(Includes: history, challenges and reforms suited for the 21st century)

Seminar Description

Since its establishment in 1945 following the end of the World War II, major political, economic and technological developments have taken place globally while the Charter of the UN and composition of its Security Council have remained unchanged.
The Charter establishing the UN was signed in June 1945 (and came into force on October 24, 1945) with the main objective to maintain international peace and security following the failure of its predecessor, the League of Nations to prevent World War II. The preamble of the Charter states that “the people of the United Nations are determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war which twice in our lifetime has brought sorrow to mankind….”

Although another world war has not been fought, the global arena has been heavily “pregnant” with national, ethnic and international wars and terrorism that have resulted in genocide and deaths of tens of millions of peoples and destruction of property of untold value. Why has UN’s Security Council failed to maintain international peace and security that is its fundamental function? Why are there so many unresolved wars and conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan, just to mention a few?

This Seminar will discuss the history of the UN, challenges it has faced in the past 65 years, the bitter differences, acrimony and behind the scenes tug of war among members of UN’s Security Council, role of UN’s peacekeeping Operations, why some of the conflicts remain unresolved and some beneficiaries of conflicts. We shall discuss immediate and long term reforms necessary to enable this huge international Organization cope with demands and realities of the 21st Century.

Seminar Description

It is generally believed that human life first began on the continent of Africa some 7 million years ago and that early man first appeared in the Serengeti region' of Tanzania some 2 million years ago. Did you know that Victoria Falls is the greatest falling “curtain of water” in the world and that it is also one of the seven natural wonders of the world? Estimates say that Africa may be home to as many as over 800 ethnic groups,  Each group has its own distinctive language and that there are over 2,000 different languages in Africa, 40 of which have more than one million speakers.

The Seminar presents Africa’s rich diversity, confront stereotypes, inaccurate reporting and misrepresentations that are misleading and thus enable participants from varied backgrounds to become more aware of contributions of Africa to world culture, have greater understanding of African heritage and the achievements of African people. Finally the Seminar develops an appreciation for African peoples, their communities through out the world, and the natural riches and beauty of the Continent.

Seminar Description

Seminar Description

Seminar covers history and cultures of the famous Luo tribe, President Obama’s father living around Lake Victoria of western Kenya; proud of their own egalitarian ideology, very well educated “because they eat fish from fresh water lake”, have rich culture, articulate and civil-minded, and prominent in Kenya’s independence as trade unionists and politicians. The Luos produced Kenya’s first Vice-President and many elites who joined institutions of higher learning and government.

Course Description

Establish the United Nations Model Club and work with faculty Advisors in preparing students to understand how the UN functions, how debates are conducted at national and international levels and how to speak effectively in a public forum.

The Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations system. Students assume the roles of ambassadors to the UN and debate current global issues. Participants seek ways, through diplomacy and negotiation, in which the world community can deal with complex global concerns such as the environment, economic development, refugees, AIDS, conflict resolution, disarmament and human rights. Young people from diverse backgrounds participate in these educational exercises to experience first-hand decision-making processes and diplomatic work at the United Nations.

The National Model United Nations conference (NMUN) is the world’s largest university-level simulation of the United Nations. NMUN annually educates more than 3,000 students (40% from outside the United States) about the United Nations and other contemporary international issues.

Seminar Description

The Seminar covers the contributions of major political leaders in sub-Saharan Africa since 1945 that have made important and often determinative contributions to politics and government in their countries and in the region as a whole. The seminar covers contributions of important (and notorious) African heads of state, theorists, party leaders, and politicians from a representative group of African countries. We shall review the histories of significant figures (rulers, artists, warriors, and thinkers) who had a prominent role in the development of the continent

The first generation of African political leaders (under the Organization of Africa’s Unity –OAU) was faced with many challenges, which included: the management of the inherited colonial state machinery, the economy, and the maintenance of law, order and stability. We shall examine present leaders who have embraced respect of human rights, the rule of law and accountability under African Union’s Peer Review Mechanism.

The Seminar covers the roles of leaders from Nelson Mandela of South Africa to Idi Amin Dada of Uganda.

