Adinkra Cloth: Handstamped Art of Ghana:
Former IU African Studies Outreach Coordinator and ISIS Programming Coordinator Suzanne Gott presented this program at the request of Turkey Run Jr/Sr High School teacher Charles Schlotman as part of an innovative curriculum unit he designed for his three 7th and 8th grade art classes. Suzanne, who spent a year in Ghana researching the country textile arts, showed students slides of how adinkra cloth is made and in what social contexts this special cloth is worn. She also discussed the meanings of adinkra designs and illustrated the importance of symbolism in the arts of Ghana.

Africa from an African-American Perspective:
Sonjai Reynolds presented this interactive video program to Kokomo High School teacher Lisa Browning's Diversity Group. Sonjal Reynolds is an IU School of Education graduate student with extensive experience working and living in several African countries. Sonjai's experience as an African-American woman who has spent time in Africa made her especially well-qualified to fulfill Lisa Browning's request for a presenter who could address different dimensions and issues of the African / African-American experience. Sonjai began the program with a stereotype-busting activity, then had the students examine dynamics of ethic and cultural diversity in Africa. The program concluded with a question/answer session in which Sonjai described experiences from her years in Africa.

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Africa in the Model U.N. was developed by Cathedral High School teacher Sister Mary Ann Stewart, with the assistance of IU's African Studies Program. This interactive session was designed to assist Cathedral students to prepare for their participation in this year's Model U.N. A panel of four African Studies experts met with students via interactive video - IU's Center for Global Studies Director Brian Winchester, African Students Associate Director Virginia Delancey, African Studies Outreach Coordinator and Sociology doctoral student Agostino Zamberia of Kenya, and visiting Scholar Cyrus Reed, from the American University in Cairo, who advised international Model U.N. students in Egypt. The panelists discussed issues of concern in contemporary African affairs and factors to consider in selecting a Model U.N. country, and answered student questions.

Development Issues in Ghana was a program developed by Cathedral High School teacher Sara Koehler for her 12th grade Social Justice course. This hour-long program featured Takyiwaa Manuh, a faculty member of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana and an IU Anthropology doctoral candidate. Ms. Manuh gave some background information about herself, as well as her native country, and the hour was passed in an informative question and answer session. Issues discussed included such things as teen culture, attitudes towards education, attitudes towards the United States and the influence of American culture on a developing country, and differing cultural perspectives on beauty. Ms. Manuh, Ms. Koehler, and the class learned a lot about American and Ghanian culture from each other.

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Francophone Africa:
IU's African Studies Program broadcast this program to the 3rd & 4th year French classes of St. Joseph High School teacher Tracy Lynch, to North Central High School teacher Ann Leonard's 1st year French classes, and a third time to Susan Pike's 4th year French class at Lawrence Central High School. The program, delivered by IU graduate student Emmanuel Yankey of Cote d'Ivoire, provided French foreign language students with the opportunity to learn about this French-speaking West African country. Emmanuel, who is a teacher in his home country, introduced the students to the culture and distinctive foods and dress of Cote d'Ivoire. For upper level French classes, Emanuel delivered his presentation in French to expose students to a French accent that is different than the more familiar European one.

Music from Zimbabwe:
IU's African Studies Program sponsored a presentation by accomplished musician and music education specialist Sheasby Matiure of Zimbabwe. In 1997/1998, Sheasby was the Scholar-in-Residence for IU's International Choral Ensemble. In this interactive program for Lebanon middle school's African study group, Sheasby played the mbira and sang traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean songs. He demonstrated drumming and got the students involved in a drumming and clapping exercise that introduced them to different aspects of Zimbabwean culture. Students were able to ask questions about the music and about different facets of daily life in Zimbabwe.

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