Faculty academics take centre stage during Africa Week

Academics and postgraduate researchers in the Faculty of Social Sciences will take part in the University of Leeds’ Africa Week.

Academics and postgraduates from the Faculty of Social Sciences are participating in the University of Leeds’ free three-day conference and other events as part of Africa (and African Diaspora) Week 2024 later this month.

Themed this year as ‘Open Africa, Open World’, the conference will provide space for debate and discussion on open education and knowledge exchange systems. Led and informed by African scholars and researchers, this years’ event will celebrate the strengths, diversity and impact of African scholars, organisations and partnerships.

The conference, held in-person and online, runs from 22–24 May, while there will be a vibrant celebration of African culture on Africa Day itself (Saturday 25 May). Professor Luis Francheschi, Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth, will deliver the keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

The following academics and postgraduate researchers from the Faculty of Social Sciences will take part:

• Wednesday 22 May, 11.20am–12.40pm, Professor Anna Mdee from the School of Politics and International Studies will co-chair a discussion on ‘Higher Education Systems ‒ Teaching and Scholarship’, which will also feature Professor Ray Bush from the School of Politics and International Studies.
• Thursday 23 May, 09.40–11.00am, Dr Winnie Bedigen from the School of Politics and International Studies will co-chair a panel discussion on ‘Community Education and Indigenous Knowledges’.
• Thursday 23 May, 11.20am–12.40pm, Dr Sahla Aroussi from the School of Politics and International Studies will feature on a panel about ‘African Feminism in Higher Education’.
• Thursday 23 May, 2.00–3.20pm, Vivian Nsiah, a PhD student from the School of Politics and International Studies and Damarie Kalonzo, a PhD student from the School of Law will take part in a panel on ‘Student Perspectives’.
• Friday 24 May, 11.20am–12.40pm, Dr Abel Ugba and Dr Simon Manda from the School of Politics and International Studies will co-chair the discussion on ‘Reframing Excellence’.

I am thrilled to be part of a conference of African research and scholarship that will provide Students, particularly postgraduates and those interested in postgraduate courses in African Studies, a unique opportunity to enhance their decolonial knowledge. I will be participating in an event on 'Community Education and Indigenous Knowledges' exploring key interdisciplinary areas in understanding the Evolution and Contributions of African Studies, Application of Ethics in an African rural context, Decolonising pedagogy through Yarning, and Community-based Education for Parkinson's Disease Awareness, Care, and Support.

Find out more about the conference programme and Celebrating Africa and register your place for the 3-day conference (Wed-Fri) on the Eventbrite page.