Custom Virtual Exchange Programs in Africa

My World Music Drumming class did a customized Virtual Exchange with EDU Africa where we heard three different presentations from Ghanaian musicians over the course of a few weeks during class. Each speaker presented a different aspect of Ghanaian music and illustrated how traditional music is connected to contemporary music that people listen to today. My students were fascinated by some of the cultural traditions they spoke about, such as a baby-naming ceremony, and how music is an important part of everyday life in Ghana. These speakers brought to life in my classroom what my students previously thought of as a far-away place, as they shared stories, videos, and live musical performances. Several students shared that through hearing these speakers, they now have a new understanding and appreciation for a place they had never thought much about before.

This was my first experience working with EDU Africa. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them to create this virtual exchange that was customized to my music course with a focus on global diversity. I plan to work with them again next semester to build upon this experience for my students.

EDUAfrica arranged for my students to work with Tribeca recognized director Kivu Ruhorahoza and actor/activist Mark Gwamaka of Aegis Trust/Kigali Genocide Memorial (also starring in Kinyarwanda) as well as Rwandan students. We were incredibly fortunate to have had the personal interaction with fascinating, talented, intellectual professionals who provided a wealth of information and even trusted us with their own personal stories. I was profoundly moved by the honest and thought-provoking conversations. This is the third time I've worked with EDUAfrica and they have always delivered stellar quality programs that I am privileged to take part in.

I was part of the 'Social Transformation through Art & Activism in South Africa' virtual exchange program. We were given a great overview of South Africa's history and the opportunity to listen to the different stories of people who experienced the atrocities of Apartheid firsthand, which was such a privilege. Furthermore, there was a range of workshops, from learning various greetings in the local language, trying out gumboot dancing, writing poetry... to learning about the social impacts of conservation and graffiti murals, which broadened my perspective on what counts as effective 'activism'. The host of the sessions was so engaging, the South African students taking part readily gave such valuable insights into the topics we covered, and I was really struck by the sense of purpose all of the contributors approached their work with. It was a truly inspiring week!

I participated in the virtual programme 'Social Transformation through Art and Activism in South Africa'. It was very well organised and I was able to learn about social justice issues in South Africa directly from local artists, activists and academics. Rather than focusing on just one for of art, we learnt about art activism through various forms of expression, a personal favourite being the gumboot dance! It was a wonderful experience and I learnt a lot about how my own culture and identity had been influenced through the arts. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons, meet new people and gain a more global perspective.

EDU AFRICA IS AMAZING!

This program was developed by EDU Africa and one of our Professors at the University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering. We have gone to South Africa the past few years but were unable to go in 2021. EDU Africa created a life-changing program for our students focusing on socially empathic Engineering design and how engineers can create social change. We had US students interact with South Africa students and the overall program was an amazing opportunity to gain global understanding virtually. We were so happy with the results and so excited that we worked with EDU Africa. Desiree Haakonsen is an excellent international educator, facilitator, and program manager.

When we discovered the "virtual" experiences that EDU Africa offered, we were eager to try this opportunity! We integrated this program into a graduate Museum Education and Interpretation class and met with educators from three museums in Cape Town. EDU Africa staff were exceptional in organizing these meetings and in helping to create projects that our students could do from abroad! Our class focus was on social justice issues, and students really appreciated hearing the important work of museum staff in South Africa.

EDU Africa is an amazing organization. Its staff is so dedicated to providing students with the ultimate African experience. Although we had to postpone our in person study abroad program, the four virtual exchanges we had were incredible. The sessions were well-planned, informative, and interactive. Seeing community college students in rural North Carolina interact with people in South Africa was so wonderful. Hearing from Christo Brand and Lionel Davis was witnessing living history. Highly recommend.

EDU Africa put together a program for us that allowed our students to experience new worlds in ways that they never have, or even would have thought to. We asked them to shape discussions around the UN Sustainable Development Goals and then to have our students talk with students in several African countries. It was truly transformative. It was in some ways better than many faculty-led study abroad programs (those that are basically enhanced tourist trips) because we met such a variety of people and perspectives in small groups. Having personal invitations to visit those countries made our students even more eager to travel. The connections with individuals was incredibly enriching.