The Global Education Committee at SCC presents: Tracy Murphy, editor [email protected]

Vol. 1/issue 1 Spring 2011

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: : the “Quintessential Africa” When you close your eyes scape and wildlife. Mt. Kili- manjaro, the Serengeti, and 2 and envision the continent of Swahili: the Lan- Africa (yes, continent—not Lake Victoria are the destina- genocide or war, neighboring guage of Connec- country) what is the scenery tions of tourists from every- countries have helped the dis- tion like? How about the people? where on the planet. One’s placed find refuge within their Whether you’ve traveled to safari wouldn’t be complete boarders. This is such a saving without spotting Africa’s “big grace amidst East Africa’s share Weep Not, Child 2 Africa yourself or if your knowledge of Africa is thanks five’: elephants, buffalo, lion, of historical conflicts. book review by to National Geographic, it is leopard, and the black rhino. Last, East Africa has its own Deborah Selbach likely we share a vision of the East Africa is famous for its version of the “Silk Road” or place in our mind’s eye. Why claims to being the origin of group of trade networks focus on the region of East humankind. is across Africa and beyond. East African 3 Africa? As one source I read home to the oldest set of Besides the obvious goods like stated, East Africa represents Refugees hominid remains—a “mere” 2 spices and resources, the trade for many the “quintessential million years old. networks were also a source Africa.” of the region’s exposure to 3 Tanzania is famous for Did Someone say What about East Africa Islam. Samosa? hosting Jane Goodall’s thirty- symbolizes our concept of the five year long research pro- There are of course thou- continent? First, we should ject studying chimpan- sands of reasons to celebrate East African Cui- 4 highlight what most youngsters zees. the countries and cultures sine in the US learn first about making up Eastern Africa. We Africa: the beautiful land- What you may not realize might consider this an appe- is Eastern Africa is known for tizer to stir the taste buds and Malaria is a Real- 4 being the friend of the begin our journey.—Tracy ity for East Afri- refugee. As an escape from Murphy

The Kanga 4

Upcoming events:  College-wide book read One finger cannot kill a louse (Kenyan proverb) March 1 12-1 E125 NM & B106 FB I love studying a culture’s proverbs to better understand their values.  Reader’s Theater From this proverb we learn Ken- yans are collectivist—where the April 19 2-3:30 goals of the group surpass those of the individual. In order to accom-  Presentation of film plish our goals, we must cooperate TBA and collaborate. The proverb may also speak of ridding ourselves of  Guest Speaker the enemy. We can learn from history just how important an ally April 21 noon hour is. Swahili: The Language of Connection When East Africa was selected as but the majority of the speakers have line “Hakuna Matata” (Swahili for “No the 2010-11 school year global high- adopted it as their second, third, and troubles”)? There are certainly many light, I must admit I was skeptical. even fourth language. Having a com- reasons to learn Swahili beyond Dis- Would the cultures who make up the mon language provides many East Af- ney vocabulary including furthering region care to be clumped together? rica cultures to communicate and de- connection with the people who Hadn’t the area experienced its share velop bonds between ethnic groups. speak it. —Tracy Murphy of war and genocide with and toward Having a common language allows peo- one another? ple to conduct business and politics with greater ease. While the lan- As I looked further, however, I guage is Bantu in origin, the num- began to see quite a bit of connection ber of words borrowed from Ara- between the cultures of this region. As bic and Farsi languages demon- a communication instructor, I found the strates the importance of Islam and to be the most inter- the reading of the Koran. Due to esting and impressive. One function of European colonization, Swahili also language is to create and maintain social contains Portuguese, English, and bonds. But, the continent has over 1,000 languages used within its bounda- German influences. (Ali & Juma). ries. How on earth might they connect The extent of Swahili most between countries and even ethnic Americans know comes from their groups? run-in with Disney’s Lion King. Do you remember the characters Swahili is the first (native) language Simba (lion in Swahili) and Rafki for a relatively small group of people, (friend in Swahili) or the famous

Book Review: Weep Not, Child by Ngugi (James) wa Thiong’o By Deborah Selbach, SCC reading instructor

