Africa Working Group (AWG)
School for Conflict Analysis & Resolution
George Mason University
Our Vision:
“Helping to Create a Brighter Future for Africa”
This involves the advancement of a deeper understanding of the many issues on the African continent and the ways in which they may be resolved by means of research, presentations, publications and some “practice” work.
Our Mission:
“Spread Enlightenment”
AWG is committed to creating platforms, building bridges and creating a strong viable network to enable individuals aiming to work on improving situations in Africa will be able to do so while understanding the dynamics of the system they would be operating in. Our work is not only in the African countries where conflicts are present but also countries in post conflict situations and even relatively peaceful nations across the continent. Our objective is also to support GMU students interested in pursuing research on the many topics concerning Africa.
Africa Working Goup is an affiliation of people who have an interest in peacebuilding and conflict resolution issues in Africa. The Africa Working Group (AWG) at The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) is an association of academic practitioners, activists, and students interested in fostering an in-depth understanding of contemporary African issues. Any interested persons may join the Africa Working Group. The working group was founded in the early 1990s by S-CAR students and faculty. To this end, the AWG has utilized advocacy, activism, research and seminars to engage the Washington metropolitan community and others in African affairs. AWG has hosted some notable events which include the African Peacemakers Encounter, conference marking the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide; a Darfur symposium; and a book reading with Rwandan author Louise Mushikiwabo. In 2006 and 2007, AWG hosted a Career Fair in Peacebuilding, Symposium on Comprehensive Peacekeeping in Africa as well as several brown bags on contemporary issues confronting Africa.
Methods:
In order to accomplish or vision and mission and achieve our AWG will do the following:
§ Undertake research, offer presentations, hold events, and network with relevant stakeholders with the aim of carrying out some actual practice work in the field.
§ Help African students develop academic and practical skills that will help bring peace and promote mutual cooperation between African nations as well as the rest of the world
§ Strengthening and complementing the work of the African diaspora in the United States
§ Promote the work of the AWG in order to gain recognition and use that acknowledgement to work change the perceptions and attitudes of Africans in the U.S.
Objectives:
We aim to build bridges between the academic achievements of GMU African students and the practical role our members can play in improving the future of Africa. This we will do through:
1. To create an environment where African Students will be able to positively impact the school and the community.
2. To help change the bad image of the continent and to show the very rich and diverse cultures that ought to characterize Africa
3. To help African students within GMU and to equip and prepare them for a better future
4. To develop collaborative relationships with universities and related organizations in Africa regarding research and practices in social conflict and conflict resolution.
5. To provide GMU faculty and students with avenues outside the classroom, to critically examine & modify, wherever appropriate, the theories and models related to social conflict, now emerging in academic institutions and practices.
If you are interested in joining the Africa Working Group or you require additional Information about the group, please contact the undersigned
Contact:
The Coordinator, Africa Working Group
3351 Fairfax Dr MS 4D3 Arlington, VA 22201
[email protected]
Fambul Tok (Family Talk)
A film about the power of forgiveness
By Libby Hoffman
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
7:30 – 9:30 PM
Founders Hall, Multipurpose Room 125
George Mason University - Arlington Campus
3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
Synopsis:
Victims and perpetrators of Sierra Leone's brutal civil war come together for the first time in an unprecedented program of tradition-based truth-telling and forgiveness ceremonies. Through reviving their ancient practice of fambul tok (family talk), Sierra Leoneans are building sustainable peace at the grass-roots level -- succeeding where the international community's post-conflict efforts failed. Filled with lessons for the West, this film explores the depths of a culture that believes that true justice lies in redemption and healing for individuals -- and that forgiveness i
Fall 2012 - Meeting
The AWG met at the beginning of the fall semester to acquaint new students about the working group and also deliberated on new strategy for the AWG.
International Visitor Leadership Program
The AWG and the Centre for Peace Making Practice hosted visitors from eleven African countries to discuss and share lessons about conflict resolution in Africa. The visitor’s were invited under the auspices of the US Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program.
Africa Speaks 1 – Conflict in DR Congo
The AWG held the inaugural session of Africa Speaks, the first in a series of the analysis of the Africa conflicts by the Africans and friends themselves. The speakers analyzed the historical contexts of the conflict in the Congo Democratic republic, the present situation and the future directions of the conflict.
From Conflict Analysis to the Celebration of Africa Culture
The AWG partnered with the S-CAR Dean and the Student Association to organize the annual S-CAR holiday party for 2012. The AWG used the opportunity to show case the richness of Africa culture: Africa delicacies, dances and cultural displays by students from different Africa countries at S-CAR.
Activities Plan – January/February 2013
· Africa Speaks 2 – Analysis of Conflict in Central Africa Republic (CAR)
· Africa Speaks 3 – Analysis of Conflict in Mali