This may be of interest to some L-ers.
-----Original Message-----
From: Will Cusack [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2000 9:04 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FW: VCA Education and Advocacy
Hello State Chairpersons,
The attached email is from Christine Djondo, a member of the Virginia
Delegation of the NSOA. She needs assistance advertising it nationwide.
Please read the attachment. If you have any questions, please contact
Christine at [log in to unmask]
Will
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2000 11:07 AM
To: [log in to unmask]; Christine Schoessler; Dr. Gretta Goodwin;
Gary Cooper; Linda
Cc: [log in to unmask]; Fidele Lumeya
Subject: Re: VCA Education and Advocacy
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; This is something I am
advocating for within NAFSA: The Association
of International Educators as a Co-Coordinator of this group. It
certainly fits within the policy objectives of Education and
culture
that were proposed in February. It needs more help in bringing it
National Attention. Regards, Christine Djondo
Petition for Recognition by the NAFSA: AIE Board of the
Africa Special Interest Group (SIG)
I. Background
COSSAC, Committee on Students and Scholars from African Countries,
was
created to address issues of concern to African students such as
the
high rate of denial of US visas to Africans, barriers hindering
African student enrollment in the US, politics of scholarship
support
for Africans in the US, etc. This group disbanded in 1997 due to
poor
attendance and apparent lack of interest. Another NAFSA:AIE SIG
currently exists on the Francophone World to which NAFSAns
interested
in western Africa belong. Francophone World SIG started 8 years ago
and now has "well over 800 individuals" involved. Dr. Jean-Francois
Gounard, chair, indicates that Francophone Africa is commonly not
well
represented due to cost of attendance at conferences.
Additionally,
Francophone Africa is a small portion of this SIG that deals with
54
countries worldwide.
In October 1997 a culture workshop on Africa, titled "Understanding
the Dynamic of Contemporary Africa: Beyond the Stereotypes and
Images", was held at Michigan State University. During this
workshop
participants discussed their frustration with the lack of
information
and sessions on Africa at NAFSA conferences. It was decided that a
need exists for NAFSAns interested in Africa to better communicate,
share ideas, and support one another in common efforts to link
Africa
with other countries and continents. To address this need, ASA-L,
an
Africa Study Abroad listserv, was created by co-list managers Jim
Buschman of Syracuse University and Jim Gehlhar of University of
Tennessee-Knoxville. There are currently 135 subscribers to the
listserv.
Based on Open Doors statistics, 1353 US students studied in Africa
in
1993-94. In 1997-98, 2909 US students studied in Africa, an
increase
of 115% in four years. The recent figures indicate that study
abroad
in Africa increased by 22% last year, as compared to 15% worldwide.
This is the only region with an annual increase in study abroad
each
year from 1985 (1.1%) to 1997 (2.7%). This recent growth, along
with
the number of subscribers to ASA-L, indicates the increased
interest,
involvement and commitment of NAFSAns to study in Africa.
Additional statistics from Open Doors indicate an enrollment
increase
of 14% for sub-Saharan African students studying in the U.S. (97-98
to
98-99). This compares to the worldwide increase of only 2%.
Fourteen
of the 49 sub-Saharan African countries sent 20% more students to
the
US in '98-'99 than the previous year, and an additional 10
countries
sent 10-20% more students. This compares to the following
increases
in student enrollments in the US for the same period: East Asia,
-1%;
Southeast Asia, -12%; South Asia, +10%: Eastern Europe/Russia,
+8.5%;
Western Europe, +1%; Caribbean, +9.5%; South America, +11%; Central
America, +2%; and Middle East, +6%. Africa constitutes only 4.5% of
the total number of international students studying in the US, but
it
is clearly the most rapidly growing group of students.
Regarding Intensive English enrollment, the number of Africans
enrolled in these programs grew by 59% last year, compared to a
fall
of 19% worldwide.
