SOAS University of London

& African Leadership University

SUMMER SCHOOL

2019

Introduction

The SOAS - ALU Summer School was the sincerest introduction to re-establishing the A in SOAS. We, the

participants, forged life-bonds, learned from experts, community leaders, and each other. Our presence

on this campus, over the past two weeks, has subverted the purpose of this institution. We have begun

to truly decolonise SOAS. Bringing together future Africa-based leaders and leaders from the African

diaspora has cemented a working relationship, grounded in exchange and understanding. During this

partnership we have sat in circle process to really listen to one another. This process was the most

informative experience in our educational careers. We hope for more summer schools for ourselves and

others to come.

Thank you SOAS, University of London and the African Leadership University for bringing this project to

life and for breathing new life into us. Thank you for making the SOAS & ALU Summer School such a

rewarding experience.

U

*Summer School Sessions*

WEEK 1

Decolonising Political Theory - An Interactive Seminar led

by Manjeet Ramgotra

African Feminist Epistemology: The Politics of Citations

led by Awino Okech

SOAS Library Tour led by Sunil Pun

African Rhythms in Emerging Genres around the Globe

led by Kevin Rugamba

Leadership: A brief inspection on leadership's

relationship to power led by Keni Kariuki

The Trial of Winnie Mandela led by Isis Amlak

Marshmallow Challenge led by Khadija Sanusi

What does leadership mean to you? Using LEGO to

explore led by Suzanne Faulkner

The Intricacies of a Lecture-free Way of Learning led by

Dave Webster

Fictionalising Memories: Creative Writing Workshop led

by Sindi Gordon

WEEK 2

Ladbroke Grove Social Movement Walking Tour led by Carol John

BINGO London led by SOAS & ALU Students

Black Cultural Archives led by Hannah Ishmael

Peckham Guided Tour led by Zainab Korah

Make your own podcast led by Fred Molin @ SOAS Radio

Commonwealth Youth Summit Panel including Peter

Burdin, Desiree Joule-Adams, & Fred Molin

Unraveling notions of leadership: Moving away from

performativity led by Imran Jamal

Decolonising the Commonwealth: How to prepare for

the Commonwealth Youth Summit in Rwanda 2020

including Karen Salt, Alex White, Peter Burdin, Desiree

Joule Adams, & Daniel Selwyn

Conversation with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi

II

Breaking Bread

Student Participants

Amuna Wagner- SOAS, University of London

I could not have wished for a better way to end my time at SOAS. This summer school turned out to be a life-changing experience of invaluable learning and friendships. In only two weeks, our safe space and conversations gave me so much confidence and trust in my own knowledge and creativity. I gained invaluable insights into diasporic conversations and it has opened my eyes to new possibilities on the continent. I am in love with the people I met and hope we will continue to imagine and create better futures together. Before this summer school, I had never thought of myself as a leader however reimagining what leadership means has encouraged me to take responsibility and believe that I can be part of meaningful change.

Daniella Uwase - African Leadership University

This was more than a summer school to me, it was beyond my expectations, I have learned new things, history I didn’t know, I thank the whole team who worked so hard for us to have this unforgettable experience. Thanks for supporting us in our projects, I’m so happy to have known you guyz, wish we could have more time together, hope we stay in touch, See y’all in Rwanda!!

Hossam Fazalla- SOAS, University of London

It’s been a great experience and I’m honored to be with such great and amazing people. Thank you so much for having me and for making sure we have such an amazing summer school. Being with you all reminded me a lot of being with my family.

All love.

Hyguette Ishimwe - African Leadership University

SOAS-ALU Summer school made a significant impact on how I view Africans and Africa as a continent through powerful sessions, discussion, and walking tours we had within only two weeks. I am so grateful to everyone who worked hard to make this summer school a reality.

Jude Omidiran - SOAS, University of London

The Summer School has been a really unique experience for me. Being able to come together with people with such a rich and diverse range of experiences, united in our Afrikan This isn’t finished don’t print like this!!

Kellyson Siamunjo- African Leadership University

The SOAS-ALU Summer school was more than just a summer school, it was a life-changing experience of enlightenment, inspiration and growth. Through interactions, and thought provocative sessions about Africa and the Diaspora, I was challenged to reimagine my perception about Africa and to become an agent of change of the continent's narratives as opposed to flowing with the flow.

Adekúnmi Ọlátúnjí - SOAS, University of London This summer school has been enriching and invigorating. I’ve had my ideas challenged and perceptions changed. I feel confident that this won’t be my last interaction with ALU, and it’s only the beginning of my a new relationship with Africa. See you all in Kigali 2020!

