with mentalist and the members of village. into their workplace in order to promote Apartheid ended in 1994. Nelson Man- tors in prayer to intercede in times of American classrooms, many parallels the parliament on issues that pertain to There was a unanimous decision to stop an optimal working environment and dela, the first post-apartheid president strife. Community members believe in can be made with the aforementioned customary or traditional laws and prac- the project because they felt that the open dialogue between employees and of South Africa, fought tirelessly for the living an Ubuntu lifestyle with the hope business plan. The same complaints tices. Today the parliament and tribal dredging of the river would result in the management. The Kgotla company has freedom of his people. Mandela was a that one day they will be an ancestor of lack of motivation have resulted in advisory board are part of one building, degradation of the local ecosystems that been successful in helping international sounding board for justice and said, “To that others will revere. a teacher assessment system enforced which displays a sense of cohesion and contain specific fish and plant species companies in Netherlands, Germany and be free is not merely to cast off one’s by government that has a major impact cooperation in processes of governance. the village citizens rely on for survival. South Africa since 2003 (kgotla.com, chains, but to live in a way that respects Ubuntu in the workplace on the students. This lack of trust then As a result, the project was suspended n.d.). Gaborone, Botswana, is one of the and enhances the freedom of others.” In his book “Ubuntu!” Stephen Lundin pits administration, teacher, student, Criticisms of Kgotla indefinitely (Ngwenya and Kgathi, 2011, fastest growing cities in Africa. The Once apartheid ended a new era of writes about Ubuntu in the global busi- and parent against each other. This is a Not all systems are perfect and there p. 256). country’s democracy has its roots in the reconciliation began. The idea of Ubuntu ness world. He tells an all too familiar contentious system that the philosophy are some legitimate concerns about the In many ways the kgotla has been traditional Kgotla system. had a resurgence as a way to return tale of workplace negativity generated of Ubuntu could help resolve. kgotla process. Traditionally, most of adapted to modern ways. Traditionally, some of the original South African from lack of staff motivation. We’ve all Administrators, teachers, and parents the time women were not allowed to the position of the kgosi was exclusive to culture back to the people. Communities heard the old adage, “20% of the people can intentionally forge positive teams enter the Kgotla and if they were given men, but now women are allowed to be began thinking in terms of Ubuntu as a do 80% of the work.” Lundin’s book with the main goal of fostering success chiefs and essentially anyone can be ap- way of reclaiming their African history. applies Ubuntu thinking to the busi- in each student. Teachers can engage Archbishop Desmond Tutu, famous for ness world; he discovers a solution and with other teachers and collaborate.

14 15 Few WHY ARE THERE SO MANY COUNTRIES IN AFRICA, AND CAN WE EXPECT MORE? MICHAEL ALLARD

It’s a question that vexes many peo- ple: Why are there so many countries in Africa? Given the size of the continent, the second largest in the world accord- ing to World Atlas online (Africa, World Atlas), it shouldn’t be surprising that there are so many, especially consider- ing that it is nearly three times as large as Europe (“Continents by Area,”), which consists of 49 countries (Europe, Archbishop Desmond Tutu pictured with his daughter, Mpho, an Episcopal priest, is one the key people who have popularized the Ubuntu tradition. World Atlas). In fact, given its size, the question one has to ask is not why are Collaborative teacher teams should they were less than who they are.” This Extension Activity there so many countries in Africa, but work first to truly understand the needs self-assurance creates a knowledge of El Anatsui’s “Old Man’s Cloth”: why are there so few? And might there of the student. These needs should then the whole that we are all connected just Students are asked to bring in items be more at some time in the future? take center stage and teachers should by being human. that can be transformed into Kente cloth Part of the answer of why there are apply their professional skills and much the same way that El Anatsui used so few countries on a continent so large Africa is not a country! creativity to help the students, thereby Conclusion bottle caps to make “Old Man’s Cloth” lies in Africa’s colonial, most specifi- creating a safety net where not only is I plan to take this philosophy of on display at The Harn Museum at the cally beginning with the 1885 Berlin no child left behind, but the child’s self- Ubuntu with me. I want to paint it on University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Conference where Western powers maps, without taking into account local over sovereignty of this region. The esteem and confidence increases and a the walls of my classroom, pin it to the Students could bring in wrappers or divided the continent into economic conditions and the ethnic composition case was brought by Cameroon, which it desire for learning is fostered. Ubuntu sleeve of every student, and offer it as bottle caps of their favorite foods and spheres. While, according to John D. of the areas” (Michalopoulos & Papaio- won in a 2002 World Court ruling, “for schools would be a place of shared ac- a constant reassurance to my students’ connect the items using bread ties, or Hargreaves (1984), the General Act of annou, 2-3). which both countries supplied copies the Berlin Conference’s “stated aims ra- Three-quarters of a century later, of yellowing colonial-era documents countability in which everyone partici- parents that I will be Ubuntu with their string. Students will learn about Kente diate a benevolent internationalism” (p. during the transition from colonialism to justify claims to territory that had pates. child. I recognize and love our differ- cloth and the “Old Man’s Cloth” at the 17), the practical effects of Articles 34 to independence, those ethnic composi- brought them to the brink of war.” Not Students in an Ubuntu classroom ences and will help each child develop a Harn Museum. In the end all of the and 35 of the General Act, which state tions were not part of the equation in surprisingly, perhaps, there may be oil would be placed in leadership roles at sense of pride in their own personal cul- individual “Kente” prints will be woven that Signatory Powers must notify the transferring from colonial rule to local in the disputed peninsula (Tostevin, every grade level. This is not to create a ture and family history. I will not lose an together to provide a visual representa- remaining parties when possessing and rule. By pairing Europeans with Afri- 2008). culture of one, but to provide students opportunity to share our similarities and tion of “I am because we are.” As each commanding territories on the conti- cans, often trained abroad, it “was a rel- Conflict between countries is only the opportunity to learn by leading and will build in them a fire for learning that individual students’ project may differ nent (“General Act of the Berlin Con- atively simple matter of one generation part of the heritage of the colonial era understand the consequences for ac- will not dwindle as the child moves on from the next, when we weave them to- ference on West Africa”), encouraged, of African officials copying the methods maps. According to The Guardian, tions. Self-respect, responsible stew- to the next grade level, but will become gether we see a larger picture that helps even justified, the European decision to and lifestyles of European colonial ad- there were more than twenty seces- ardship and cooperative learning are in them all consuming and will spread to us understand our similarities. divide the continent among themselves ministrators” (Armah,30). No consid- sionist movements in Africa in 2012 all Ubuntu-inspired lessons that our others. (Aronson, 2003). Without waiting for eration appears to have been taken to (Chonghaile, 2012). An interactive map students should be learning every day. explorers and geographers to report re-draw these colonial borders. In fact, produced by The Guardian (visible at Archbishop Desmond Tutu eloquently back on the realities of the interior of African countries’ continued commit- www.theguardian.com/world/interac- speaks of Ubuntu self-assurance. He Africa, the Europeans began slicing ment to these borders is exemplified in tive/2012/sep/06/africa-map-separat- says, “[They] know that they are di- up Africa to meet their own interests. the dispute over the Bakassi Peninsula. ist-movements-interactive) indicates minished when others are humiliated, Doing this required that “the Europe- In 2008, Nigeria handed over control of that such separatist movements can be diminished when others are oppressed, ans divided areas and drew borders in the region to Cameroon following a fight found in virtually all regions in Africa, diminished when others are treated as if 16 17 has led to violence, despair, and the was the collapse of the government of governments are requiring that the Afri- rise of the idea that citizenship is based Somalia in 1991 that led to the forma- can Union must first recognize Somalil- on ethnicity. Kenyans, it seems, would tion of Somaliland. Somalia’s general and’s independence before they will act. often rather vote for those with whom collapse was not caused by the cre- “The chances of that happening look they share an ethnic relationship than ation of Somaliland within its borders, slim,” reports the Economist. “The Afri- for the good of the country as a whole which came after, but is substantially can Union is scared that acknowledging (p. 462). related to its former status as a colony Somaliland could create momentum Strangely, a solution to the multi- of Britain and Italy. Hesse notes that for other separatist bids.” (W, 2014). party ethnic divisiveness might be found authorities in both the British and Regardless of Somaliland’s stability, the in Somalia. In Brian J. Hesse’s “Les- Italian colonies created clan chiefs, Economist continues, security