Africa Working Group in CAHSS wins Stuey Graduate Organization of the Year

The Africa Working Group (AWG) in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in NSU’s College of  Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) received the NSU 2020 Stuey Award for Graduate Student Organization.

The AWG for conflict and peace studies was founded in the summer of 2004 within the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in CAHSS Since its envisioned conception, the AWG continues as a joint project between faculty, students, and alumni interested in the subject of peace and conflict studies on the African continent.

In 2017, the AWG changed its format from presentations to invigorating round-table discussions. Debate facilitators research the topics and are prepared with facts that they use to challenge the audience. These engaging debates have captured and attracted more participants, leading to an active group of 21 consistent members. These brilliant arguments have resulted in proposed strategies to the hot topics ranging from international policies that affect Africa, legitimacy of International Criminal Court, and women in political leadership, to military coups.  This supports learning and encourages more research/scholarship. The AWG has also participated in International Education Week during the Global Village event in fall and has volunteered for the Community Fest.

One of the AWG’s greatest highlights was on April 28, 2018 when the group was delighted to host His Excellency, Ambassador Samson Itegboje, Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, as a Keynote Speaker. The event was filled with African culture and fashion, and drew a large audience from within and beyond the NSU community. Ambassador Itegboje, discussed “Nigeria: Yesterday’s Promises, Tomorrow’s Vision.” AWG’s collaboration with other student groups has led to increased support by CAHSS-SGA, International Business Student Association, and Student Mediation Services. The AWG welcomes students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Ismael Muvingi, Ph.D., faculty in DCRS is the faculty advisor. He was the CAHSS Co-Curricular Advisor of the Year and an NSU Stuey finalist.