Virtual Exchange | Custom Programs
Program Content
As with most African countries, colonization, colonialism, and anti-colonial movements were some of the most definitive events or moments in Kenya’s past. Colonialism penetrated almost every aspect of life – economic, political, social, and cultural – restructuring and reformatting the key indigenous institutions that governed identity and social relations along the way. Since independence, Kenyan societies have had to learn to navigate the resulting fragmented identities and social relations.
This virtual exchange program introduces students to social identities, power, privilege, intersectionality, and diversity in post-colonial Kenya. They will gain an understanding of the institutions that governed and shaped identities in precolonial Kenya and investigate the ways in which these institutions and identities changed as a result of external colonial forces. Using literary, visual, and/or performing arts, students will explore the ‘big eight’ social identities and how they fit into the post-colonial Kenyan context. Taking a comparative approach, students will also be pushed to investigate colonial impacts on indigenous institutions that governed identity in precolonial North America. They will also explore the ‘big eight’ social identities, and the evolution thereof, as they fit into the context(s) of their present-day home communities.
This program is guided by EDU Africa’s five transformative learning goals: Intercultural Competence, Global Citizenship, Personal Growth, Intellectual Growth, and Professional Development. As such, students will also be encouraged towards holistic growth through various co-curricular activities throughout the program. These activities will also give students the opportunity to get to know Kenya, Kenyan people, and Kenyan culture(s).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate intercultural communication skills, attitudes, and values
- Contextualize Kenya’s colonial legacy and its effects within global trends and challenges
- Discuss how transcontinental issues and manifestations of privilege and discrimination relate to identity
- Critically reflect on individual growth and transformation
- Understand key concepts such as the ‘Big 8’ social identities, diversity, privilege, discrimination, and intersectionality
- Use various art forms (written, visual, and performing arts) to unpack transcontinental and transgenerational understandings of identity, heritage, and global citizenship
Note: Specific learning outcomes can be constructed in collaboration with EDU Africa’s dedicated curriculum development team
Virtual Inclusions
Through both synchronous and asynchronous methods, students will explore, experience, and engage with the following:
- Interactive workshops on dominant & non-dominant identities
- Traditional Kenyan cooking classes
- Open discussions and brainstorming on potential solutions to global environmental challenges using the arts
- Live discussion with Kenyan students on identity, cultural diversity, and the arts
- Debate on a set topic in line with identity, cultural diversity, and the arts
Facilitation
Our team works collaboratively with faculty to curate and deliver quality programs. Your dedicated Program Designer will assist with program development and arrangements, supporting and advising you along the way. Your assigned Program Facilitator will be able to assist with session facilitation, lead reflections, and support participants on their learning journey. Finally, our Technical Support Team is available to set up and ensure the smooth running of virtual sessions.
Let's Collaborate
We thrive on innovation and collaboration with our team members, local partners, and global clients. All our Virtual Exchange programs can be customized according to specific learning outcomes, the preferred time commitment, and accessible platforms. We believe every virtual journey with us to Africa gives students the opportunity to learn and transform. Request a proposal to start the collaborative journey.