The African Teaching, Research
and Outreach Center (ATROC)
As part of the University of Georgia strategic
plan to expand international study opportunities, the African
Studies Institute and interested faculty have developed a business
plan creating a new comprehensive campus in Tanzania called
the African Teaching, Research and Outreach Center (ATROC).
Currently, no other American institution has a study abroad
facility in Africa. The opportunity is right for the University
to take a leadership role in African Studies by establishing
such a Center. The primary objectives of the Center are:
1.
to strengthen existing study-abroad educational programs in
Africa,
2. to provide research opportunities and collaboration
in East Africa,
3. to provide additional teaching opportunities
and collaboration with African educational institutions (especially
those in the IUCEA consortium), and
4. to provide public service
and outreach opportunities for UGA students, including cooperation
with local and rural communities and service learning projects.
In keeping with the strategic plan of the University of Georgia,
that is to advance the international aspects of teaching, research,
public service and outreach missions, and to enrich the learning
environment of its students, the primary goals of the African
Studies Institute embrace the enhancement of the teaching of
courses with a rich African content, initiation of new courses
and degree programs in African Studies, collaboration in research
opportunities in and about Africa, and the expansion of current
and the creation of new studies abroad, student and faculty
exchange, and continuing education and outreach programs between
African institutions and the University of Georgia.
The Gertrude Mongella-University of Georgia Initiative
The
Gertrude Mongella-University of Georgia Initiative was signed
by President Michael Adams in November 2005. Subsequently,
a task force was established to facilitate the communications
and planning for implementing activities for the initiative.
In February 2006 Ambassador Mongella visited the University
of Georgia to articulate her vision for the Initiative and for
the improvement of living conditions in her District. Vice
President Art Dunning (Public Service and Outreach) agreed to
provide initial support for a team of two UGA faculty to visit
Tanzania to conduct a feasibility assignment. The Ukerewe District
comprises of 38 islands with a total of 6400 km2, 10% of which
is land. People inhabit 15 of the islands, but 23 islands have
temporary fishing villages. This presents interesting economic,
environmental, and health issues for the community, especially
women and children.
The priorities of the Initiative include:
Women’s Economic Development, Girls’ Educational and Social
Development, Environmental Issues, Maternal and Infant Health,
and Cross-cutting/Interrelated Issues. |
