“I am because you are; you are because we are”- Africa sage Philosophy
Written by Michelle Thomas-Maison
NSU is one of the most diverse campuses in South Florida. The campus is home to students from over 109 countries ranging from 8 regions across the globe, including Africa. This makes NSU rich in cultural diversity and a place where global differences merge and intersect in a unique culture of respect and tolerance for all. Students from the continent of Africa make up approximately 6% of the entire NSU student population. The African Working Group (AWG) was founded in the summer of 2004 within the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS), CAHSS. The group was formed out of a vision that is anchored on three fundamental principles: ‘walking together’, ‘learning together’ and ‘moving forward together’.
Since its inception, the AWG continues to be a joint project among students, faculty, and alumni interested in the subject of peace and conflict on the African continent. One of the AWG’s main goals is bringing together all students who share an interest in issues that affect the African continent, in a space where these issues can be discussed in a safe learning environment. While fostering social and collaborative relationships with other student organizations forms the cornerstone of AWG’s mission, the group is also geared towards promoting an academic foundation by integrating learned theories and models in group discussions. That is in line with the Conflict Resolution department’s guiding principle of a scholarship of engagement.
The group is now comprised of six Executive team members: Dr. Ismael Muvingi (Advisor, im283@nova.edu); Genevieve Sabala (President, gs965@mynsu.nova.edu); Womiye Ojo (Vice President, eo290@nova.edu), Nekeisha Bascombe (Public Relations Officer, nb658@nova.edu); Lawrence Egulu (Secretary, le400@mynsu.nova.edu) and Michelle Thomas-Maison (Treasurer, mt1037@mynsu.nova.edu).
The AWG family welcomes new participants.
For more information on AWG, interested participants are asked to visit our website at: https://cahss.nova.edu/community-outreach/africaworkinggroup/index.html or send us an email at (im283@nova.edu).