concerns sons in successful Somali governance,” whereas “Somali shir custom obliges all remain a priority (W, 2014). (2010), he notes that the constitution of adult males in a clan to deliberate and Despite Somaliland’s general suc- the break-off Republic of Somaliland, decide political and economic affairs by cesses in governance and maintaining a functioning government found in the council rather than by individual chiefly stability in a region noted for instability, northern portion of Somalia, “expressly fiat.” (Hesse, 2010, p. 71). Colonial pow- it seems highly unlikely that the African prohibits any political party based on ers also favored some clans over others Union will recognize its independence. regionalism or clannism” (p. 74). For when filling posts in the newly indepen- The African Union Border Programme a political party to even gain recogni- dent Somalia after 1960. The tensions (AUBP) acknowledges the continent- tion within the Somaliland parliament, that arose because of these situations, wide problems of the poorly defined it must get 20% of the vote from four the jealousy and envy between clan colonial borders as “a recurrent source of the nation’s six regions in a general groups, were similar to those that arose of conflicts and disputes.” (African election. This requires that the party in Kenya. Whereas Kenya has contin- Union Border Programme (AUBP, 2013). appeals to and attracts support from ued to maintain national sovereignty, Instead of barriers, however, borders across regions and clans. Somaliland’s Somalia’s internal strife brought the ought to be considered bridges that upper house, the House of Elders, country’s government down, creating a link states to each other. The AUBP is includes guaranteed representation failed state. intended to assist in those efforts with from each of the clans and sub-clans in In the interim, things have changed its vision is: “A united and integrated the region. In its system of checks and in Somalia. Today, the officially rec- Africa with peaceful, open and prosper- balances, the House of Elders acts to ognized government of Somalia is the ous borders.” As that is the stated posi- supervise both the lower house and the Transitional Federal Government of tion of the African Union, and Western presidency, reviewing bills and laws Somalia (TFG), which is, according to powers will, for now, abide by such promulgated by either, as well as having the Council on Foreign Relations, “the decisions, it seems unlikely that we will the ability to introduce their own leg- fourteenth attempt to create a function- see many more “new” countries on the islation for consideration by the other ing government in Somalia” (Hanson & continent of Africa in the near future. Politial Map of Africa branches of government (ibid.). Kaplan, 2008). The TFG did not for- However, regardless of whether This does not mean that Somaliland mally meet on Somali soil until 2006, the Republic of Somaliland gains its from the tiny Kabylia movement in ing illegally and planning to breach the rape of women from the target tribe do has resolved the problems of self- approximately a year and a half after its independence or a Pan-African state is Algeria to the Islamist Boko Haram in public peace (Akwiri, 2014). Unrest in so as a means of potent humiliation of government in Africa. Hesse reports creation. It wasn’t until 2012, when the created out of the efforts of the Afri- Nigeria, and from the Matabeleland Kenya is not unusual. In the fifty years the ethnic other” (p. 459). Ethnic loyalty that the country received ratings of 5 “new internationally-backed govern- can Union wherein the borders have movement that seeks to divide Zimba- since gaining its independence, unrest has encouraged conflict, including the and 4 on political and civil freedoms, ment was installed, that the country become bridges between peoples, the bwe into four separatist movements has always been part of Kenya’s ongoing taking up of arms against neighbors. respectively, from Freedom House in began to enjoy a measure of stability.” choice to reduce inter-ethnic conflict in in Somalia. One of the two separat- struggle to maintain unity. Even within churches, ethnic groups in 2009 (Hesse, 2010, 75). This is on a (Somalia profile – Overview, 2015). the Republic of Somaliland by ensuring ist movements in Angola, the United According to Jeffrey Steeves (2011), Kenya often self-segregate, especially scale of 1 through 7, with 7 being the Despite the TFG’s nominal suc- positive representation of all parties Kingdom of Lunda Tchokwe, even has in many places within Kenya, there may during post-election periods (p. 459). worst. Additionally, Torres, et al (2010), cess and international recognition, the in a unified government might provide its own Facebook page (Torres, et al, be a semblance of order, but there is Part of the problem, according to report in The Guardian’s separatist map Republic of Somaliland’s government a model for the rest of Africa. Divisive 2012). also an underlying “seething hatred for Steeves, is that political parties are that Somaliland has acquired its own continues to hang onto its claim of sov- multi-party politics where the parties Even Kenya is currently affected ‘the other’ which has wrought the dev- often aligned along ethnic lines, which secessionist state. That said, within the ereignty. E.W. writes in The Economist are defined by ethnic kinship must end. by a separatist movement. Writing astation and scarring of Kenya’s domi- also appeal to solidarity and rewards region, Somaliland’s Freedom House fig- (2014) that, while it has failed to win in- We may not see new countries arising from Mombasa, Clar Ni Chonghaile nant communities” (p.459). If only these within the intra-ethnic community. “[C] ures are better than average. None of its ternational recognition, it continues to anytime soon, but we might see more reported in September of 2012 that the invasive ‘others’ could be removed from ross tribal political alignments … show immediate neighbors score higher than act as if it were an independent nation. stability in those that already exist. Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) ancestral homelands, then the proper weakness and … potentially dilute the a 6 (2015 Freedom in the World). The Economist also reports that its case was concerned that outsiders to the residents “could prosper and educate spoils of victory” (Steeves, 2011, p. So, can we expect to see a Republic for independence is strong: “it sticks region, known as wabara, were arming their children” (p. 459). There is a great 462). Political parties based on ethnic of Somaliland represented in the United to old colonial borders favored by the themselves. Two years later, Reuters deal of inter-ethnic violence, often as- bases are at the heart of the problem in Nations in the near future? That ques- international community,” and its “[i] reported that the chairman of the MRC sociated with political organizations. Kenyan politics and the violence that tion is tied to the more complicated ncreased financial security” supports its had been arrested, charged with meet- Some “[m]ilitants engaged in the violent erupts after national elections, which issue of Somalia. As Hesse notes, it cause (W, 2014). Sadly, Western

18 19 female into a mobile vivified painting” es, is truly a contemporary fusion, and, that many African societies face, he does TRANSFORMING TRADITIONS: (Haig, 1998, p. 72). The design would re- paradoxically, a juxtaposition of both the not address his concerns with negativity main on the body for several days (Peck, traditional and the modern. and defeatism; rather, his art responds 2002). Designs were also employed by Abdoulaye Konaté and the textiles of with “hope, exploring the human condi- CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ARTISTS dance groups to differentiate themselves Mali tion through thoughtful and critical from groups from neighboring villages, Mali has a long history linked to expression” (“Abdoulaye Konaté,” n.d.). and men were believed to have worn the textiles, the most well known being the Even his use of traditional materials, in CREATING NEW MEANINGS designs during events such as celebrated Bògòlanfini, or mud cloth, and indigo the form of the Malian cloth, is positive wrestling matches (Willis, 1989, p. 62). dyed cloths. In fact, when exploring the in that it not only helps the local econ- TIFFANY MATYAS DREW Similar to the way in which the body burial tombs in Mali’s Bandiagara Es- omy but allows Konaté to use his art to painting was utilized, Uli designs were carpment, in the 1960s, an archaeologi- acknowledge the West African practice also drawn on the walls of compounds cal expedition discovered a cache of raw of utilizing textiles to “commemorate and shrines for rituals and festivals white and indigo dyed cloth that dated and communicate” (“Abdoulaye Konaté,” (Willis, 1989, p. 62). back over one thousand years (Samaké, n.d.). Marcia Kure and the Uli Kure’s use of uli painting is under- 2012. P. 21). These cloths were a crucial In his 2011 installation, “Pouvoir et Painting Tradition standable considering her study at the export for the Malians in the trans- Religion (Power+Religion),” Konaté ex- Marcia Kure was born in Kano, University in Nsukka, which focused Saharan trade (Samaké, 2012. P. 21). plores the influence of Christianity and Nigeria in 1970 (“Marcia Kure,” 2004) heavily on incorporating the tradi- All the Malian handwoven textiles are Islam on West Africa in terms of politics and attended the University of Nigeria, tional art form. Prior to Kure’s time at woven into small bands, which are then and culture. Konaté uses the symbols of Nsukka, where she graduated with a the school, nine “rebellious” students compiled into “strip-cloths” (Samaké, religion and government superimposed B.A. in painting in 1994 (Smith, 2010, formed an art society and issued a mani- 2012, p. 22). Producing the cloths has on a gray scale background reminis- p. 62). Kure’s art takes on a variety of festo in which they called for a “criti- traditionally been a community effort cent of the feathers of the guinea fowl, forms including paintings and sculpture cal evaluation” of the tradition and its with both men and women participat- a bird that is important in the mythi- rich in the use of mixed media, “a term meaning. These students, led