Schedule of Activities
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18
4 p.m., Charles H. Wright Museum
New Perspectives on African Leadership
A panel of progressive thought pioneers discussed the future of leadership throughout the African Diaspora. Panelists explored the innovation and problem solving that required to overcome the continent’s greatest remaining challenges.
6 p.m., Charles H. Wright Museum
Community Welcome Celebration
FOCIS honored President Joaquim Chissano during a celebration with music, dance and select readings. The festive community welcome was coordinated by the African Student Associations of Wayne State, Saginaw Valley, Michigan State and Central Michigan universities, as well as the African Student Association of Michigan.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19
10 a.m., Bernath Auditorium, Wayne State University campus
Sustainable Education in Africa: Training the next generation of African leaders
A panel of distinguished advocatesgave their unique perspectives on sustainable development in Africa. The open discussion engaged audience members in meaningful dialogue about achieving universal primary education in Africa as a poverty reduction strategy. The discussion highlighted collaborations between US and African partners engaged in developing the next generation of African leaders.
1 p.m., Kresge Auditorium, Wayne State University campus
Democracy in Africa: What has literature got to do with it?
International creative artist Joyce Ashuntantang discussed the dynamic interaction between literature and social change in Africa. Her talk included readings of classic African literatures by distinguished authors such as Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe. A native of Cameroon, Dr. Ashuntantang is CEO and founder of EduART INC, a non-profit that promotes art as a medium for social change. She is currently a professor of English and African Literature at the University of Hartford, Connecticut, USA.
6 p.m., Bernath Auditoruim, Wayne State University campus
"Raising a Village," with Twesige Jackson Kaguri (EVENT TO BE RESCHEDULED.)
Twesige Kaguri gave an inside view of his acclaimed book, "The Price of Stones," a stirring story of personal hardship, deadly epidemic, the gift of education and the heroic effort for one man to save the lives of children. Featured in Time Magazine, Kaguri is founder and director of the Nyaka and Kutamba AIDS Orphans Schools in Uganda, which works to save a generation of children orphaned by the county’s devastating AIDS epidemic. A book signing immediately followed Mr. Kaguri’s presentation.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20
10:30 a.m., St. Andrew's Hall, Wayne State University campus
Leaders on Leadership with Joaquim Chissano
President Chissano discussed his role in Mozambique's journey toward democratic governance and leadership on global issues. President Chissano was the first former head of state featured on "Leaders on Leadership," the Emmy Award-winning show from the Wayne State University School of Business Administration and Detroit Public Television.
6 p.m., McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Wayne State University campus
Keynote FOCIS Lecture with Joaquim Chissano
Joaquim Chissano was the second in a series of former heads of state to deliver the keynote address at FOCIS. Winner of the first multi-party elections in the history of Mozambique, President Chissano discussed his county’s dramatic evolution from Portuguese colonialism toward stable, democratic rule. He gave his unique insight on Mozambique’s brutal 16-year civil war, sweeping constitutional and economic reform, and the continuing journey toward lasting peace. Chissano currently is the chairperson of the Joaquim Chissano Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of peace, economic development and Mozambican culture, and of the African Forum of Former African Heads of State and Government.