Bridging continents: Dal students to learn, share, and connect in West Africa

Students of African ancestry from Dalhousie will join African Nova Scotian community members on a journey to Ghana, West Africa this summer. 

The trip kicks off this week and is meant to honour and commemorate the final year of the UN-declared Decade for People of African Descent (DPAD).

Miguel Nkeng, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Recreation/Bachelor of Management student is looking forward to the trip, which he calls a life-changing opportunity.

“I was born and raised in Toronto and have never left North American soil. My father’s lineage traces back to Ghana, so this trip will be especially meaningful. It’ll give me a sense of where I come from and where my ancestors come from. I feel like it will change my whole perspective,” he says.

'Welcome home'

The organization known as Connecting to Africa (CTA) is helping to facilitate the 17-day in-country experience. This transformative opportunity will allow participants to further self-development and appreciate other perspectives and experiences as people of African descent.

“Travelling to Mother Africa provides the opportunity for people of African descent to truly find a place where they feel connected and home," says Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, an associate professor in the Faculty of Health and and Dal's assistant vice provost equity and inclusion. "Reflecting on a quote that was said to many of us who went to Ghana during the 50th year of Independence by the tourism minister, ‘Welcome home sons and daughters of our strongest ancestors.’ This quote will aways resonate for me as we continue to provide these opportunities to students and community members.” 

The group will take part in CTA’s Learning Project and will work closely with local not-for-profit organizations to share, learn and exchange knowledge about services and resources. Participants will also visit various historical sites and learn more about the history and culture of Ghana.

Participants will learn about the people, culture, and history of Ghana on the journey, which will also create dialogue exchanges and participation in several community development activities.

Making the trip possible

A total of 15 people are going on the trip, including eight from various African Nova Scotian communities and seven Dalhousie students sponsored by Global Skills Opportunity with from the African Nova Scotian Strategy and Dalhousie University.

“This trip would not be possible for the students without the support of Global Skills Opportunity, the African Nova Scotian Strategy, and Dalhousie University. I am honoured to be the faculty member who gets to experience many of the first with students. Not only do they grow but so do I,” said Dr. Hamilton-Hinch.

The group leaves July 17 and will return August 7.