by the now ing. Women harvested the cotton and cal symbolism in sub-Saharan Africa used to describe artworks composed famous Uche Okeke, began to re-imagine spun it into threads, while men were (“Abdoulaye Konaté,” n.d.), one that from a combination of different media or and re-interpret the art form. As such, responsible for weaving the thread into “man keeps... in his heart” (as cited in materials” (“Mixed Media,” 2015). In her contemporary “Uli art has come to sig- bands of cloth (Samaké, 2012, p. 22). In “Abdoulaye Konaté,” n.d.). In his more art, Kure draws inspiration from the Uli nify the struggles of (an) African people some areas, once arranged into patterns recent works, Konaté focuses on rays art tradition of the Igbo people as well for cultural and ideological emancipa- and dyed, the cloths are given names of rich light and complimenting colors as early African cave drawings. While tion in the artistic domain” (Haig, 1998, (Samaké, 2012, p. 26). In others, for in- rather than depicting some of his more she primarily uses watercolors when p. 72). stance, those inhabited by the Tamshek politically charged imagery. Konaté she paints, she often tints her colors by In an interview with Polly Brock, Mar- people, the indigo dyed cloth becomes explained this change, or re-focus, in a Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigerian novelist, non-fiction writer and short story writer. using extract from the kola nut (Smith, cia Kure describes herself as someone traditionally distinct clothing, which 2015 interview, remarking that while he 2010, p. 62), an important plant in the who “attempts to communicate ideas cannot be separated from their cultural has consistently worked with both color Almost all expressions of art, includ- many contemporary African artists of Igbo tradition. about identity through a synthesis of identity (Samaké, 2012, p. 25). and political commentary, “some themes ing music, dance, literature, visual arts, relevance, some so deeply enmeshed in In Southeastern Nigeria, art has been traditional and contemporary modalities Born in Diré, Mali, Abdoulaye Konaté, are so violent, you need to create gaps, or myriad other categories, seek to modern explorations that it is almost im- a constant of Igbo society as a means to of art making” (as cited in Smith, 2015). attended both the Institut National des breathing and reflection spaces for your- convey meaning. Though some artists possible to discern their country of ori- express spirituality and contemplate the Kure goes on to remark that she is con- Arts in Bamako, Mali and the Instituto self” (as cited in Schneider, 2015). may ascribe to the “l'art pour l'art”, or gin; however, other artists have been un- mysteries of the world (Okpara, 2012, p. cerned with themes of identity; as such, Superior des Arte in Cuba where he “art for art’s sake”, school of thought able or unwilling to create art that is far 897). Uli painting on the body and struc- she uses “story and tradition” to define studied painting (“Biography,” n.d.). Kenyan Ceramics, the Female Form, and (Art for Art’s Sake, n.d.), most attempt removed from their particular cultural tural walls by young girls and women her “understanding of place” while also Konaté turned to the use of Mali’s tra- Magdalene Odundo to use their art as a means for personal traditions. Artists such as Marcia Kure, has been a common art form since pre- attempting to redefine her own sense of ditional dyed and woven textiles when A native of Kenya, born in Nairobi, expression, for giving a voice to struggle, Magdalene Odundo, and Abdoulaye colonial times (Okpara, 2012, p. 899). identity (as cited in Smith, 2015). In her paint and canvas were no longer materi- Magdalene Odundo was first trained as for social commentary, for honoring—or Konaté utilize traditional iconography, Uli art is made by smashing the seeds mixed media explorations she utilizes als he could obtain (“Abdoulaye Konaté,” a graphic artist while attending college rebelling against—tradition, and for materials, and people as inspiration and of uli plants to produce a liquid that is textiles and refers to traditional art: n.d.). in both India and Britain (Resume, n.d.). making sense of the very real, and some- means to transform their ties to culture then used to draw freehand designs on “For me the relationship between the Konaté produces large-scale pieces Upon her return to Africa, she began to times very intense, human experience. into meaningful works of contemporary the body with wood and metal tools body and textiles or costume is manifest that are, primarily, textile based, and study the ceramic making techniques of Every culture and society that has ever art and social commentary. (Willis, 1989, p. 62). Uli designs were in Uli body painting, and my exploration provide social commentary on environ- women in both Nigeria and Kenya, tech- existed has created some diverse forms considered to heighten the beauty of the of clothing as a medium is a way of com- mental and political issues by depicting niques that relied on hand-building and of art. Over time, these forms have person wearing them and were applied municating or accessing this Uli ideol- “scenes of societal turmoil, military firing (Magdalene Odundo, n.d.). Part of been nurtured, sometimes destroyed but for a variety of important events–includ- ogy” (as cited in Smith, 2015). Though conflict, sovereignty, faith, globalisation, Odundo’s decision to change was due to other times revived, and altered until ing weddings and births, the awarding of she is fundamentally connected to the ecological shifts and the AIDS epidemic” meeting two renowned potters, Bernard they find new expression and new forms titled status, and funerals (Willis, 1989, Igbo artistic traditions, Kure’s vision of (“Abdoulaye,” n.d.). Though he focuses Leach and Michael Cardew, and then with contemporary artists. There are p. 62)– “transform[ing] the painted her own art and the themes she address- on these pertinent and important issues spending a summer in Cardew’s Abuja

20 21 Centre where she learned the pottery in their work; indeed, there are many Generally when introducing a specific techniques practiced by Gwari women relevant and respected contemporary literary work, I give my students infor- GRAFFITI AS AN ART FORM: (Simpson, 2006, p. 53). artists who do not. Bodys Isek Kingelez, mation about the author’s life, the coun- The tradition of hand crafted pottery from the Democratic Republic of the try and time period of the work, relevant throughout the world seems to be a craft Congo, creates fantastically intricate literary or artistic movements, and RE-IMAGINING AND RE-DEFINING primarily occupied by women. Simpson and colorful models of urban land- cultural practices. Similar to the way in (2006) asserts that “the association with scapes, for instance, and from Ethiopia, which understanding how cultural tradi- the earth, the connections to giving life Julie Mehretu’s large-scale paintings are tion influences a piece of art or a specific PUBLIC SPACE to new forms, even the practical domes- reminiscent of abstract masters such as artist aids the observer in unpacking the tic aspects of ceramic use” explains the Kandinsky. These artists’ creations are underlying meaning of art, understand- GRISELDA RODRIGUEZ dominance of women in the field (p. 51). almost a rebellion against traditional ing how the cultural traditions and con- Perhaps this cultural tradition helps to imagery; however, they are no less strik- cerns shape a literary work enhances explain the connection to the female ing because of it. Still, traditions matter comprehension and critical analysis of form that Odundo highlights in her because culture matters because people the author’s purpose, theme, as well as works. matter. It is useful and vital that every identifying when that work is also func- fiti from small marks on walls to large While continuing to use the tradi- person feels connected and valued. One tioning as social commentary. displays of politics, power, culture, and tional techniques–shaping her pieces of the most fundamental ways for that This kind of study could also help education. In essence, street artists are with a “coiling technique” and staunchly feeling to be nurtured is through our cul- when introducing creative writing. It is echoing the sentiments of their commu- avoiding using a potter’s wheel–Odundo tural ties and traditions. Artists, writ- useful for students to grasp how person- nities and reflect on the human condi- celebrates expressions of femininity ers, dancers, and musicians who know al in nature writing can be. Opening a tion in ways that speak to everyone, not (Berns, 1996, p. 62), molding physical this, embrace and exalt in it, generally creative unit with a study of art and how only the elite. representations of women with tradi- bring those influences and practices traditions affect and inspire an artist can tional techniques. Where pregnancy with them and, in turn, let them infuse then be connected to how authors use Nigeria – The Igbo People is embodied in the “generous curve of the art they create. In this way, tradition autobiographical elements, historical The Igbo people of Southeastern Nige- a pot’s belly [that] echoes the swollen becomes intrinsically bound to their art events, and cultural traditions to create ria have a long history of graffiti in their womb” and other pieces tip “backward in ways that layer and deepen mean- their works. Using smaller writing as- cultural practices. Graffiti artists use in long, graceful sweeps, evok[ing] ing, making it all the more relevant and signments wherein students are asked to pidgin, English, and local Igbo dialects the elongated foreheads” and “flaring personal for the rest of us. incorporate aspects of their own specific to transcribe information to the general coiffures of Mangbetu women” (Berns, cultural beliefs, practices, and traditions community on any surface – “walls, cars, 1996, p. 64). Although she maintains the Ideas for the Classroom will help them in writing larger pieces of trucks, buses, arches, pavements [and] traditional methods of creating, Odundo In an art course, at any level, I would poetry or prose. Graffiti art is very popular in South Africa bridges” (Obiozor, p. 10). In addition explains that what actually drew her to imagine that understanding the cultural to