This activity parallels the recent national interest in Africa as
demonstrated through visits to the continent by President Clinton
and
Secretary of State Albright. Leonard H. Robinson, Jr, President
and
CEO of the National Summit on Africa, expressed the overriding
message
of Clinton and Albright's sojourns to be that "Africa Matters".
This
national focus is reflected through the development of the
NAFSA:AIE
South Africa Seminar (modeled after the successful
Baden-Wuerttenberg
seminar), demonstrating NAFSA's growing interest and commitment to
Africa. This unique program plans to bring several South African
educators to the U.S. in May 2001 to serve as resources and
participate in the annual NAFSA conference. This is part of a
larger
activity that NAFSA is currently formulating as part of a State
Department grant. The idea is to develop a network in the U.S. and
support for South Africa to encourage U.S. students to study in
South
Africa. NAFSA:AIE hopes to have the first project activity in
South
Africa as a workshop at the International Education Association of
South Africa (IEASA) conference in September 2000.
I. Petition
To mirror the current national, NAFSA, and regional trends toward
interest in Africa, we, the following members of NAFSA: Association
of
International Educators, respectfully submit this petition to the
NAFSA President, requesting recognition of an Africa Special
Interest
Group by the NAFSA Board. To correct some of the difficulties
faced
by previous SIGs, this SIG will have a pan-NAFSA focus to include
all
facets of international educational exchange, particularly study in
Africa as well as African students studying globally. This SIG is
intended for NAFSAns from all sections and countries.
I. Reasons for Establishment
At NAFSA's 51st annual conference in Denver, Colorado a group of 35
NAFSAns met to discuss the formation of an Africa SIG. During
this
meeting we discussed the reasons for establishment that meet the
goals
and objectives pertinent to NAFSA's mission but are not adequately
met
elsewhere in the association. Related to the NAFSA mission to
"promote educational opportunities across national boundaries,
serving
members, their institutions and students and organizations with an
interest in international educational mobility" this SIG will be
established to:
· Develop and improve linkages, communication, relationships,
support,
and arrangements between African and non-African institutions
· Assist African students with more options and placement for study
abroad and assist in creating a better climate for incoming
Africans
· Increase the flow of students and scholars between Africa and
non-Africa countries through increase of options in Africa and
improved advising and preparation of students entering Africa
Related to the NAFSA mission to "set and uphold standards of good
practice, provide professional education and training that
strengthen
institutional programs and services to international educational
exchange, and advocate for international education" this SIG will
be
established to:
· Educate, advocate, and raise awareness and consciousness
regarding
African issues
· Create a more timely exchange of information about Africa
· Become a resource for NAFSA as well as outside individuals and
organizations interested in international educational exchange,
partnerships and mutual capacity building with African institutions
I. Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives of the Africa SIG and their relationship
to
the mission and priorities of NAFSA are as follows:
1) Develop, promote and encourage partnerships and mutual capacity
building for scholarly and student exchange between African and
non-African institutions.
2) Serve as a resource and source of information
3) Increase visibility through pan-NAFSA sessions and workshops at
the
state, regional, and national levels
4) Raise awareness of and advocate for issues related to Africa
5) Serve as a bridge between NAFSA and other organizations with the
same interests
I. How the Africa SIG will help NAFSA meet Objectives of its
Strategic
Plan
In relation to NAFSA's Strategic Plan: 1999-2001, the Africa SIG
will
help NAFSA meet the following five goals:
Goal 1: Be a strong public advocate for policy, laws, and
regulations
that promote and enhance international education opportunities.
The Africa SIG will provide leadership to educate, achieve greater
understanding, and promote international educational exchange of
African and non-African students and scholars. The SIG membership
will advocate for policy, laws and regulations as they pertain to
educational exchange with Africa. The SIG will seek to obtain
funding
to arrange site visits and study tours as well as create
initiatives
to financially and technologically support African universities,
scholarship exchange, and libraries.
Goal 2: Manage growth of the membership in NAFSA.
Having identified a level of frustration and disappointment in the
scarcity of sessions and workshops pertaining to Africa, the Africa
SIG seeks to address the needs and interest of the membership. By
addressing these expressed needs, the SIG seeks to better serve the
membership and expand offerings that will potentially attract new
members and increase participation and commitment.