Like many famous authors, from eyes of a young boy, Njoroge. Editor’s note: hosted by the Global Education commit- Emerson to Sherman Alexie, Kenyan tee Weep Not, Child was selected as the college read Njoroge is excited to be attending a for fall 2010. The book was read and discussed by a author Ngugi wa Thiongo honors poet European school, which he sees as group of students, staff, and faculty from both Fari- Walt Whitman, deriving the title of his empowering. He dreams of a better bault and North Mankato campuses. 1963 novel, Weep Not, Child, from one future, of personal success, but soon, of Whitman’s poems, called “On the the British settlers’ violent response to Beach at Night.” The poem describes ’s fight for independence destroy the scene of a girl who holds her fa- his dream. One of his older brothers, ther’s hand while both look up at enraged over British rule, leads a unit “burial clouds / in black masses / of guerilla-fighters called the MauMau. spreading.” She despairs at the sight of They use violence as their means, at- these omens, but Father comforts her. tacking the British and all who profit “Weep not,” he says. The “ravening from British association, including the clouds shall not long be victorious.” father of the girl Njoroge loves. Unfortunately for the children of Weep Not, Child illuminates the dev- Kenya, no Kenyan father can promise astating effects of British imperialism on the metaphorical clouds hanging over the lives of innocent Kenyan families. their country will soon dissipate. Their And the prose, both sparse and poetic, clouds are those of British rule, and creates a hypnotic reading experience I blanket the country for well over half a fully enjoyed and didn’t want to end. century. British imperialists steal Author Ngugi offers neither parental Kenya’s ancestral land and resources, comfort nor hope, but instead, he of- and exploit the people, destroying fers something more valuable–beautiful Kenyan tribal life, while England is seen prose which envelopes truth. — as the source of all things valuable, Deborah Selbach including Western education. The devastating effects of British rule are seen primarily through the

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TRACY MURPHY, EDITOR Page 3

East Africa and the Refugee By Tracy Murphy, South Central College communication instructor

Most immigrants who seek a new for meager amounts of essentials— with the host culture can be incredibly homeland in the US have left unappeal- food and shelter. difficult. Language, religion, culture, ing conditions. Yet, the refugee is a Step 3: Getting processed for reset- disease, and even post traumatic stress particularly type of immigrant—one tlement can take years or even dec- create additional barriers for the refu- who was forced to leave his/her home ades. Refugees enter camps realizing gee as they try to settle in their new or suffer death to self or family. Many their stay is indefinite. If refugees home—Tracy Murphy refugees have experienced or wit- aren’t “lucky” enough to receive space nessed bodily injury, starvation, rape, in the compounds, they camp outside or torture. The refugee doesn’t just the refugee camps. Minnesota currently estimates the Somali refu- magically appear in the safe haven of Step 4: Getting resettled into a third gee population at 15 thousand. Minnesota, rather, the refugee lives a country (most common for the Somali

bumpy journey. and Sudanese are the US, Canada, Aus- tralia, Denmark, Netherlands, New Step 1: Sneak from your home and Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the country by foot, sometimes travelling UK) is certainly not guaranteed. for days. Expect to pay a bribe upon From the pool of the earliest arri- gaining entry into neighboring country vals (1991-92) a lottery is drawn. or be sent back where you started. (East Africa in focus). While refu- Step 2: Seek asylum by registering gees wait in camps, they struggle with the host government. After suc- with starvation, violence, and cessfully registering, prepare for an women turning to prostitution to interview to determine whether you survive. are truly a refugee or merely suffering Entering the third country isn’t starvation from drought or poverty. If exactly easy; in fact, assimilation you pass, you’ll be given a ration card

Did someone say Somosa? http://www.binternet.com/~kenya.vacations/

The first samosa I ever had the the samosa is served as pleasure of knowing was a Somali ven- an appetizer or an ac- dor’s recipe . It was “love at first bite” companiment to the for me. Most somosas I’ve eaten since main attraction. Try the have been East Indian recipes, but I am two varieties at the web not discriminatory. site above. YUM. While samosas vary in ingredients, the concept is the same—flavorful My version of a spiced stuffing, deep fried, and served with a variety of dipping sauces. The “love triangle” stuffing can be meat (beef or lamb) and/ or vegetables such as potato or peas and even garbanzo bean. In most cases

East African Trivia! 1. What East African animals are 5. What is a kanga? known as the “big five”? 6. What is the Swahili word for 2. What country contains the “friend”? second largest fresh-water lake 7. What causes malaria? And in the world? what famous actor just re- 3. What country’s largest ethnic cently recovered from it after group are the Kikuyu? visiting Sudan? (spring 2011) 4. Approximately, how many lan- 8. What country has more pyra- guages are spoken through all mids than Egypt? of Africa? East African Cuisine by Jim Hanson, South Central College Culinary Instructor

