Elizabeth Kihara: First year, Media Studies and Minoring in Economics
(KENYA)      “I heard about the AAI through their Facebook page, and also from my own research before I came to UBC and from talking to some Executive Members. I was convinced to join the group and I’m quite excited to be a part of it. I am mostly looking forward to connecting with other African students within the UBC community and see how we can share our experiences. It’s also nice to have events where we can celebrate and channel our love for the continent and strengthen the African community here at UBC.”

Abenezer Abayney: Third year, Electrical Engineering
(ETHIOPIA)“I joined AAI when I was in first year and I found out about it on Imagine Day, and from my friends. I was actually part of the Executive Team last year and worked as the Web Master. I’m looking forward to Dioko and Conference Week, because last year I had the chance to meet new people at these events and I want to enjoy a similar experience.”

Shiho Sakai: Second year exchange student, Law
(JAPAN)
“I’m interested in Africa, since I went to Egypt. Everyone was friendly and I like the AAI atmosphere, so I am looking forward to participating in their events.”

Chawanangwa Kaluwa:  First year, Commerce and Computer Science  
(MALAWI)
“I was interested in joining the AAI because I knew it would be an opportunity to meet Africans from different countries. It’s always good to share insights and get rid of misconceptions, and also see how cultures interlink. I’m mostly looking forward to the Dioko event and learning more about Africa”

Sonam Sangra: Third year. History Major, Minoring in Philosophy 
(CANADA & INDIA) “I heard about AAI through the AMS because I wanted to start a club called Go be Native. I was doing work in Uganda and the AMS told me to check out Africa Awareness Initiative. So I googled it, fell in love and went to the first meeting. I loved how it was all about shutting down misconceptions and bringing awareness [about Africa] to the student community. What I’m looking forward to the most is Conference Week.”

Joshua Agabu: Third year, Political Science Major
(MALAWI) “I heard about AAI in my first year. I was just roaming around campus and saw this booth playing African music, so I inquired and that’s how I got involved. It’s always good to have fun and dance, so I’m looking forward to Dioko. Having been an Executive member last year, I had a great time. What I like about AAI is that it brings in a lot of people from different places around Africa, interact and have fun.”

Samantha Stice: First year, Faculty of Arts
(CANADA)“I looked at the list of all the clubs at UBC and looking for an African cultural club, that type of genre, and I found this one. I’m interested in the cultural aspects, learning more about different cultures in Africa because I didn’t learn much in High School and it’s been something I’ve always been interested in. I’m looking forward to all of the events. I like the atmosphere, it’s very social and I’m kind of reserved, so I like an atmosphere where I feel comfortable interacting with people.”

Feyisola Gbadamosi: Second year, Mechanical Engineering.
(NIGERIA)“I’m new here, I’m a transfer student, and so I found out about AAI on Imagine Day. What I like the most about [AAI] is what it stands for by trying to educate everyone about Africa, who we are and what we have to offer. I guess I’m looking forward to meeting more African students, since I’m still new, and also learning more about the continent.”

Karen Fayemi: Second year, Faculty of Science
(CANADA, GHANA & NIGERIA) “I’m looking forward to Conference Week, just to know more about what is happening in Africa. I was born here [in Canada] and didn’t have much connection with the continent, other than my parents so I’m really excited for Conference Week.”

Nathan Herrington: Second year, Faculty of Arts
(CANADA & SAUDIA ARABIA) “I heard about AAI in the African Music and Dance 165G course – highly recommended. I met a bunch of great people in that course, loved the group and heard about AAI. I joined after attending a few meetings and events, and participated in some flash mobs and really got to know the community. I’m really excited this year to be able to be a member for the whole year and get the full scope of what AAI really does at UBC. I’m also interested in learning more about the African Studies minor, and I think it’s great that we talk so much about that. Getting to go to Dioko and then also cover some Academic stuff is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Saori Tsushima: Third year exchange student, International Relations
(JAPAN)“I joined AAI because I want to know about African culture and have an interaction with many people. It was exciting to meet many people from Africa during the First Members Meeting.”

Agang Dema: First year, Faculty of Arts
(BOTSWANA) “I heard about AAI on Clubs Day, then came out for the BBQ and that’s where I got to learn more about the club. AAI seems like a really great platform to learn about different initiatives we have here at UBC. I want to get even more involved and see how I can play my part. I think I’m looking forward to changing perceptions, doing actual work that makes people think a little differently on what Africa really is and also getting members involved in meaningful, tangible work.”