Goal 3: Set and uphold standards for professional practice for
individuals and institutions, and advance recognition of the
profession.
Due to the limited attention given to African issues, very few
"best
practice" models have been developed. The SIG seeks to identify
and
promote best practices for: advocating general African educational
exchange issues; better serving African students and creating a
favorable climate abroad to attract and retain African students and
scholars; encouraging and supporting holistic partnerships and
mutual
capacity building between African and non-African institutions;
and
improving the promotion and orientation of students to study in
Africa.
Goal 4: Develop products, programs and services that serve the
international educational exchange community.
As demonstrated by the full enrollment for "Understanding
US/African
Relations through Respect and Mutuality: Building Sustainable
Programs/Relationships" (workshop at the 2000 annual conference in
San
Diego, chaired by Christine Djondo), a "product" has already been
developed that serves the community. This was a direct outcome of
discussions during a preliminary SIG meeting held in Denver in May
1999. Additionally, NAFSA's partnership with the State Department
for
the promotion of exchange with South Africa demonstrates the
interest
and potential for the development, marketing, and delivery of
programs
and services that deal with African educational exchange.
Goal 5: Ensure effective governance and follow sound business
practices.
By offering sessions, workshops and publications dealing with
Africa,
the SIG will contribute towards the orienting and education of
NAFSA
leaders. By initiating the offering of services and programming
not
previously offered, the SIG will aid in increasing workshop and
conference enrollments as well as attracting new members, thereby
contributing to NAFSA's financial stability.
I. How the Africa SIG will Promote the Values of NAFSA
The Values, as stated in the Strategic Plan are that "NAFSA's
members
share a belief that international education advances learning and
scholarship, builds respect among different people, and encourages
constructive leadership in a global community."
History has demonstrated that Africa is a source of culture for the
world, through its people, music, food and religion. More recent
history shows that non-African communities can contribute financial
and technological support to African nations. Recognizing this
valuable exchange, the Africa SIG endorses and promotes that
international exchange advances learning, growth, understanding and
appreciation of other cultures. The Africa SIG will also attempt
to
break down false perceptions and stereotypes that plague media
coverage of African nations. By promoting the successful and
positive
stories of the continent, the Africa SIG will seek to aid NAFSAns
and
non-NAFSAns in better understanding the struggles and achievements
of
Africa.
I. Anticipated Membership and Activities of the Africa SIG
The Africa SIG will be open to all NAFSAns, from all sections and
countries. A preliminary group of 35 NAFSAns met at the annual
NAFSA
May 1999 conference in Denver, and the activities which resulted
from
the discussions and energy generated at that meeting speak for
themselves. We feel the list below demonstrates the strong
commitment
to Africa (by those who were unable to attend the SIG meeting) and
an
illustration of what happens when a significant mass of like-minded
people come together at NAFSA.
1) Africa-related Activities at NAFSA conferences:
a) Region V ('99): "Study in Africa: The Basics" (session)
b) Region VII ('99): "Opportunities and Challenges; International
Collaborations in West Africa" (session)
c) Region VIII ('99): "Botswana Government Sponsored Students -
Coming
Soon to a University Near You!" (session)
d) Region VIII ('99): "Preparing Students for Study in Africa."
e) 2000 National Conference:
1) "Understanding US/African Relations through Respect and
Mutuality:
Building Sustainable Programs/Relationships" (workshop)
2) "Confronting the Stereotype: Managing Risk in "Third World"
Study
Abroad" (workshop)
3) "(Not) Out of Africa: Increasing African Student enrollment in
US
Institutions" (session)
4) "Educational System of Ivory Coast" (session)
5) "Study Abroad in Africa: Student, Parent, and Advisor
Perspectives"
(session)
6) "Landing the African Student: Evaluation and Orientation"
(session)
7) International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) will
have a booth, for the first time, at the conference representing
several universities and technikons.
