OUTREACH
In an effort to assist educators and communities interested in expanding
knowledge about Africa throughout Pittsburgh and neighboring communities
in Western Pennsylvania, the African Studies Program coordinates a range
of outreach services to schools, civic groups, businesses and the wider
community. The goal is to increase public knowledge about Africa and
also to enhance the understanding of African culture by providing information
from and about Africa.
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
African Studies works closely with K-12 teachers and administrators
to promote the teaching of Africa in their school curriculum. Our central
focus over the years has been curricula development through the Fulbright-Hays
Group Projects Abroad Program funded, by the U.S. Department of Education.
Teachers and administrators from various school districts in Western
Pennsylvania have had the opportunity to travel to Africa for the purpose
of enhancing their professional competence in the African area and the generation
of specific, grade level instructional resources for classroom infusion.
Teachers who have traveled to Africa have returned to Pittsburgh and
have continued to be active in the annual “Teach Africa”
workshops organized by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and co-sponsored
by the African Studies Program.
CONFERENCE/WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS
African Studies coordinates at least one teachers’ workshop or
conference each summer. Focus is on teaching Africa through literature,
environmental sciences, social studies, language and visual arts. Information
about these programs are posted on our events calendar but if you wish
to receive advance information, please send us an email with your name
and e-mail address: macrina@pitt.edu.African Studies also organizes
guest speakers and local experts to participate in round table discussions.
SPEAKERS BUREAU
African Studies encourages its faculty and students to make themselves
available for speaking engagements on African topics. Individual Africanists
are available for consultation on programs, curricula, or issues concerning
Africa. We will continually assist in identifying experts on the topic
at hand and to link the requester with the relevant expert. We also
arrange school presentations by African graduate students during the
academic year. |