communication, graffiti projects are pottery was not the connection to Africa traditions of an artist or artistic move- History used for educational purposes to train so much as the “way the figure was rep- ment and how that influences a par- a re-imagining and re-defining of public and teach the youth about history, cur- Graffiti – writings or drawings scrib- resented,” which portrayed strength and ticular artist would be invaluable. The space through ownership. rent events, politics, war, etc. bled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a balance (Odundo, 2008, p. 53). The craft methods of incorporating this in an art The Museum is an institution that Unlike in the Western world, espe- wall or other surface in a public space. technique of working the soft and pliant class would be virtually endless. Though formally creates permanency and cially in the United States and Europe, Graffiti is not culture- specific and clay is representative of “the way wom- I am a teacher of literature in English for defines importance through inclusion graffiti does not have a negative con- it is common to a variety of cultures anhood is treated or was treated during tenth and twelfth graders, culture and and exclusion. It does so by designating notation in the Igbo culture. However, throughout human history (Spocter, p. my mother’s time, a total manipulation tradition is no less important. Provid- and defining certain objects as art and Westernization and Christianity have 294). Greek and Roman structures are of the woman” (Odundo, 2008, p. 53). ing context for works of literature is preserves them as pieces that a commu- introduced a conflict between graffiti riddled with graffiti, where it was pri- However, as the clay was molded and imperative for students to grasp the full nity ought to value. These designations and Christian beliefs that has contrib- marily an individual mark that was not fired, it moved back and forth between meaning of a text and its relevance and do not require public consensus and The uted to the decrease of the use of graffiti aimed for a larger audience (Obiozor, p. states of fragility and strength, which significance in a specific time period or Museum, as an institution, becomes an in Igbo culture. 5). Part of Western Civilization includes Odundo finds fascinating (Odundo, movement. Exploring the culture of an exclusive space that has the ability to the imposition of boundaries that define 2008, p. 53). Thus, form and technique author, through the art of that culture, marginalize those outside of the desig- South Africa public and private spaces. Public spaces are continuously married in expressions helps to give students valuable back- nated artistic sphere. The Museum is become a creation of the established In the 1980s, there was mounting op- of tradition and femininity. ground information which they can not a creation or collaboration of a com- government as opposed to the commu- position against South Africa’s apartheid then access to place a work or author in munity and its government. It is most of- nity and are reinforced through laws. system. In the efforts to quell the resis- Conclusion context. It helps them get to know, if you ten a creation of government or private As a result, the general population of tance, the government instituted a series Artistic expression, in any medium, will, the culture and history of a soci- owners with the means to develop such a society is disassociated from their of censorship tactics against the media, in any form, is deeply personal. It is cer- ety. It gives them insight to the creative an institution. community space. The popularization of particularly newspapers. As a result, the tainly not a requirement that an artist thinking and, in some cases, the political In recent decades, communities graffiti as an art form in recent years is opposition used public space to con- include traditional themes or materials and societal concerns of the time. around the world have expanded graf- tinue to communicate the political and 22 23 cultural thoughts of the public. Graffiti One of the most famous images of the Miami, FL became the primary outlet of resistance 2011 Egyptian Revolution is that cre- In the United States, Miami, FL has THE ART OF AFRICAN STORYTELLING demonstration. Pro-government graffiti ated by Mohammad Fahmy, aka Ganzeer, become synonymous with “internation- also sprung up but was likely done by which shows a military tank aiming its al.” Its diverse population from around DEON STUPART military forces related to the govern- turret at a young man carrying Egyptian the world contributes to a melding of ment rather than public support. bread on his head and riding a bicycle. different cultures and provides a wide Graffiti proliferated in Cape Town, This image, entitled “Tank vs. Bike,” be- range of opportunity for the arts. Like in South Africa, and in 2010, the city came iconic to the contradicting forces many places where graffiti art is prolific, passed by-laws that made graffiti of the Revolution that was largely driven street art is illegal unless commissioned. “The art of storytelling around a ethnic groups. The tradition of African the spoken word while griottes focused widely illegal. Repercussions for graffiti by the youth but overtaken by military The Miami Design District, also known fire was an essential dimension of life storytelling is one of the most ancient in on praise through song. When a woman include, but are not limited to, immedi- forces. It also became a centerpiece as Wynwood, has used graffiti to develop in the countryside. Many evenings, at African culture. Initially, African stories is married, a griotte would sing to her ate removal of graffiti at the cost of the of political expression as other street the area in terms of aesthetics and tour- the end of a day in the fields, children were tools for celebrating the heroic to prepare her for her new life. Griottes artist, fines, and imprisonment. The artists altered the piece to express the ism. Artist investors built on the already would gather and listen to stories grandeur of the African past; then it was also used songs to express their inde- by-laws require permits for any inscrip- evolution of the Egyptian events and existing graffiti and made street art a their mothers would tell as they wait- used for anti-colonial struggle. Later, it pendence and self-reliance. The songs tion on public space, whether it’s for one political thought during this time period centerpiece of Wynwood. Today, people ed for the meal to cook over an open was employed as a weapon for depict- offered comfort, encouragement, and letter or an entire wall of graffiti, and (Lennon, pp. 237-239). come from all around the world to see fire and three stones. Children also ing the postcolonial disillusionment in empowerment to other women. These allows graffiti to be on display for a limit Graffiti projects are flourishing in the graffiti in the Design District and told stories around the fire. Stories African nations. Now it tells the story songs, of course, would be performed of three months. Egypt and artists have used the art international artists are commissioned were a way to keep children enter- of the past, the present and those who with traditional African instruments In spite of these regulations Cape form as a platform for women’s is- to add to the Wynwood Walls. tained-and awake-as they waited for have been ignored. The story has always (Utley, 2008). According to Joanna Lott Town has yielded a number of world-re- sues. In 2013, the initiative Women on dinner, and could be as short or as been connected to the experiences of (2002), the griots can sing your praises nowned street artists, male and female, Walls (WOW) was created to encourage Conclusion long as the cooking required………… the peoples of the continent. Thus, the but doom your death. They sing praise such as Falko One (also known as Falko discussion of the political, social, and The evolution of graffiti and its in- Many of the stories had become very storyteller played a vital role in the com- songs and tell stories that would last for Starr), Rasty, Nard, and Daisy. As Falko economic issues that are particular to creasing acceptance as art, rather than elaborate and subtle, like myths, munity (Keyinde, 2004). In West Africa, an extended period of time. These early states, “a lot of graffiti then had little women and to encourage female graffiti vandalism, demonstrates the changing because they had been told in various the most common name used is griot, a storytellers were invaluable pre-colonial political connotation in it. We kind of artists. perception of agency and ownership that forms over many generations. Kikuyu French word denoting an expert in oral Africa, as they counselled, memorized all just made it up. We were just doing communities are developing. Graffiti is stories were filled with animals with history. However, among the Yoruba, a wealth of historical information, it out of social cause, trying to make a (Inter)national Connections Brazil a resource to marginalized communi- human characteristics-both bad and the storyteller is called Akewi; Maroka entertained, resolved conflicts and were change in our society because it was still In Brazil, street art was legalized in ties and people in response to exclusive good.” (Maathai, 2006) among the Hausa; and Imbongi among religious figures in their villages. apartheid then” (Glauberman, 2011). 