Most eastern African dishes are fill- many meat and vegetable stews accom- ing and inexpensive to make. In Ethio- panied by rice or ugali. pia the national spicy stew, called wot, In Somalia, seafood, beef, goat and is seasoned with berbere, which often lamb are the common proteins as vege- contains ten or more spices, and may tables are usually side dishes or mixed contain beef, lamb, chicken, goat, lentils into a meat stew. The starch is often or chickpeas to provide alternative pro- rice served with a banana or a sweet- tein. Food is often eaten with the hands, ened flatbread known as sabaayad. using pieces of sourdough flatbread Breakfast is an important meal in Soma- called injera made from a grain called lia and usually consists of canjeero teff. The bread is used to scoop up food (pancake-like bread) with ghee from communal food platters. (browned butter) and sugar or polenta The cuisines of East Africa are both In Kenya roasted meats including (cornmeal) with butter and sugar. Sam- common and unique. Common because beef, goat, ostrich, and zebra are accom- busas (deep-fried vegetable or meat of the many staple ingredients-corn, panied by rice or ugali (a thick corn- turnovers) are the most popular snack beans, lentils, okra, cassava, plantains, meal mush used to scoop up meats or food. yams, greens, palm oil, potatoes, rice, stews) and inexpensive high protein The creative use of spices, vegeta- and bananas and unique because of the vegetable dishes such as githeri (corn bles, grains, and proteins throughout varied influences of terrain and foreign and beans), irio (mashed peas, potatoes, East African reflects the influences of contacts. and corn), and kunde (black-eyed peas many cultures and terrains and provides The sway of Britain, India, and Portu- an interesting array of flavor combina- gal remains apparent in most of eastern tions. —Jim Hanson Africa. Having been under British rule, bland not spicy cooking prevails in Editor’s note: If you are interested in check- ing out the flavors of East African cuisine but Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania; how- you’re not much of a chef, there are a num- ever, hot chili peppers are often served ber of restaurants in the Minneapolis/St. as a condiment to accompany food and Paul area. I have had great luck with the curry powder and chutneys appear fre- Nile restaurant at 2027 East Franklin, Mpls quently due to Indian influence. (www.bluenilempls.com) who serves Ethio- Ethiopia has been affected very little pian food. by other countries, including Britain, in part because of its mountainous terrain. Spicy, hot food remains the norm in Ethiopia because exotic spices were and tomatoes). Curries and coconut introduced by traders traveling the trade milk enhanced many Kenyan stews. routes between Europe and the Far East. Mozambique cuisine also features The Portuguese introduced cooking many curry foods and cashew/peanut techniques such as roasting and mari- dishes introduced by the Portuguese and nating as well as spices turning bland Indian cultures. Chicken with piri piri foods into flavorful, spicy stewed (a hot pepper relish) is the national dish dishes. Terrain determines food choices and a popular coastal stew called matata as the coastal countries of Somalia, is made from Portuguese wine, seafood, Tanzania, and Mozambique have access and peanuts. Cashews are used to make to fresh fish and seafood while inland many interesting foods and beverages countries rely on hunting and herding such as cashew-potato cakes and East African Cuisine for meat. cashew beer. Tanzania favors curry and coconut milk along with bananas in Spring 2011 All-College Global Education Book Read The global education committee has selected From a Crooked Rib by Somali dents on both campuses to participate. author Nuruddin Farah for our spring Your participation would include read- all-college book read. ing and discussing the book while en- An all-college book read gives our joying good company and snacks. campuses an opportunity to explore and better understand (in this case, Join us: Somali) culture, to develop academi- Tuesday, March 1 cally, and to support global education 12-1 pm here at South Central College. The committee wishes to invite all NM E125 and FB B106. administrators, faculty, staff, and stu-

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TRACY MURPHY, EDITOR [email protected] Page 5

Malaria is a reality for East Africans By Renee Krohne, Biology instructor at South Central College

Imagine within a 6-10 hour period, While relatively unknown in the varies seasonally in the north but in the cycling from a cold stage with a low United States, half of the worlds popu- central and southern portions of these body temperature and shivering to a lation (3.3 billion countries, the risk is higher hot stage with a high fever and then people) is at risk of and present year round. sweating profusely until you return to a malaria. Malaria is Treatment of malaria has normal temperature. Then imagine especially a serious been complicated by drug repeating the sequence again every two problem in Africa, resistance. Throughout East to three days. This is what occurs where one in every Africa, chloroquine resistance when a person is infected with classic, five childhood deaths has been reported therefore uncomplicated malaria. Severe cases is due to the effects the original treatment for may also involve severe anemia, kidney of the disease. Every malaria is ineffective. Consid- failure, seizures or coma. Left un- 30 seconds a child ering the resistance, preven- treated malaria will disrupt blood sup- dies from malaria. Malaria Cycle of Life tion becomes critical however ply to vital organs resulting in death. Because malaria prevention is limited to con- Malaria is an infectious disease is transmitted by trolling the mosquito vector and preventing transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito mosquitoes, the risk can vary seasonally transmission through use of bednets and and caused by several species of the but in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, spraying of insecticides. No effective malaria Plasmodium parasite. One bite of an and Ethiopia, the risk is present vaccine has been developed.—Renee Krohne, infected mosquito is all that is required throughout the country and is continu- Biology Instructor ous throughout the year. Within So- to transmit the parasite which causes For more information, visit the World Health malia and Sudan, the risk is low and malaria. Organization at www.who.int.

