Africa is Not a Country
“Africa is Not a Country”
From January 4-February 9, FIUTS hosted our third cohort of 20 undergraduates from Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as part of the Study of the U.S. Institute on Civic Engagement (SUSI), an annual program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
During one of their student-led morning meetings, SUSI students took initiative in their unofficial ambassador role by focusing on the misconception that they have encountered among some people in the United States that Africa is a country. They wrote messages about Africa and their own individual countries to help educate others about the incredible diversity of the African continent.
You can read all their messages below - we’re thrilled to share their pride in their cultures and countries!
”Africa is a big continent with 54 countries. It is rich in resources and is filled with nice and beautiful people, with many languages and cultures.”
“We don’t live in a jungle, and once you are in Africa, you won’t resist its charms.”
“Sons and daughters of the soil. Ubuntu! Arise Africa! God Bless Africa! #IloveAfrica #Africaproverbsrule”
“The continent prides itself on its diverse culture and religious backgrounds, and is rich in minerals.”
“There are many inspiring people in our continent, enriched cultures and amazing food. African people have warm hearts and enlightened souls. Motherland.”
#IamFromAngola
Photo credit: Ivo Evaristo, Titled: “A mind-blowing view from the Tundavala Cliff”
#IamFromMozambique
“It is a continent with a lot of countries. Mozambique is one of the countries that you can visit and feel at home”
“I love my province!”
“Mozambique has mind blowing islands.”
#IamFromZimbabwe
“Africa is a beautiful continent full of sun rays and the best tourist attractions ever. Not a jungle where people and animals stay together, Zimbabwe can be the best tourist attraction place to come for a vacation with a lot thing to see and different traditional dishes to taste.”
Birchenough Bridge, Zimbabwe. Photo credit: Margret Zinhumwe
”Zimbabwe is a peaceful country with the most exclusive resort areas to hang out for holidays and the most favorable climate to enjoy.”“Fact: Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa!! Zimbabwe has the highest literacy rate in Africa!”
Photo credit: Kimberley Bwanya
“Zimbabwe and Zambia has one of the world’s 7 wonders. The Victoria falls, ‘the smoke that thunders’ you should really visit!”
#IamFromBotswana
#Botswana the land of peace.
#Botswana - Our Diamonds Our Pride
Photo credit: Motlatsi Mojela
“The continent prides itself of its diverse culture and religion background, mostly rich in minerals.”
“Love and Unity [in Botswana.”
“Botswana, my country prides itself as one of the countries in the world with the best diamonds and tourism.”
#IAmFromSouthAfrica
“South Africa is the country furthest South in Africa and is known for its amazing people and weather. Pretoria, the capital city is known as the Jacaranda city.”
Photo Credit: Artist: Mo Matli https://www.behance.net/mokiematlib3fd
”South Africa is a very diverse nation with multiple cultures and languages. Zulu is not the only one. And yes, we have technology!”
“And no, we do not speak ‘African.’ Each country has its own official languages and some like South Africa have more than one. South Africa has 11 official languages. Each of these languages are as unique as the rest.”
About the Program
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, promote a better understanding of the people, institutions, and culture of the United States among foreign students, teachers, and scholars. Study of the U.S. Institutes are short-term academic programs for groups of undergraduate leaders, educators, and scholars from around the world.
The SUSI on Civic Engagement with students from Southern Africa is coordinated by the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS), a local non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Washington that promotes international friendship and cross-cultural understanding in the region.
Guest posts on the FIUTS blog represent the experiences and views of individual writers. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FIUTS or any organizations or institutions affiliated with our programs.