2009 as long as the artist had consent institutions, such as governments and the Xhosa people (Wilson, 2002). Falko developed the concept of “split- from the property owner. In 2014, Rio The Museum. The Museum cannot col- The oral tradition of storytelling is AESOP, ANANSE AND THE ANIMAL piece,” which is one large mural painted de Janeiro made street art completely lect street art or appropriate it from a inextricably linked to African culture, GRIOTS AND GRIOTTES ANGLE on different walls in different places that legal in the city as long as it was not on culture in the same way that artifacts mores and beliefs. Storytelling in the The griots were originally counselors African folktales are one of the pri- together are read as a singular piece historically designated property. These have been in the past. Graffiti is commu- African culture has been a way of pass- of Kings. “They conserved the consti- mary oral literary forms found among where each part speaks to each other, decrees were responses to the grow- nity specific and relies on the surfaces of ing down traditions, codes of behavior, tution of kings by memory and work the African people, and were originally thus symbolizing of unity across space. ing street art/graffiti culture that has a particular community to exist. Ad- as well as maintaining social order. Even alone.” Although the griots of West Af- told and retold by the early oral sto- been growing in Brazil for a couple of ditionally, governmental legalization of though remnants of narrative poetry in rica are associated with many ethnic and rytellers. Just as they had much influ- Egypt decades. Brazilian culture differentiates graffiti does not empower government Swahili, and several literatures, known linguistic traditions, they consider their ence on society, they also impacted The youth of Egypt were at the graffiti from tagging, where “the tagger to control it – the community remains as ajami, have been recovered from as roots to be tied to the thirteenth century the new breed of storytellers to later forefront of the 2011 Egyptian Revolu- wants to put his name on the wall…the in control. Globalization allows people early as the eighteenth century, writing Malian empire and its founder, Sun- come out of the continent. These tales tion that was a response to poverty, street artist is interested in aesthet- in different regions to connect in such had not been formally developed in an- diata, Keita. The griots, and their female reflected relations among humans, men unemployment, and government corrup- ics and the community” (Young, 2012). activities like street art. There is no cient Africa. Due to this lack of a written counterparts the griottes, possessed and women and the animal world. They tion. The widespread use of technology Graffiti is pervasive in all Rio de Janeiro single location responsible for defining language system, the oral tradition was extraordinary memory. The griot/griotte offered explanations of natural phenom- among the youth to communicate about neighborhoods, regardless of class or contemporary street art, as the study the main way in which many Africans profession was one that passed down ena, taught morality, provided African politics and organize demonstrations led race. Its legalization is really a reflection of graffiti in different African countries transmitted their thoughts, beliefs, and from one generation to the next; boys people with a sense of identity, and to a strict government censorship of the of the government’s response to popula- shows. As we see in the above examples, feelings. This took the form of not only and girls learned from their parents who were entertaining as well as instructive Internet. Almost immediately, the same tion’s opinion. graffiti is used to express the range of stories, but proverbs, songs, poems and were griots. They not only relayed the (Utley, 2008). Perhaps some of the most youth that relied on the Internet for As in Africa, Brazilian street art is human emotions and struggle, from historical accounts. Africans utilized history of the society and of those who well-known folktales are Ananse stories, political expression turned to street art about politics as much as it is about empowerment to poverty and destitu- various forms of art, myths and cer- had passed on, but they were historians, and the stories of the famous mythologi- and graffiti to continue to communicate aesthetics. During the 2014 World Cup, tion. Graffiti has the potential to unite emonies to communicate, educate and genealogists, musicians, messengers, cal storyteller; Aesop. Most western- their thoughts on the current events that Brazilian citizens used graffiti as a way communities, foment necessary political entertain. praise singers and advisors to nobility. ers are familiar with “fables” because impacted them. Graffiti in Egypt was to express their disappointment in their discussions, and pay tribute to cultural Africa is the second-largest continent, The female griottes however, usually of those attributed to Aesop. However, not born out of the 2011 Revolution, but government, as citizens saw an influx of memory. with more than a thousand different played a lesser role. Traditionally, griots stories using animals as characters have did garner the attention of mass media money alongside continued poverty and languages spoken among the various specialized in history conveyed through been told on the continent since ancient because of it (Lennon, p. 247). lack of education funding. 24 25 times. Interestingly, because of his style erbs, myths, folktales, fairy tales, and line point of view or in some cases not of storytelling and the myth surrounding fables into literature. One of the many at all. Their works have become compa- This speaks to the fact that the African’s his existence, some historians believe examples from his Things Fall Apart is rable with those of their male counter- experience is deeply planted in their cul- that Aesop may have been of African “Ikemefuna’s Song,” a shortened ver- parts addressing issues previously ig- tural heritage, a heritage these writers descent, enslaved and lived between 620 sion of an Igbo folktale. Another Igbo nored or distorted. Despite the different have not forgotten, ignored or denied. – 560 BC in Greece. folktale used by Achebe is “Tortoise and perspective, what is remarkable is that As Solomon Iyasere puts it in Oral In many Aesop’s fables, and similarly the Birds,” an Igbo folktale/fable which the topics discussed by these women are Tradition in the Criticism of African in Ananse and other animal stories involves a “trickster animal,” recounted just as deeply rooted in the oral culture Literature: told by traditional storytellers, human in chapter 11 of Things Fall Apart. Also as that of the male writers. One of the "...the modern African writer is to his feelings and desires were attributed in Thiong’o’s A Grain of Wheat, he jux- many examples is Nigerian author Chi- indigenous oral tradition to particular animals and ethical ideas taposes his native Gikuyu proverbs with mamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, as a snail is to its shell. Even in a for- were derived from their behavior. These verses and parables from the Bible. This which is blended with elements of Igbo eign habitat, stories had messages that were used to spoke to the fact that the oral traditional folktales, riddles and proverbs. Also, a snail never leaves its shell behind.” teach good and bad behavior, and ad- form had a strong influence on these included in the novel Efuru by Flora ditionally lessons on what would happen writers, and there was still a solid con- Nwapa is the Myth of Uhamiri, an Ibo LESSON IDEAS if certain societal expectations were not nection. goddess of the lake. Additionally Ama 1. Think of an issue that affects met. They were told to villagers to in- Aita Aidoo reveals the inspiration of “Until the story of the hunt is told by your school/community, e.g. bullying, struct them in the ways of what was ac- her play Anowa when she says, “I come the lion, the tale of the hunt will always peer pressure, homelessness, child hun- ceptable and what was not. They were from a people who told stories. And my Gambia's first female griotte, Sona Jobarteh playing the 21-string Kora. glorify the hunter.” ger/abuse. In the tradition of Aesop, cre- also used to glorify the actions of ances- mother talks stories and sings songs. ate a fable using animals of your choice tors and warn villagers of what would written form therefore became popular. cal independence from their Stories have specific meaning in the Anowa, for instance, grew directly from that focuses on a lesson you believe happen if they failed to follow communal While pre-colonial oral storytelling was colonial rulers. Many authors writ- lives of those who tell them, referring to a story she told me” (Gilbert, p.97). needs to be learned or a message that rules. They would at times portray a more concerned with religion, enter- ing during this time, and even during personal situations and experiences. In These examples thus illustrate that male needs to be exposed about this issue. particular animal as the eternal shy- tainment, recounting the past deeds of colonial times, saw themselves as both pre-colonial and colonial Africa, stories and female writers, despite discussing 2. Pretend that you’re a West ster that never seemed to learn these ancestors and glorifying the splendor of artists and political activists, and their were mainly told by male writers so different subject matters, shared this African griot/griotte (storyteller) who is lessons. Some of these animals were the continent, there was a major shift works reflected their concerns regard- they basically mirrored the experiences one thing in common: a link to their oral relating past tales of the African village Ananse the spider; Edshu, a messenger during the colonial period. Colonial Af- ing the political and social conditions of these men. However, in the period tradition. in which you live. Make up an “Ode” god in Yoruba folklore; Sunguru, a hare rican literature was male-dominated and of their countries. Much of early post- after colonialism and especially in the The art of African storytelling has poem dedicated to your village. This in Central and East African folklore; and concerned itself with the fight for inde- colonial writing reflects this sense of last thirty years, there emerged female deep roots that are strong, and that poem should express why the village, its Irimu, a dragon in Kenya Kikuyu’s cul- pendence. Writings that were churned freedom and hope. writers who filled a deep literary silence have traveled far. Evolving from past to traditions and its people are so special. ture. The Ananse folktales are the most out during this period, before the 1960s, In the years that followed, as many surrounding women’s lives. Unlike the present, oral to written, pre-colonialism Be prepared to perform your Ode to commonly known. They were originally addressed colonial life and occupation. African nations struggled to reinvigorate female storytellers of the past, whose to the present, African storytelling has music, similarly to the tradition of the told in Ghana, Africa. “Ananse” is a The main characters were male, which long-subservient societies and culture, role