Word from the President – Spring 2015
Dear Friends,
It’s spring… and AAI has sprung into action!
Since the beginning of the year, we’ve been moving forward with the planning and execution of our impactful programming as well as new initiatives. I recently attended a conference on African Higher Education in Dakar, Senegal, with African Ministers of Education, practitioners, educators and global philanthropy, where we set out to forge a new agenda for higher education in Africa. I left energized by the discussions, and am confident to say that AAI is advancing the right themes, at the right time.
Indeed, supporting African students in their pursuit of higher education was why AAI was founded in 1953. In keeping with our long tradition and rich legacy, we announced in January, the AAI Future Leaders Legacy Fund. The Future Leaders Legacy Fund is a multi-year campaign to provide Africa’s brightest, yet under-resourced students with scholarships to study in top-performing African universities and technical colleges.
We’re gradually rolling out the Legacy Fund and are identifying pilot partner universities. We will officially launch the Legacy Fund at our annual awards gala which has a new name – The Future Leaders Legacy Fund Awards Gala – on September 21 in New York City. We hope you’ll join us at one of New York City’s most anticipated Africa-focused events and support our new scholarship fund.
You can support the Legacy Fund today to ensure that African students have access to places of learning and innovation in the African university system.
Once again, educators and innovators from Africa will gather to assess the progress of education in Africa at all levels at the 2nd Annual State of Education in Africa conference on September 2, in Lagos, Nigeria. In partnership with The Ford Foundation, the State of Education conference aims to put forth bold approaches to improving the quality of education. We are seeking panelists to provide thought leadership and expertise on key education issues. If you would like to be considered for a panelist position, contact Mikako Tai at mtai@aaionline.org Please send your CV, contact information and the panel that best fits your expertise for consideration.
We’re also thrilled to host our first ever PitchFest at our State of Education in Africa conference. Innovators are invited to submit cutting-edge ideas on improving education in Africa at all levels. Finalists will receive cash prizes! Click here for the details.
Get connected to AAI! Become a fan on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. For more information on The Africa-America Institute, please visit www.aaionline.org.
All the Best,
Amini Kajunju, President and CEO of The Africa-America Institute