Seminar Description

Karen Blixen’s book “Out of Africa” was first published in 1937 and recounts events of the seventeen years when she made her home in Kenya, then British East Africa. The book meditates on Blixen’s life on her coffee plantation, as well as a tribute to some of the people who touched her life there and the subsequent fire that destroyed her entire coffee warehouse. Sydney Pollack directed a film adaptation in 1985, by the same name was based on this book starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.

However, this Seminar tells the detailed story of Kenya, its people, cultures and the bitter struggle for political independence from colonial era to the time of independence in 1963

(A seminar to meet the needs of mature adults)

Seminar Description

Millions of Americans in their mid-fifties through mid-sixties have lost their jobs during major downsizings and merger manias. Many have expressed the strong desire to find a new position, even one that is a step below the level of their previous position. Of the 14.9 million unemployed, more than 2.2 million are 55 or older. Nearly half of them have been unemployed six months or longer, according to the Labor Department. The most recent recession has increased the need to extend working life.

One of the earliest lessons in life is that actions have consequences, and this is true in the final third of life. If you're at or near retirement, the decisions you're about to make will have consequences for decades to come. Unfortunately, it only takes one bad decision to ruin a lifetime of good ones. In fact, friends, family, fear and the market may pull you in many directions simultaneously. Keeping one eye on the logical process underlying your efforts will help you to stay grounded, focused and in control. Keep in mind that life isn’t linear – things will get messy!

The Seminar’s main objective is to arm the older workforce with employment resources, use of technology, career information, financial, enrichment and personal growth advice to achieve their goals and help them make the most of their talents.

Note: There will be TWO group discussion sessions in between the Seminar

Seminar Description

Swahili is the lingua franca of Africa, widely spoken by 170 million people in Eastern and Central Africa - from Mogadishu in Somalia to Maputo in Mozambique, and to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire). Others speak it as a second language, not only in these three countries but also in Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and even Saudi Arabia. Swahili is a gateway to understanding between Africa and the rest of the world and extremely useful on your next SAFARI. Students will be introduced to the cultures and life of East African people through dialogue and stories. As a foreign learner, you will need to use Swahili for daily activities, getting about and for social contact. And perhaps when on a research field trip to Africa, your local support team will be able to communicate with you better for faster results.

Note: We offer personalized extra lessons to students taking Swahili language as a credit course at all levels.

Seminar Description

Several African presidents have made history and will be remembered in various ways in history books and/or films long after they vacate the political arena. From the iconic and respected Nelson Mandela of South Africa to the unpredictable and ruthless Idi Amin of Uganda, their names will continue to echo a mixture of awe and fear.

This Seminar covers the histories of President Omar Bashir of Sudan and the genocide in Darfur and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and his role in the nationalization of commercial farms owned by white farmers. Both Presidents have described western governments and former colonial masters as imperialists and neo colonialists. In some circles they have been hailed as heroes resisting western hegemony and ready to defend “the hard worn political independence of their respective countries.

Omar Bashir is the first African sitting President to be indicted y the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide and crimes against humanity.  Mugabe has been described as a dictator who has resisted political reforms resulting in poverty for millions of its citizens and crippling the economy of a country that was once a grain basket of Central and Southern African countries.

This Seminar further covers the political, social and economic impacts of the two countries arising from many decades of strong handedness by the two Presidents, the emergence of China as a major investor in oil and mineral industries in Africa, the support given to the two Presidents by African Union and failure of the international community to resolve the current impasse.

Seminar Description

workplace have all changed dramatically in modern times arising from innovations and globalization. Requirements and demands of employers for entry level employees and the subsequent selection processes have similarly changed as well as the work place set up. Employers are now seeking employees with academic qualifications supplemented with requirements like ability to cooperate with colleagues, proper work ethics, ability to solve problems, resolve conflicts including an aptitude for negotiation.

The traditional approach has therefore been re-tooled thus bringing pre-requisites for young graduates as they prepare to enter the workplace for the first time. How then do these young graduates and first time employees get prepared for employment?

This Seminar will cover skills on how to behave and communicate in today’s workplace, be able to solve problems and make decisions, negotiation and conflict resolution, and cooperation with others and be able to listen attentively.