Eye on Africa

Hi guys!

Some of you might not know, but I am a second year International Business & Language student at the HES in Amsterdam. The programme is in English, which I appreciate so much! As well as the fact that there are so many International students in my class, let alone going to my school. Even though I admire the diversity of students that go to the HES, I wanted to talk about something else: Africa and Education.
Last semester I participated in an Excellence Programme at the HES called Eye on Africa. The programme started for the first time last semester from September until December. As an African I was really proud to be a part of the programme. It was really interesting and I was very honoured.

Why?
I participated in the Eye on Africa programme because it was something new and it sounded so interesting to me. Honestly, I haven’t always been interested in Africa. It all started in 2010 when I went back to Senegal after a long time. That is also the main reason I started my African Fashion Blog. And ever since then, I have been in love with Africa. I also chose the programme because when I started my studies I became interested in the combination of businesses in Senegal/Africa one day. So I just took this opportunity to learn more about it.

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today – Malcolm X.

Yes! And to be honest, I think Africa is the future.

First semester.
The class consisted of about 20 to 25 students and maybe only 5 or 6 of them were Africans and the majority consisted of students coming from Germany, Asia or Holland. Most people in the group who were not African told us during the introduction that they were interested in the programme because they didn’t know a lot about Africa and that the school system doesn’t teach them a lot about Africa. Which I can relate to, because the only thing I’ve learned that had to do with Africa was the transatlantic slave trade. And of course that Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa. In school, I have never learned who Thomas Sankara, Patrice Lumamba or Léopold Sédar Senghor were. I’ve never heard much about the Black Panther Party, Angela Davis or Harriet Tubman.

There are many other heroic and important people of African descent that I didn’t mentioned but should be taught in school. So, I finished the Eye on Africa programme last semester and basically the first semester was about doing a research and writing a report about it. The subject had to do with an African country or region, business and culture. Last semester I researched how to start a business in Senegal which I linked to starting a clothing line and I also researched how to invest in Africa on the terms of Dambisa Moyo. It was really interesting to do so and I am really happy to say that I am continuing with the programme!

Second semester.
This semester I don’t necessarily have to write a report. I have the freedom to put some things into action. I could organise a conference with people of African descent or set up a play with people who want to contribute to my idea. I am not so sure what I am going to do this semester. But I will keep you guys updated! If an opportunity like this knocks on your door, make sure to grab it! Learning is something we do our entire life, so don’t be ashamed. I am thankful I took this opportunity :). And remember: Africa is the future!

Khady