was limited to praise songs, female also always reflected the experiences griot/griotte. Ghanaian name for spider. Ananse, like of course made the issues discussed writers of postcolonial Africa began writers are responding to their male of the African people. Whether it was 3. Create a short story (one page) many other animals in African stories, male-centered. Some examples were reflecting on the horrors their countries counterparts by giving voice to women’s happy or troubling times, the story was about a typical African trickster animal, played human roles when his deeds are South African Peter Abraham’s Mine suffered following decolonization, and concerns and telling their story. How- always told to mirror the concerns of in which he/she instead performs a he- successful. In time of tragedy however, Boy, and Senegalese author Bakary Di- their writing is often filled with a sense ever, like the earlier female storytellers, the speaker. They have been stories that roic act to help the animals around him/ especially when Ananse is humiliated, allo’s Force-Bonté (Great Goodness), an of despair and anger, at both the state they used their stories to empower and regale a people, draw attention to issues, her. Make sure the story has a moral or he shows his true image as a real spider. account of his assimilation into French of their nations and the leaders who encourage women. One example is Nige- right wrongs, or reveal desires. The life lesson. There was always a lesson to be learned life during the first World War (Ngate, replaced former colonial oppressors rian Buchi Emecheta, whose The Joys of form of storytelling despite adapting to 4. Think of a story that you have from Ananse, whether he was trying to 2014, p. 213). In addition, African writ- (Pavlovski, 2004). This sense of disil- Motherhood (1979) examines marriage Western styles and discussing various heard or read that had male characters outwit someone or show people as weak. ers like Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyin- lusionment is reflected in such works and the family from a woman’s perspec- issues, has come full circle, connecting in the main roles. Rewrite that story These two genres, folktale and fables, ka focused on the effects of colonialism as Ayi Kwei Armah’s, The Beautiful tive. Another is Ama Ata Aidoo’s collec- the past with the present. There has still with females as the main characters, became the most common inspirational on the traditional African patriarchal is Not Yet Born, set in the last days of tion of short stories, No Sweetness Here, been the influence of the oral traditional discussing important issues that you for many future African writers. village life, while Ngugi wa Thiong’o dis- Ghana’s post-colonial Prime Minister which highlights the problem women form evident in the work of past and believe affect women now. cussed the struggles of Njoroge, a young turned President Kwame Nkrumah’s face with Westernization, standards of present storytellers. The African writer THE INFLUENCE OF COLONIALISM, THE Kenyan boy, in Weep Not Child. rule. It tells the story of a railway clerk, beauty, and the absence of husbands and has found in the sources of the African FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE, AND THE All in all the story of Africa from “the man,” who makes his way into a fathers. Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous oral heritage a new enrichment. By in- MALE VOICE. independence to the present is best told greedy and corrupt world. Storytelling Conditions (1988) is another work that corporating the oral literacy structures During the period of colonialism, not in its history books but in its novels, had begun to become more politically tells the story of the double bondage of into the novel form, these innovative while the oral tradition of storytelling short stories and poems. Post-colonial- charged, and rightly so; reactive. Re- colonialism and patriarchy on African writers are gradually working toward continued to be important, Africans ism in Africa refers in general to the era gardless of this transformation, African women (p. 222). These women were giv- the Africanization of the story form started to venture into a more West- between 1960 and 1970, during which novelists like Achebe often incorporated ing a feminine face to storytelling, one (Sackey, 1991). ern manner of telling their story. The time many African nations gained politi- traditional oral forms such as prov- that was told previously from a mascu-

26 27 (IPCC, 2007). Adding to these findings (Harris, 2008). This will help preserve informants or contributors rather than CLIMATE CHANGE: HOW WILL AFRICA the projected doubling of the population the local economies by helping farmers receivers of such information (Leise- to 2 billion in Africa by the year 2050 who are unable to grow traditional crops rowitz, 2010). MacDonald et al. (2013) (The 10 Youngest Nations, 2015) creates due to drought. highlighted that “globally, youth voices RESPOND? a desperate situation in which swift ac- and their experiences, observations, and tion is crucial to the survival of Africa’s Tourism perceptions about climatic and environ- ROBIN MILLER EDWARDS people, plants, and animals. A Look at Mt. Kilimanjaro mental change and variability are rela- There will be more loss of livestock Mt. Kilimanjaro is a popular destina- tively absent in the published literature and crops due to drought. In the dry- tion for many tourists. Yet, during the to date.” lands, loss of water will become a criti- 20th century, the extent of Mt. Kiliman- Students often felt that their opinions cal issue as soaring temperatures and jaro’s ice fields decreased by about 80%. would not be welcomed or taken seri- There has been much talk about What does this mean for Africa? ing of trees sends more heat-trapping erratic rainfall dry up surface water. For It has been suggested that if current ously. One participant expressed his example, Lake Chad, which was once inability to gain the trust of the elders climate change, also known as global The Intergovernmental Panel on carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than climatological conditions persist, the the second-largest wetland in Africa and in his community when discussing the warming. It seems everyone has an Climate Change’s most recent regional all the world's planes, trains, trucks and remaining ice fields are likely to disap- supports 20 million people, is down to risks of climate change and the possibili- opinion from the scientific community to report certainly raises concern. It automobiles (Harris, 2008). pear between 2015 and 2020 (Thompson 5% of its size in 1973 (Dixon, 2008). ties for alternative lifestyles: “Our wis- politicians to corporations. After many predicts a minimum 2.5 degrees C Forests, which cover 20% of Africa, et al., 2002). These ice fields contribute Approximately 70 percent of African dom is subjected to opinions of elders; years of debate, science has shown that increase in temperature in Africa by are disappearing faster than on any to the beauty and wonder of this iconic people are farmers and 40 percent of I come from a traditional community; the earth’s temperature rising. Although 2030; drylands bordering the deserts other continent. Deforestation is a ma- mountain. all exports are agricultural products. difficult to change elders’ minds. They Africa produces less than 4% of the may get drier and wetlands bordering jor concern in 35 African nations (Dixon, Kilimanjaro is a major revenue gen- (WRI, 1996). One-third of the income in say we have been doing this for so long... world's greenhouse gases, it is particu- the rainforests may get wetter (see map) 2008). Unfortunately, Africa is now a erator for Tanzania, one of the world's Africa is generated by agriculture, and If you try talking to adults, they won’t larly vulnerable to the effects of global (Drying Up and Flooding Out 2007). leader in deforestation. U.N. specialists poorest counties. If its appearance crop production and livestock farm- listen or respect you; makes you doubt warming, U.N. environmental experts Increases in temperature, precipitation, estimate 60 acres of tropical forest are dramatically changes, will it still attract ing account for about half of household yourself...Most of youth are questioning have said (Dixon, 2008). There is a criti- and other climate variables - results felled worldwide every minute, up from the 35,000 to 40,000 tourists that come income. Agricultural production in authority, that’s what they (elders) are cal need for education and action before in global changes in soil moisture, an 50 a generation back (Harris, 2008). to this region every year to visit? Or will many African countries and regions is worried about” (Betour, 2014). it’s too late. increase in global mean sea level, and From 2000-2005, the continent lost they find new destinations, taking their projected to be severely compromised In order to empower the youth, Why the urgency? When climate increased frequency and intensity of 10 million acres a year, including big almost $50 million with them? (Ansari, by climate variability and change areas participants in focus groups discussed change occurred at a slower, natu- more severe events, such as of tem- chunks of forest in Sudan, Zambia and 2015). suited for agriculture. In some coun- ways that students could become more ral rate, the earth adapted well to it. perature and precipitation, with floods, Tanzania, up from 9 million a decade tries, yields from rain-fed agriculture involved in finding solutions. They Today, the rate of global warming is droughts, cyclones, and so on, in some earlier, the FAO reports (Harris, 2008). People: Africa’s Greatest Resource could be reduced by up to 50% by 2020 highlighted the need for the media to much faster than at any time in the past, places (IPCC, 2007). These changes will Many countries in Africa are begin- Utilizing Africa’s greatest resource, (Climate Change, 2015). cover local initiatives, teamwork and due to the contribution of fossil fuels negatively affect the health, availability ning to replant their forests and have its people, may be its best hope. Africa There are many solutions being partnerships with positivity and humor creating the Greenhouse Effect. Even a of food and water, ecosystems, and tour- established programs that will give the has