Students bring Africa to A&M

On-campus organization provides information in innovative, interactive ways

By: Laura Swift

Posted: 2/21/08

Take a "Journey through Africa" with the African Student Association as it sponsors events that promote awareness of Africa to Texas A&M students this week.

The ASA is trying to raise money for the Uzima Wellness Center in Tanzania, which provides healthcare and education for children.

"Many of the children are orphans or have guardians that are afflicted with AIDS. This center provides them with healthcare and the opportunity to have a K through 12 education," said Rosemary Neyin, a senior microbiology and geology double major, and president of the ASA.

Neyin said that she learned about the Uzima Center from her church, and the ASA decided to raise money for it because the program helps children. The center does medical research, as well.

The cause is important to the ASA. "AIDS affects everyone. It goes across racial, religious, ethnic and socioeconomic boundaries. It does not matter who you are, you can still get it," Neyin said.

Each night of the week, the association will showcase different activities. One activity was a game night on Wednesday, in which traditional food from African countries was served.

"We have members from Angola and Nigeria who are going to make food native to their countries," Neyin said.

The ASA will show "The Last King of Scotland" on Thursday night and will have an African scavenger hunt Friday evening.

"The purpose of the ASA is to educate the Aggie family about Africa," Neyin said.

"Stop by for any of the events this week and educate yourself," said LaToya White, a junior psychology major.

After this week, the ASA will participate in International Students Week, during which it will accept donations for the Uzima Center. The group is scheduled to perform a dance during their Unity Dinner. The event will be sponsored by Delta Xi Nu sorority and will occur during Parents Weekend, which is April 11 to 13.

The ASA was established at A&M in 1984 and has 60 members, which represent a mix of international and American students. "We are open to anyone who wants to learn more about Africa," Neyin said.

White has been a member of the ASA for two years and said she has learned a lot since joining. Neyin and she stressed that they hope to dispel the image that everyone living in Africa is poor.

"Many people have the stereotype that everyone in Africa is poor and diseased. Some are ignorant to the fact that Africa is not a bad place. People live in houses and go to malls, just as they do here," White said. "My goal is to learn as much as possible."

Besides raising awareness, the ASA helps international students get acquainted with the University and College Station.

"The International Students Office can contact us when a new student arrives from a different country. We help them find housing and show them around College Station," Neyin said. "Sometimes we will be at the airport to greet them as they get off the plane."

Neyin, who is from Nigeria, said she joined the ASA during her freshman year and has served as president since the fall of 2007.

"I gained a family when I joined," Neyin said. "Everyone becomes friends. I can call anyone to come and help me with something I need, anytime."

Neyin said that being involved with the ASA has been a great experience, and she has learned different types of African dances and music. As president, Neyin wants people to see the ASA as a worthwhile organization, and to gain a diverse group of members.