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Since its inception, the Africa Center has been working with the GW Diaspora Research Program to bring attention to the issues of the African Diaspora in particular, as well as to reach out to potential partners for Diaspora research and program initiative. The program is dedicated to the integrated study of the transnational social fields constituted by immigrant communities that remain simultaneously active in social, economic, cultural or political processes in their countries of origin and with compatriots worldwide. Primary focal areas center on identity, policy, and development. The program’s purpose is to pursue strategic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research, service, and training that:
- Builds basic knowledge of the social, cultural, economic, and political dynamics of diasporas and transnationals with an established US presence;
- Contributes to expanding the range of informed options for policymakers and practitioners (e.g., governments, donors, relevant industries and firms, and diaspora organizations) in several key public policy arenas (including economic development, post-conflict reconstruction, and international security); and
- Supports efforts within diaspora communities to address self-identified concerns.
United States Peace Corps Student Mentor Program
The GW Medical Center and the US Peace Corps are partnering to improve health in Africa through education, training, and mentoring programs. The first activity is a Student Mentor Program whereby medical, public health, and health sciences (nurses, PA and PT) students are matched with recently deployed Peace Corps volunteers who are serving in Ethiopia and who are focusing on the prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The goal is for GW students to provide research and technical assistance to volunteers by email and telephone communication while gaining international experience and exposure.
The first class of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Ethiopia since 1999 was sworn-in on December 13, 2007. Each volunteer received a job description from each of the organizations with whom he/she works and a general scope of work. Mentors will have the opportunity to mentor the volunteers during their entire service (approximately two years) with the Peace Corps.
US Peace Corps
African Universities
The GW Medical Center, which is comprised of the School of Public Health and Health Services, the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the Office of the Provost which includes The Africa Center for Health and Security, has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with several Universities in Africa. The purpose of these partnerships is to establish a collaborative effort for the enhancement and expansion of academic and other professional endeavors in-country. Activities include academic and professional educational program development, faculty and student exchanges, direct technical assistance by faculty and staff, clinical and public health research collaborations, and organizing stakeholder meetings on key public health and health care issues.
Some partners include:
Egypt
- Alexandria School of Medicine
- Al Shorouk Hospital
Ethiopia
Kenya
South Africa
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