African Student Working Group
ASWG Mission Statement:
The mission of the African Studies Working Group is to create a community of graduate students passionate about issues relating to education, culture, and humanitarian concerns through research, advocacy, and informal discussion about Africa and the African Diaspora. We have three objectives:
- Provide opportunities for students to develop their scholarly interests and academic pursuits related to African education.
- Develop a supportive network of students, alumni, scholars, and practitioners with interests in the field of African studies and Education in Africa and the African Diaspora.
- Create and maintain partnerships with other Africa- focused student groups and organizations, both locally and globally.
ASWG Members Bios
Jon is a second year MA student in the International Educational Development program with a concentration in International Humanitarian Issues. Prior to his studies at Teachers College, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, Southern Africa. He has worked with various international organizations and researchers working on education and humanitarian issues throughout the continent, including but not limited to Nigeria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda. His current research interests are at the intersection of holistic well-being for learners and educators in contexts for forced displacement.
Jon is a second year MA student in the International Educational Development program with a concentration in International Humanitarian Issues. Prior to his studies at Teachers College, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, Southern Africa. He has worked with various international organizations and researchers working on education and humanitarian issues throughout the continent, including but not limited to Nigeria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda. His current research interests are at the intersection of holistic well-being for learners and educators in contexts for forced displacement.
Nadia Ford is a second-year MA student in the Comparative and International Education program focusing on policy studies. Prior to Teachers College, she studied Psychology and Education at Duke University. Nadia's interests in African education developed during the Human Rights in Africa course, specifically with regard to sexual and reproductive health and rights. As a recipient of the Carmela Volpe Fellowship, Nadia worked on developing a menstrual hygiene management curriculum for an NGO based in Nigeria.
Nadia Ford is a second-year MA student in the Comparative and International Education program focusing on policy studies. Prior to Teachers College, she studied Psychology and Education at Duke University. Nadia's interests in African education developed during the Human Rights in Africa course, specifically with regard to sexual and reproductive health and rights. As a recipient of the Carmela Volpe Fellowship, Nadia worked on developing a menstrual hygiene management curriculum for an NGO based in Nigeria.
Margaret Kepley is a second-year MA student in the International Educational Development program focusing on Peace and Human Rights Education. She developed an interest in East African education after studying abroad at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. In 2017, Margaret returned to Uganda as a Peace Corps Education Volunteer, where she trained pre-service primary teachers in early literacy and inclusive education. She has worked with Global funds and local NGOs across East Africa in M&E and curriculum design. Her research interests include teacher training, education in emergencies and human rights education.
Margaret Kepley is a second-year MA student in the International Educational Development program focusing on Peace and Human Rights Education. She developed an interest in East African education after studying abroad at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. In 2017, Margaret returned to Uganda as a Peace Corps Education Volunteer, where she trained pre-service primary teachers in early literacy and inclusive education. She has worked with Global funds and local NGOs across East Africa in M&E and curriculum design. Her research interests include teacher training, education in emergencies and human rights education.