ANU African Studies Reading Group

This report is from Ernest Akuamoah, Convenor, ANU African Studies Reading Group

Last Friday afternoon the revived ANU African Studies Reading Group held its first meeting at the Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) Building.

This resumption of the group’s activities was successful in many ways. We had fifteen (15) people in attendance, including staff and postgrads, from a pleasing wide range of academic disciplines such as Anthropology, Astrophysics, Demography, Development Studies, Environment, Engineering, History, Linguistics, Political Science and Public Policy. Perhaps for the first time, participants  came from University of Canberra (UC) and the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). The majority of participants were from Africa, representing a good spread of African countries. 

Central to the discussion was the best way to promote African studies at ANU. Some attendees emphasized the need to engage in more academic-related activities (e.g., introducing more African-related courses) rather than social events. On the other hand, others were of the view that the two should not be mutually exclusive—noting that such strict dichotomy may be problematic. With regards to academic activities, there was a suggestion about proposing panels on African studies for conferences held at ANU. 

Attention was drawn to the weblog at  https://africanetwork.weblogs.anu.edu.au/ and to the 2022  report on Studying Africa in Australia by Ibrahim Abraham and Rocco Weglarz. See

https://africanetwork.weblogs.anu.edu.au/2022/05/16/studying-africa-in-australia-report-and-public-lecture/

It is our hope that we can work together to move African studies forward. 

More info about our next meeting will be communicated soon. Have a great week!

 

Best, Ernest

 

Background

This is background information for the resumption of the Reading Group on the 12th August. See the post at https://africanetwork.weblogs.anu.edu.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=10310&action=edit 

Basically  generally Africa at the ANU has gone backwards over the past decade 

The quote below is from the AAUN Annual Report
(see http://aaun.edu.au/annual-reports/ )

‘Australia Africa Conference 2014 July 15-16 2014.
The Australia Africa Conference 2014 was held at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, with the theme “Promoting Strategic Engagement and Partnership between Government, Academic and Business.” It was jointly hosted by the African Diplomatic Corps in Canberra, the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN), the Australia Africa Business Council (NSW and ACT chapters) and the Crawford School at the Australian National University. More than 150 participants attended, including representatives from government and business in both Australia and Africa.’

Looking at the hosts (in bold above) in reverse order:

The Crawford School. The 2014 conference was the last conference when the ANU received financial support from AusAID (now DFAT). The Crawford School was unable to provide a convenor in 2015.

Another funding source for functions was PARSA which no longer exists.

The Australia Africa Business Council (NSW and ACT chapters)
These Chapters no longer exist

African Diplomatic Corps in Canberra
There are 16 African missions in Canberra (see https://africanetwork.weblogs.anu.edu.au/diplomacy/ ) Visits by ANUASA (ANU African Students’ Association) to these missions have ceased. ANUASA  no longer functions.\ T

In the past the ANU has benefited from the Head of Missions, for example  the previous High Commissioner of Kenya, His Excellency Mr. Isaiya Kabira, formerly the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps. 

The ANU no longer holds a lunch for African Heads of Missions.

Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN). The AAUN is not a member of the AAUN, and filled the gap created by the lack of interest by the Crawford School in 2015. However, the ANU will be co-hosting the AAUN Annual Forum in October, and will be sponsoring part of the program. See
http://aaun.edu.au/2022/01/aaun-annual-australia-forum-and-agm-2021-2/

Reading Group Resumes

From Ernest Akuamoah

‘Hi all,

After a long break, the ANU’s African Studies Reading Group resumes with its first meeting dubbed “Meet and Greet”. The goal is to bring together researchers across various academic disciplines and others with an interest in Africa, to engage in exchanging ideas and networking.

In line with this, we will have David Lucas leading a discussion on the future of Africa at the ANU while Adegboyega Adenarin will talk briefly about the importance of networking. It’s our hope that this interaction will result in future collaborations and mentoring.

This initial meeting will also consider plans for this semester. Tentatively future meetings are planned for the second Friday of each month (more details will be provided soon).

There will be light refreshments and tea, coffee and soft drinks, at the beginning and during the meeting.

Looking forward to seeing you all. Feel free to invite others.

Date and Time: Friday August 12 4:30-6PM

Presentation: Room 2.56, RSSS Building, ANU, 146 Ellery Crescent, Acton

Inquiries to: ernest.akuamoah@anu.edu.au or 0499347397

Transport and Parking: Pay Parking until 5pm is required for those who don’t have ANU parking permits.
One convenient option is the Baldessin Parking station: walk down to Ellery Crescent. https://www.anu.edu.au/files/advisory/ANU%20Campus%20Map%202019.pdf

Best wishes,
Ernest