Upcoming Faculty Development Workshop: Incorporating Virtual Global Exchange in the Curriculum

 

Very much looking forward to this faculty development workshop on VGE next week. We'll be working with faculty to develop courses with a VGE component, linking their courses with faculty and students in the US.

Best part -- longtime collaborator Larisa Patlis (From ULIM in Moldova) will join us to talk about how her students benefitted from partnering with students in the USA.

Upcoming Lecture: America@250: Opportunity for Civic Renewal in the USA

I am looking forward to delivering the lecture "America@250: Opportunity for Civic Renewal" as a part of the Center's lecture series.

One-on-One Meetings with the Research Fellows at the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University -- Countering Violent Extremism in Uganda

There are six research fellows in the first cohort at the Center.

Currently the researchers are each working on drafts of their book chapters for an edited volume that will explore Relationality: Uganda and America Since 1945. 

In addition to the collegial research seminars 

(See this article https://chuss.mak.ac.ug/en/us-professor-judithanne-scourfield-mclauchlan-joins-makerere-to-advance-uganda-america-relational-studies/)

I am also meeting with the researchers one-on-one, with several days set aside for this collaboration.  On Friday, we needed to move our meetings to MS Teams, but this actually worked better, as we could "share screen" to review drafts and resources.

Pictured, meeting with Historians Dr. Charlotte Mafumbo and Dr. Jacqueline Nakaiza about their study of US efforts to combat violent extremism in Uganda.

One-on-One Meetings with Researchers -- connecting Prof Bernard Luwerakera with the Honorable Betty Castor

I have been meeting one-on-one with the first cohort of researchers at the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States, mentoring them on their projects.  Ultimately, each of these researchers is contributing a chapter to a co-edited volume about US-Uganda relations.

When meeting with Prof. Bernard Luwerakera -- who is researching the impact of the Peace Corps Program in Uganda -- I knew immediately that I wanted to connect him with the Honorable Betty Castor.

Before the Honorable Betty Castor  was the first woman elected to serve on the Hillsborough County Commission, elected State Senator in Florida (and President Pro Temp of the Florida Senate), the first woman  elected statewide in Florida (as the Florida Education Commissioner), the first woman President of the University of South Florida,  appointed by President Obama to serve on the national Fulbright Board, among many other professional accomplishments ---

Betty was appointed by President Kennedy to be a part of the official US delegation to attend Uganda's Independence celebration. When a college student she traveled to Uganda on a service trip that provided books and other support for schools. After graduation, Betty taught in Uganda for 2 years soon after the country's independence. AND while a teacher in Uganda, she led the first group of African girls to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!! 

As Prof. Luwerkera is working on his project evaluating the impact of the Peace Corps - particularly as it relates to education - I was hoping that he could interview Betty as a part of his research.

I was so pleased that Betty made time to join us for an intro meeting with Prof. Bernard along with the director of the Center, Prof Edward Kaweesi.  

Thank you so very much, Betty, for contributing to this research project! And for your many contributions to the people of Uganda!

Also -- I asked Betty to send over some photos of her work in Uganda to include in this post 

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch - tracking white rhinos on foot

Sunday Funday: track white rhinos on foot at the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch!

https://ziwarhinoandwildliferanch.com/

Rhinos were officially declared extinct in Uganda - but - with the assistance of rhinos from Kenya and donations from Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom (Disney Conservation Fund) Rhinos were brought to this sanctuary property.  

The very first calf born was of the mother from Florida (and father from Kenya) -- and he was named Obama! (born in 2009)  (And, yes!, I did purchase the Obama t-shirt pictured here. 

I had a wonderful guide (Brian) who went over all safety guidelines before leading me to this "crush" of rhinos resting in the shade.  I learned so much about rhinos - which I will try to update this post at a later time.

There are cabins and a new restaurant opened on the property - so you could stay for more than an afternoon.