Margaret Mandeya- African Leadership University

I’ve met some really amazing people and I’m so happy that I got the opportunity to attend this summer school. I can only describe this experience as a once in a lifetime opportunity. I take away with a rich understanding of the realities of Africans in the diaspora through what was shared. Everyone was open to share and ready to learn from each other which was absolutely inspiring.

Michelle Ezeuko- SOAS, University of London

Nancy Umutoni- African Leadership University

It astounds me how much I have been able to learn from each and every person I have met during the summer school through the thought-provoking conversations we had. My world is a much brighter place after engaging with such amazing people, so different yet so alike.

Tolulope Bakare - SOAS, University of London

Wassa Cisse- African Leadership University During such a short time, I’ve never found so much similarities in the differences we have. Living on the continent or abroad, we have so much in common, we just want a place to be happy!

Nima Mudey- SOAS, University of London

I can’t believe how much we’ve learnt, grown and bonded together over these two weeks.

This summer school has been so eye-opening and inspiring. You are all such beautiful, amazing and truly remarkable people and I’m so excited to see what the future brings for us all. Thank you so much to you all and to Carol, Sindi, Stephanie and Isaac for giving us this incredible opportunity. You have all given me new-found pride in my identity not only as a Black person but as an African. A Pan-African. And I truly believe we will all be so much stronger and more confident, thanks to the bonds of connection we’ve forged over these two weeks. We’re family now. Love you all. And see you in Rwanda next year!!

Onike June-Winston SOAS, University of London

Guyssss I can’t believe 2 weeks have gone by so quickly!! It has truly been an honour to meet and get to know all of you... Sorry but I’m claiming you all as my good friends now so you’re stuck with me :P ! Thank you for making the space a safe zone where I felt able to have honest and open conversations with

you all. I am leaving inspired and energised for the next 2 years of SOAS. You have my number now so don’t be strangers!!! Love ya! Onika xx

Osee Nkurikiyimana - African Leadership University

ALU-SOAS Summer Cultural exchange has been a short but very educational experience every student can wish to have. I enjoyed my single minute around the wonderful people not only ALU-mates but also wonderful SOAS team at large. I have mentally, Emotionally and psychologically grown under the support of diverse sessions we were introduced to. I dedicate my maximum thanks to Carol John, Dr. Sindi, Mr. Isaac Nkusi Z. and Stephanie for pulling out your energy to make us feel at home and welcomed. I also thank my fellow colleagues who made all sessions interactive and improve my ways of thinking into a true Pan-Africanist. ...And finally, I thank ALU for this experiential opportunity.

Peter Ndahiro- African Leadership University

My summer school has been my eye-opening experience, everyday to me has been a day of discovering new things, my perspectives being challenged and a great opportunity for me to see Africa in a different viewpoint. My regards to everyone who prepared it and to my fellow SOAS-ALU students who made this greatest experience.

Rhianna Malcolm- SOAS, University of London

My time at the summer school has been so inspiring, from the people I’ve met, the speakers and facilitators, to the rich history of black people in the U.K. and the ambition and vision of those who participated. I genuinely feel like I have made some friends for life. Thank you to everyone who made this experience so amazing and I wish everyone the best for their future endeavours.

I’ve never been in a space where black excellence has shone quite so much.

Sheni Jaiye - SOAS, University of London

Two weeks of life-changing learning. Soas ALU summer school of 2019 has given me a world-class platform to exchange knowledge and experiences with some of Africa’s finest future leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers. The quality of learning and facilitation from Carol John, Dr Sindi, Stephanie, and Isaac is of the highest quality. This has been a most rewarding experience. I have met passionate brothers, sisters, sons and daughters of the great continent of Africa, and have made lifelong friends. Together we have an in depth understanding of the relevance of the African Narrative. Together we will make the mother PROUD!

I look forward to travelling to ALU and continue this experience.

Zainab Korah - SOAS, University of London

My Experience of the ALU-SOAS Summer school has been amazing! It is one thing to put together a schedule, but I believe it is the people who attend that make it truly great. I have had the honour to meet some of the most genuine, lovely and accomplished young people over these two weeks. My conversations with them have allowed me to widen and develop my knowledge on a wide range of topics from the tastiest snack in Kigali to the ways in which I can become a greater leader.

I will be really sad to see everyone go but I am also confident in the bonds of friendship we’ve all made!

Special Thanks Sindi Gordon

Carol John

Stephanie Guirand

Angelica Baschiera

Kevin Rugamba

Isaac Nkusi Zirimwabagabo

Thank you again to all of the presenters and facilitators:

Isis Amlak

Peter Burdin

Suzanne Faulkner

Hannah Ishmael

Imran Jamal

Desiree Joule-Adam

Keni Kariuki

Dr. Awino Okech

Manjeet Ramgotra

Karen Salt

Khadija Sanusi

David Webster

Alex Wright

H. H. Muhammad Sanusi II,

Emir of Kano