one of the youngest populations of presented and implemented right now. in communicating about climate change small increase of 2 degrees C, can have ism in Africa. land back to the people, rather than any continent with 67% of its inhabitants For instance, Dr. Machena, director of (rather than fear-inducing messages), devastating effects. The impact is clearly to companies that only want to make under the age of 25 (Wu, 2015). This visible on both natural as well as human Deforestation a profit. Several communities in Nige- the Africa Resources Trust, has pro- means that many young people are key guided leadership, and greater access posed that countries invest in drought- to information through technology. “We systems. Forests are crucial in the fight against ria have also imposed a new licensing stakeholders and future decision-mak- resistant crops and promote forestation need to move away from youth vs adults. The adaptations needed to survive global warming because they absorb system. Anyone who wants to cut down ers for managing the long-term climate projects around farmlands, which would Give us a bigger role in making deci- will not come without a price. Not only carbon dioxide and return oxygen to the one of the forest's massive, valuable ma- risks. As future leaders, university protect watersheds and create belts of sions. It’s our future on the line and we will there be expense involved, countries earth. They also store water and their hogany trees or other hardwoods must students from 12 universities in South vegetation to link up national parks and need to work” (Betour, 2014). will also need to educate their people roots help hold soil in place and keep it obtain a license and negotiate which Africa participated in focus groups to other habitats threatened by climate and implement new procedures. Change from eroding into rivers and streams. tree to fell with the nearby community, understand how they could change from change (World Resource Institute). This Planning for the Future is never easy, but everyone will need Deforestation in countries such as which shares in the income. The logs being just recipients of information on approach coupled with hardier new Sharing knowledge will play a key to work together if they are going to the Democratic Republic of Congo are can't be taken away whole, but must climate to actually contributing to for- varieties of staple crops, drip irriga- role in the success of African countries succeed. “Africa is one of the continents complicating the challenges Africa will be cut into planks in the forest (Harris, mulating and implementing solutions. tion schemes and technologies such as if they are going to endure the changes least responsible for climate change face as global warming undermines 2008). This not only provides jobs for The focus group includes under- solar power should help Africa adapt to that global warming brings. All people, and is also least able to afford the costs agriculture and leads to further deserti- the locals but also protects the forests. graduates in various disciplines includ- climate change (Drying Up and Flooding young and old, will need to work to- of adaptation," said South African fication and erosion (Dixon, 2008). "If ing journalism, law, social, work, and Food Security Out, 2007). gether; indigenous people and scientists Environment Minister Marthinus Van we lose forests, we lose the fight against environmental science. These students In addition, in communities like need to respectfully collaborate on solu- Schalkwyk. “Africa” will remain vulner- climate change," declared more than The Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- shared their frustration with the nega- Abo Ebam, near Nigeria's border with tions as though their world depends on able even if, globally, emissions peak 300 scientists, conservation groups, mate Change suggests the supply of food tivity and complexity in the communica- Cameroon, the Cross Rivers government it, because it does. and decline in the next 10 to 15 years” religious leaders and others in an appeal in Africa will be "severely compromised" tion by experts and how this leads to a is working with farmers to learn other (Dixon, 2008). for action at the U.N.-sponsored climate by climate change, with crop yields in lack of involvement. Students focused trades such as beekeeping or raising conference in Bali, Indonesia. The burn- danger of collapsing in some countries on public attitudes and the outcomes fist-sized land snails, a regional delicacy when people, like themselves, are the 28 29 UNDERSTANDING THE REALITIES OF EBOLA...AND ITS MARK AUSTIN COUNCIL

A Culture of Hysteria was that although more than 100 people Instead of looking at the outbreak from If you were like any other American were quarantined in Dallas, only three the outside, a gleaning of the situation citizen in 2014, the first reaction that Ebola cases were diagnosed: Duncan should take place from exactly what came to mind upon hearing the word and two of his hospital caretakers. Both happened in the continent. By studying “Ebola” was a combination of fear and of those hospital caretakers would later the situation inside the continent we can cynicism. Fear of the unknown with survive (Jacobsen, 2014). The problem see how the entire continent played a what the disease was and how it could with this is simple; major news net- unifying role in the triumph amidst this be transmitted, and cynicism from what works in the United States tend to pres- ongoing struggle (Achilli & Edge, 2015). was being portrayed in media outlets ent one side of the story: negativity from around the world. News headlines such the outside looking in. Unnoticed Bravery as “Ebola scare” and “Fear of outbreak” In understanding the response to all but flooded Western media outlets, The Hazard of a One-Sided Perspective the Ebola crisis, it had been a common and they all had a commonality: the Surprisingly, there was little coverage practice among media outlets in the portrayal of negativity. Despite the many of the Ebola outbreak from the Afri- West for attention to be given solely to assurances from the Centers for Disease can perspective. Former UN Secretary the various international organizations Control and the World Health Organi- General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate and aid workers who traveled to West zation explaining that the Ebola virus Kofi Annan argued that a misconstrued Africa from other parts of the world. is spread only by direct contact with representation of Africa had become TIME Magazine, in 2014, named “The bodily fluids and not from the air, and apparent during the outbreak of Ebola Ebola Fighters” as its Person of the the risks of an epidemic in the U.S. near in 2014. “When they say Africa or West Year, calling international aid workers to zero, public anxiety was still ram- Africa already you have people who and volunteers who came to Liberia, pant. Regardless of the news network, would think Africa is one big jungle Sierra Leone and Guinea from other several things became apparent in any somewhere, so if you don't differenti- parts of the world “unsung heroes” broadcast involving Ebola: alarming ate, you cast a dark cloud over the whole (Gibbs, 2014). This accentuation on lost their jobs when schools around the African Doctors Unite Amidst the Crisis Since the Ebola outbreak affected many language, frightful future scenarios and continent,” Annan mentioned (Bryer, international staff, specifically doc- region closed as a result of the outbreak. rural villages and remote communities quick conclusions drawn from opinions 2014). These sentiments presented by tors and nurses, provided a confusing Despite the constant news reports Astonishingly, only a small number of throughout West Africa, the creation of of various doctors and guests appearing Mr. Annan portrayed the reality of the imprint about who was responsible for covering the worsening conditions in these workers had worn protective gear these units allows on-the-ground diag- on live television (Salles, 2014). situation. To put things into perspec- the relief effort in West Africa, and the West Africa, the reality of the Ebola before or had any previous experience noses for persons infected with Ebola, In October of 2014, Thomas Eric tive; Africa is the second largest con- huge contribution that the national staff outbreak was that it was defeated, in the medical field. The WASH staff eliminating any delay seen by testing Duncan became the first person to tinent in the world, with a population made in their fight against Ebola. For largely because of the unification of were also at significant risk in the Ebola victims in patient facilities in urban be diagnosed with Ebola on U.S. soil of over 1.1 billion people (Grosz-Ngaté, example, in Sierra Leone, for every one many African countries working to- treatment centers. They were exposed areas (Nevin, 2015). shortly after he arrived in Dallas, Texas M. Hanson, 2014). Of all the fifty-five doctor and three nurses working at an gether to overcome the epidemic. In to Ebola the same, if not more, than the from Liberia. He would later die from countries on the continent, only three Ebola treatment unit, there were nearly South Africa, a multinational team of doctors and nursing staff because of how Using Soccer as a Catalyst for Preven- the infection (Brown & Constable, had experienced a severe outbreak of twenty-six water, sanitation and hygiene doctors and medical researchers from often they came in direct contact with tion 2014). Doug Henry, associate profes- Ebola: Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. (WASH) staff that were recruited lo- Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, South infectious patients. To truly understand sor of anthropology at the University of Despite these reassuring facts, the per- cally. These WASH staff members were Africa and the Democratic Republic In the sports realm, British actor Idris the sacrifices that were made during this North Texas deemed the culture around spective on Ebola in the West continued responsible for cleaning and disinfecting of Congo worked together to develop Elba, along with the CDC foundation epidemic, we must recognize the bravery Texas and throughout America following to be negative. The question we should clinics and mopping up human excretion a better understanding of the