The Kanga The kanga (Swahili for “the coast”) message in support of a particular can- is worn by East Africans as versatile didate or to be identified with a par- pieces of clothing or may even be used ticular cause. They are thought to for practical purposes such as a baby have originated on the coast in the mid sling or a household apron. The kanga 19th century with Swahili added in the is made of cotton with a border around early 20th century. (Swahili Language) the edge of the fabric. But perhaps most notable aspect about the kanga is the Swahili proverbs that adorn them. Don’t blame the ant; it Kangas are prized for the signifi- cance of their writing and whether won’t finish all the sugar their colors match the season. The kanga is often worn to display a political

The Scramble for Africa (most notably UK, Por- inability to fairly “The Bible led way for the sword”* tugal, France, Germany, agree to how one describes the missionary entry into and Italy—but approx. “officially” colonized Africa, which eventually led to its 15 in all). a territory, even colonization (once you let a salesman’s though attempts foot in the door…) The drive for “Invasion, occupation, were made during markets and resources outside their and the annexation of the Berlin Confer- own boundaries led to the colonization African lands” was the ence of 1884-5 to by a number of European powers. agenda for colonists do just that. (Even Unable to fight against European ad- during the late 1870’s up “bullies” apparently try to vanced weaponry and initially lacking a until WW1. Some argue the East African Sundown conduct their business with united front, East Africa lost most of its Great War was at least par- some civility!). tially caused by the European colonists’ territory to the European colonists *excerpt from Weep Not, Child Global Education Committee Vision The Global Committee selects Brazil for the 2010-2011 school year spotlight. South Central College students/staff will be ex- One of our committee’s strategies for fulfilling our operational plan is to posed to international issues, experiences, cul- select a country or region for an all-college school year study. The focused ture, and perspectives to better live and work in study includes watching films, reading literature, sampling cuisine, enjoying a “global marketplace.” art and music, listening to a reader’s theater, inviting guest speakers, and studying its politics, history, social system, and culture. The committee •Encourage college-wide infusion of relevant global content to course and program curricula. wishes to invite any interested writer, photographer, speaker, native, trav- •Promote international exposure/experience for entire college eler, or anyone else with insights to the Brazilian culture to provide ideas community. and resources. Please contact Tracy at [email protected] or •Promote exposure to global issues through campus and commu- 389-7322 nity based activities. •Brazil, a Portuguese speaking country in South America, has been recog- nized as an emerging world power. •She is Latin America’s largest economy (GDP higher than Mexico, Vene- zuela, and Argentina combined). •Brazil is the scheduled host for the 2014 World Cup Soccer Tournament (she is the world’s record holder with five winning cups) and the host of

Committee members pictured L to R, top down: Tracy Murphy, Pam the 2016 summer Olympics. Becker, Jane Greathouse, Ray Schmidt, Laural Kubat, Kathryn Rusch, Linda Van Slyke, and John Rollins. Not pictured: Ann Anderson, Julie •In 2010 Brazil was responsible for 50% of the world’s oil discoveries and Joerg, Becky Davis, Cassandra Labarion, Pete Niegebauer, Amy Mag- nus, Brad Schloesser, Heidi Beske, and Fanah Adams harvested 265 billion cups of coffee—that is some “fuel” producer! •Brazil has a population of about 170 million with 73 % of those folks being Roman Catholic and 86% being literate. Trivia answers Q: What East African animals boarder East Africans wear as are known as the “big five”? clothing or use for other practi- A: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and calities such as a baby sling. black rhino Q: What is the Swahili word for “friend”?

Q: What country contains the second A: rafki largest fresh-water lake in the Q: What is malaria caused by? And world? what famous actor just recently recovered from it after visiting A: The shores are shared by Kenya, Sudan? Uganda, and Tanzania. A. Parasite from a mosquito and George Clooney Q: What country’s largest ethnic Q: Which country has more pyramids group are the Kikuyu? that Egypt? A: Kenya A: Sudan (though they’re smaller and steeper than in Egypt). Q: Approximately, how many lan- guages are spoken through all of Africa? A: 1,000 Q: What is a kanga? A: Rectangle of cotton cloth with a