8) Francophone World Special Interest Group (FW SIG) Meeting
f) NAFSA Region VII has made Africa its theme for the regional
conference in Savannah in November 2000. The conference takes place
immediately after African Studies Association (ASA) in Nashville,
enabling some African participants to attend both meetings. Without
NAFSA networking for Africanists, this would not happen. (Dan
Paracka
at Kennesaw State University spearheaded this program, as an
outgrowth of a Georgia Faculty Seminar in Ghana during the summer
of
1999.)
2) Activities Resulting from Networking that took Place during the
SIG
Meeting
a) The Social Science Research Council published a book, "Investing
in
Return: Rates of Return of African PhDs Trained in North America".
Nancy Keteku who attended the SIG meeting made contact with author
Mesky Brhane at NAFSA and helped facilitate this research. NAFSA is
becoming a place where people interested in Africa can gather and
network.
b) The Four-Foundation initiative spearheaded by the Carnegie
Foundation along with the Ford, Rockefeller, and McArthur
foundations,
recently announced a long-term fund of $100 million for higher
education in Africa. It was through NAFSA contacts that Nancy
Keteku
of Accra, Ghana came to help with the preliminary research on this
project. Carnegie has published a report analyzing sources of
funding
for Africans, particularly women, in Africa.
c) ECIS used NAFSA as its springboard for starting what is planned
to
become an annual recruiting tour of African countries.
d) Networking that resulted from the SIG meeting led North Carolina
State University to reassess and increase promotion of an exchange
with Ghana and encourage students to look at community service,
internship, or volunteer opportunities while in Ghana, including
the
possibility of helping in the OSEAS advising office.
e) Contacts made through Africa SIG have resulted in the
sponsorship
of a student, James Beard of University of Texas-Austin and a
participant in the Syracuse Zimbabwe Program, to appear in an
Africa-related workshop and session at the San Diego conference.
This
networking illustrates the opportunities we can provide our
returned
students as well as creative ways to enhance our programming.
f) Through the developing SIG network, Peter D. Pelham worked with
the
matriculation of a student from the Starehe Boys' Centre in Nairobi
to
a year at St. Stithians College in the Johannesburg area and on to
the
University of Virginia this fall as a Thomas Jefferson Scholar.
This
is part of our ongoing work to further collaborative education
opportunities regionally and globally.
g) Through the SIG networks and promotion through ASA-L, Christine
Djondo joined academic colleagues as a panel representative at the
ASA
meetings in November 1999; co-edited the Journal on Study Abroad
to
Africa; and served as a State Co-chair of the National Summit on
Africa.
I. The Proposed Name
It is proposed that the name by which the SIG is to be known is the
Africa Special Interest Group.
This petition for recognition by the NAFSA: AIE Board of the Africa
Special Interest Group (SIG) is submitted and signed by the
following
NAFSA: Association of International Educator members:
Signature Printed Name NAFSA Membership
#
Date
**********************************************************************
Christine Ann Djondo, Senior Program Officer for Special
Programs
Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES)
Affiliated with the Institute of International Education (IIE)
3007
Tilden Street, NW, Suite 5L
Washington DC 20008-3009
Phone: 202-686-4004
Fax: 202-362-3442
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
WEB: http://www.iie.org/cies/
The Office of Special Programs at CIES handles: the
(Scholar-in-Residence Program (SIR), Occasional Lecturer Program
(OLP)
and the Annual Visiting Fulbright Scholar Conference
**********************************************************************
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds!
1. Fill in the brief application
2. Receive approval decision within 30 seconds
3. Get rates as low as 2.9% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR
http://click.egroups.com/1/6631/12/_/23029/_/963434097/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next meeting Wed., July 26, 7 PM, Douglas-Truth Library, 23 and E Yesler, Seattle, see web site for details. To post a message: [log in to unmask] To subscribe sending a blank message to [log in to unmask] To unsubscribe send a blank message to [log in to unmask] For complete information on the Washington State Africa Network visit: www.ibike.org/africamatters
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
