Alabama A&M University faculty members recently embarked on an exploratory visit to Lusaka and Kitwe, Zambia. Dr. Peter Eley, Interim Dean of the College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences; Dr. Samson Chama, Professor of Social Work; and Professor Willie Diggs, Director of Field Education in Social Work, represented AAMU on this significant journey from May 4-14, 2024. The trip was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State.

“This trip was designed to promote study abroad opportunities for AAMU Social Work students,” explained Diggs. “We aimed to identify non-governmental and national institutions within Zambia that could serve as field placement sites.”

AAMU Faculty Visit Faith Orphanage

The team visited Faith Orphanage in Kitwe and met with several agencies to present Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for the first international field placements. The team is hopeful that after the MOUs are executed, Diggs can accompany a group of students in May of 2025 to supervise their field placements. 

“This initiative aims to provide a unique international internship experience, broadening our students’ capacity to practice social work within a global context,” said Diggs. “Exposure to international settings is critical as global interdependence becomes increasingly important.”

AAMU Faculty at the University of Zambia

The team explored potential collaborations with several esteemed institutions, including the Bauleni United Sports Academy (BUSA) in Lusaka, the University of Zambia (UNZA), the Zambia National Assembly, and two agencies in Kitwe. These partnerships promise invaluable experiences for students in a culturally rich environment, enhancing their professional growth and global awareness.

“We hope our collaborative work with partners in Zambia will provide a broad-spectrum of opportunities that will enrich our Social Work programming and provide students with global learning experiences that provide hands-on understandings in diverse cultural settings,” said Chama. “We also anticipate faculty and student exchanges with our Zambian partners.”

The visit underscores Alabama A&M’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and preparing students to make a significant impact on the world stage.

AAMU Faculty in Large Group Photo at Faith Orphanage

“Partnering with our brothers and sisters in Zambia will help our students to build their capacity and foster an international mindset, and how what they learned can be applied broadly across the world. We really mean it when we say ‘Start Here, Go Anywhere,’” added Eley.

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