Written by Nicole Mostert
Our Ethical Community Engagement Approach prioritizes exchange. Community Engagements across all our regions are driven by community needs and facilitated through a mutually beneficial exchange of skills and experience. We value feedback from our community partners, and based on their input, we’d like to showcase three impactful moments from our 2024 community engagements.
An Exchange of Continual Impact
The University of Washington State partnered with the Maa Trust in Kenya on two service-learning programs focused on Beekeeping and Infectious Diseases. Over eight days, students learned about the Maa Trust and engaged with their projects. The students showed their appreciation by donating to the first-ever World Beekeeping Day symposium and continuing to fundraise for care packages for new mothers in the community.
An Exchange of Professional Knowledge
Students from St. Petersburg College and Appalachian State University in the US participated in a sable moving operation with the Victoria Falls Wild Hub in Zimbabwe. The experience facilitated cultural exchange and sharing of technical knowledge between the students and local veterinarians.
An Exchange of Hard Work and Inspiration
Denisha Anand and her team at the Princess Vlei Forum in South Africa collaborated with Wake Forest University students. The students assisted with daily garden tasks and learned about the forum’s development and the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues. Anand’s team appreciated the students’ help with daily operations and valued their open-mindedness, critical engagement, and insightful feedback.
Partnering with such inspiring local organizations across the continent has been a privilege. We look forward to 2025 and the opportunity for more exchanges through Ethical Community Engagement in Africa.
