Meet the Committee
- AfricanAffairsNetwork
- Jun 27, 2019
- 5 min read
Name: Leonie Mills Course: International Politics and Security Studies Interests: Debating, dancing, blogging, photography and most things political Background: North London born and bred to Ghanaian parents. I was fortunate/unfortunate enough to go to a majority black school, it was not the best for education but it was a melting pot of culture and accepting of all things African. It really allowed me to embrace my Ghanaian culture and learn more about other countries, mainly Nigeria then Congo and Zimbabwe. Some people say I am more Nigerian than Ghanaian but as much as do love my Nigerian peoples, I refuse to believe this. Why African Affairs?: I love politics and Africa so this seemed like a good mix. From GCSE’s to Univeristy I questioned why we did not learn more about Africa and when we did it was in the context of slavery of the slavery rights – not directly African. African Affairs allows me to explore more about the different accomplishments and successes within Africa outside of the context of slavery. What are you looking forward to?: I am looking forward to hosting debates about certain issues within Africa. Also having speakers come in to educate and inform and really just changing the way that we view Africa.
Name: Francesca Serwah Onyina
Course: Medicine (Previously studied biomedical science)
Interests: Cooking. The art of makeup. Dress making. Going to museums.
Background: I was brought up in East London by Ghanaian parents. My parents made it their mission to bring me up with values and morals stemming from those they learnt from their parents. I was told to respect those older than me and from the minute I could talk all my parent’s friends were known to me as “auntie” or “uncle”. I have been immersed in the culture at a young age including the music, food and traditional clothing. Through my parent’s teachings I have fallen in love with my motherland.
Why African affairs?: I wanted to know more about the continent that raised my ancestors. I also wanted to know more about continent that shaped my personal belief and values. In the near future I would like to do some charity work in Africa and I want to see what charities are out there that I can take part in. I also want to learn more about how the healthcare system works as well as what local and international charities are doing to help people in Africa seek better healthcare?
What are you looking forward to?: Networking event where we will be able to learn more from people who have done great things in Africa. Learning more about the political structure in some African countries in particular Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. I’m also looking forward to meeting students at the university who are from different backgrounds and to learn more about their culture and traditions though participating the collaboration event with other societies.
Name: Moyo Mosaku
Course: Economics
Interests: Hockey, Dancing, Photography, Fashion, and anything with a competitive element.
Background: I was born in Scotland, to Nigerian parents. I then moved to Leicester where I lived up until university. In my younger years I was blessed that as a family we visited Nigeria yearly, if not every other year. However I haven’t been again since 2008, and I think that was when my interest for it and African affairs began to dwindle (that coupled with a lack of many black people around me). Since university however there has been a stark contrast, no longer the “token black girl” in every Facebook photo. I have been exposed to friends from a plethora of backgrounds, safe to say my interest in Nigeria and other African countries has increased dramatically and I plan to be back on Naija ground summer 2K17.
Why African Affairs?: As mentioned above since entering university my interest in “all things Africa” have soared. I think this is a great opportunity to not only meet and immerse myself in cultures, but also learn more about the politics concerning many African nations.
What are you looking forward to? It is no secret that Africa is often painted in a negative light by the western world. I’m excited to change this perception. Along with my committee members we hope to hold debates, fashion shows, networking events and more, all of which will Promote Africa Positively.
Name: Aishat Lawson Course: Biomedical Science Interests: I love watching sports and doing sports, cooking, dancing as well as reading. Background: I was born in Ivory Coast but my parents are Nigerian, I then moved to the UK when I was 11. I am able to speak English, French and Yoruba. So having lived in Africa for part of my childhood, has given a real appreciation of great Africa truly is. Africa as a continent is misrepresented by the Western media and I would like to change that. Why African Affairs?: Being of African heritage is something that I am proud of and cherish. I personally believe that Africa is a continent full of riches and diverse cultures, to should be shared with the world. Therefore, I find it only fitting that I should be part of a society that is aiming to increase students’ knowledge and awareness about current affairs in Africa. What are you looking forward to?: I am looking forward to having a basic understanding of how relations between countries work at the very least. Also, African Affairs is looking to provide an opportunity to network and broaden career prospect, something that I am very excited about. As someone who enjoys cooking, I’m so excited to diving into recipes from various countries and experiment with them. In hopes to enriches my cultural awareness. You can probably guess already. I am looking forward to the cook off. I hope to see you in September.
Name: Cherie Kihato Course: Politics and Philosophy Interests: Reading, travelling, anything with adventure. Background: I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. All my family is Kenyan so one could kind of assume that I grew up in a Kenya-centric box. I speak English, Swahili and a tiny bit of Kikuyu (A Kenyan tribe language). I moved to the UK for university which was probably the biggest culture shocked I’ve experienced thus far! Why African affairs?: Although I grew up in Africa, I can’t exactly say that I am in tune with the laws of my land. I went to British system schools, read English books, watched tv shows that were based on Western life and I fell further down the rabbit hole by even coming to a British University. I guess you could say African Affairs is a way for me to get back in line with my heritage that I was never really removed from but indirectly decided to ignore. I am African so why not African affairs. What are you looking forward to?: Meeting people from different parts of the continent. Playing my part in making Africans more Pan-Afric and as interconnected as possible
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