University of Oregon in Tanzania: A Transformative Program

Tanzania continues to deliver transformative experiences for our students, this time for our cohort from the University of Oregon as part of their Social Justice and Human Rights in Tanzania program!  Our students studied in residence at the MS TCDC, Tanzania Centre for Development Cooperation, a leader in its field since the early ‘60s and a place where I first brought students to in 1992.  Coursework centered on development, human rights, race, ethnicity and identity within an African context and our administrative work centered a decolonial approach to partnerships, practices, and policies.

Our students also engaged extensively with a local community partner to workshop the intersection of Climate Change, Gender and Human Rights, facilitated by local experts and more than 20 local participants who taught and inspired all of us.  We shared our knowledge, too, but WE were the real learners in Africa.  Students reached even higher heights with a visit to the United African Alliance Community Center near Arusha with Charlotte O'Neal, Pete O’Neal and their cultural community.

A big SHOUT OUT to my incredible colleague and supporting partner in Tanzania, Rachel Mantiñán, and also to Will Johnson and Elizabeth Dougherty Abbasi from University of Oregon Global Ducks. This amazing program would not have been possible without their dedication and effort.  What rock stars!