Ebola and a host of other international orga- displayed from members of local West Duncan’s death an “emotional epidemic.” be asking ourselves is how can we make and vomit, all while wearing extensive, virus's natural transmission and how to nizations, have partnered with a global African communities such as the WASH “I was troubled by how the media and a paradigm shift of thinking in order to uncomfortable layers of protective prevent future outbreaks. Most notably, team of African soccer stars includ- staff (McGowan, 2015). politicians exploited the situation,” better understand the epidemic rather gear. The vast majority of these staff this team, which was based in Johan- ing Yaya Toure (Ivorian), Carlton Cole Henry said. The reality of this situation than speculate about its occurrence? members were former teachers who nesburg, developed mobile laboratory (Nigerian and Sierra Leonean descent), units (MLU) to be used in outbreak sites. Kei Kamara (Sierra Leone-born) and 30 31 a number of others to develop a global service known as HaltEbola. This ser- to lower the number of cases (2015). health communications campaign known vice was to be used in the rural areas of Toward the end of the PBS Frontline WORKS CITED as Africa United. The centerpiece of the Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, where documentary entitled Outbreak, Bruce campaign was to offer public service citizens were afraid to call the authori- Ayward, Assistant Direct of Emergen- Women Empowerment in Rwanda and other Changing the Narrative of Africa: Empowering announcements in the form of educa- ties to ask for help. With HaltEbola, citi- cies for the World Health Organization African Countries Youth Innovators tional materials, videos, radio messages, zens in an infected region could receive mentions that “there was a huge fear of ALICIA ESPRIELLA JOHORA WARREN billboards and other methods of social a voice message recorded by local com- [Ebola] and they [the Liberians] changed media. In one of the videos, titled “We’ve munity leaders and celebrities informing their behaviors in ways that slowed Alvarez-Rivera, M. (2014). The Republic of South Africa 15-Yr-Old Kelvin Doe Wows M.I.T. (2012). [Video file] Re- Got Your Back,” the players were shown them of safety precautions and sanita- down and suddenly took the heat out of Electoral System. Election Resources on the Internet. Re- trieved from http://video.mit.edu/watch/self-taught-sier- wearing the names of different health- tion techniques to keep them clean and this thing. That’s what turned it around; trieved from http://electionresources.org/za/system/ ra-leonean-teen-visits-mit-13319/ care workers on the back of their jerseys safe. According to Ike, members of many Liberians turned their country around. Bennett, E. (2014). Rwanda strides towards gender equality Anzisha Prize Overview - Africa’s premier youth entrepre- to recognize the fact that these were the rural West African communities were We got in there a little bit afterward and in government. Harvard Kennedy School’s Public Policy neurship award (n.d.) Anzisha Prize. Retrieved from true heroes in the fight to end Ebola. more likely to respond to well-known took a lot of credit” (Achilli Edge, 2015). Journal. Retrieved from http://harvardkennedyschool- http://www.anzishaprize.org/about-anzisha/ The purpose of the Africa United initia- voices rather than a foreign doctor or Although it may be wishful thinking to review.com/rwanda-strides-towards-gender-equality-in- [Global Minimum Inc.] About Us (n.d.) GMin.org. Retrieved tive was to raise the general awareness healthcare worker whose expressions believe that many Westerners, includ- government/ from http://gmin.org/about-us/ about the Ebola virus and to educate the were unfamiliar to them (Court, 2014). ing Americans, could possibly shift their Gender Monitoring Office (Producer) & Image Media (Direc- Jacobs, N. (n.d.) A glow-in-the-dark lifeline for informal set- different communities within West Af- views about how the African continent tor). (2003). The Secret Behind [documentary film]. tlements. The State of the World’s Children 2015 [interac- rica on how to prevent the disease from Moving Forward responded to the Ebola outbreak, one Goetz, A. M. &. Hassim, S. (2003). No shortcuts to power: tive digital presentation]. Report from UNICEF. Retrieved spreading (2014). The reality of the Ebola outbreak is thing is very clear: what the people of African women in politics and policy making. London, UK: from http://sowc2015.unicef.org/stories/a-glow-in-the- that the fight was waged largely in West West Africa and around the continent Zed Books dark-lifeline-for-informal-settlements/ Stopping Ebola with Music Africa. Over eleven thousand people did to stop Ebola went largely unnoticed. Hill, S. (2014, March 07). Why does the US still have so few Kamkwamba, W., & Mealer, B. (2009). The boy who harnessed Music also played a dramatic role in were killed as a result of the epidemic. In her 2010 memoir titled This Child women in office?The Nation. Retrieved from http://www. the wind. New York, NY: William Morrow. the education and prevention of Ebola On May 9th, 2015, Liberia, the country Will Be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable thenation.com/article/178736/why-does-us-still-have-so- Malawi country profile. (2015).BBC News. Retrieved from throughout West Africa. Some of the that had experienced the highest num- Life by Africa’s First Woman President, few-women-office# http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13864367 Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf continent’s most well known musicians, ber of cases of the infectious disease, Kantegwa, J. (2004). Women’s participation in the electoral Ngozi Adichie, C. (2009). The danger of a single story including Amadou & Mariam, Salif Keita was declared Ebola-free by the World states, “The size of your dreams must processes in post-conflict countries: The case of Rwanda. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/ and Oumou Sangaré, banded together to Health Organization. The main reason always exceed your current capacity Retrieved from http://www.un.org/women-watch/osagi/ chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_ record a song that inspired hope, cour- why Liberia triumphed amidst the crises to achieve them. If your dreams do not meetings/2004/CSW48Panel/csw48panel- kantengwa.pdf story?language=en scare you, they are not big enough.” It age, and education for the prevention was a multitude of sources, many of Kende, M. (2003). Why the South African Constitution is Sengeh, D. (2012, November 14). DIY Africa: Empowering a of the spread of Ebola. The title of the which included strong leadership from was the dream of all Africans to end better than the United States. Retrieved from http://aca- new Sierra Leone. CNN.com. Retrieved from http://www. song, “Africa Stop Ebola,” which is sung President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, com- this tragic disease once and for all, and demic.udayton.edu/race/06hrights/georegions/africa/ cnn.com/2012/11/14/tech/diy-africa-empowering-a-new- in French along with a variety of indig- munity activism throughout the country, because of the unity across the beautiful safrica03.htm sierra-leone/index.html continent and indeed the international enous languages widely spoken through- and coordinated international aid. The Kethusegile-Juru, B.M. (2003). Quota systems in Africa: Sengeh, D. (2013, April 23). Young innovators can change how out West Africa, hoped to achieve two international community applauded community, the battle is being won. An overview. 1-9. Paper presented at the International world sees Africa. CNN.com. Retrieved from http://www. things: helping West Africans rebuild President Sirleaf’s efforts in her swift Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)/ cnn.com/2013/04/23/opinion/david-sengeh-opinion/ Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA)/Southern trust with healthcare workers in light decisions, numerous public communica- William Kamkwamba. (n.d.) TED.com Retrieved from http:// of misinformation and myth about tion efforts, and overall strong charisma African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum Conference www.ted.com/speakers/william_kamkwamba Ebola, as well as spreading hope that the during the outbreak. disease can be overcome. Lyrics in the Within Liberian communities, local Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion. (2013). Mission The Kgotla in Botswana: A Model of Democracy in Africa song include choruses such as “follow volunteers helped in Ebola treatment and Vision. 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Nordic Journal of African Studies 13(2), 228– tation; logging of tropical forests in Africa and other WHO Statement. (2015, May 9). The Ebola outbreak in Libe- ccountid=10920 241. Retrieved from http://www.njas.helsinki.fi/pdf-files/ regions is adding to global warming, which dries trees. ria is over. The World Health Organization Media Centre. vol13num2/kehinde4.pdf Los Angeles Times. Court, A. (2014, November 13). Battling Ebola: The African Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/ statements/2015/liberia-ends-ebola/en/ TEACHERS’ SUMMER INSTITUTE The Center for African Studies at the University of Florida is offering a two-week Summer Institute for ten K-12 teachers. The objective of the institute is for participants to increase their knowledge about Africa, including its geography, history, and culture. Participants will develop lesson plans for use in their classrooms. Participation in the summer institute is free. In addition participants will receive a stipend of $700. Alachua County teachers will receive continuing education credit. Participants are responsible for their accommodation.

HOW TO APPLY SEND APPLICATIONS TO: Complete the application below and include the following items: Dr. Agnes Ngoma Leslie, Outreach Director A brief statement of at least one page outlining 427 Grinter Hall, P.O. Box 115560, - What you teach Gainesville, FL 32611-5560 - How you would benefit from the institute T | 352.392.2187 - How you would incorporate those benefits in your teaching F | 352.392.2435 E | [email protected] A complete curriculum vitae A letter supporting your application from your school

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