NIU professors to lead seminar in Africa

By Penny Rynberk

If a vibrant culture of rhythmic music, witch doctors, slave castles and abundant wildlife is appealing, then the department of Leadership and Education Policy Studies has the answer.

Phyllis Cunningham, professor of adult education, and Martin Kamwengo, Fullbright scholar in residence, are leading a seminar through Africa between July 20 and Aug. 10.

“The purpose of the seminar is to acquaint students and faculty with theory and practice of adult education in Africa,” Kamwengo said. “It also will provide the opportunity to experience the African culture.”

The group will arrive in Gambia, Africa, on Sunday, July 21, where they will have a nine-hour layover, Kamwengo said. They will use this time to have a discussion at the airport with adult education groups of that area, he said.

Following Gambia, the group will travel to Ghana where they will spend 10 days residing at the University of Ghana, Legon.

The group will visit a number of adult education programs and agencies while in Gambia. A research exchange seminar and discussion also will be attended.

Kamwengo said the group also will visit a number of cultural sights while in Gambia, such as African traditional festivals and castles used to keep slaves before their move to America.

On July 31, the group will arrive at their second and final destination of Zambia, where they will remain for nine days.

In Zambia, the group will visit adult education programs and agencies to discuss such topics as the apartheid and adult education in Africa.

“This trip will be extremely educational. Every minute is accounted for and it is very well organized,” Kamwengo said. “The experience gained is not available in any classroom.”

Kamwengo said there are seven seats left on the trip and he encourages those of all ethnic races to attend.

The last day to sign up for the trip is May 1. Applications should be submitted to the International and Special Programs Division along with a $100 deposit to be applied to the total seminar cost of $3,595.

Anyone interested should contact Cunningham in the LEPS Department or the International and Special Programs Division.