MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 

Chawanangwa Kaluwa

MALAWI
“I was interested in joining 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

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 AAI. 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.”

Abenezer
Abayney

ETHIOPIA
“I joined AAI when I was in 1st year. I found out about it on Imagine Day and from my friends. I was actually apart of the Executive Team and worked as the Webmaster. I look forward to DIOKO and Conference Week, because I had the chance to meet new people at these events and I want to enjoy a similar experience.”

Shiho
Sakai

JAPAN
“I’ve been interested in Africa since I went to Egypt. Everyone has been friendly and I like the AAI atmosphere, so I am looking forward to participating in their events.”

Nathan
Herrington

CANADA & SAUDI 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 mobsand 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 its 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.”

Samantha
Stice

CANADA
“I looked at the list of all the clubs at UBC and in looking for an African cultural club i found this one. I’m interested in cultural aspects, learning more about different cultures in Africa because I didn’t learn much in high school and it’s something I’ve always been interested in. I’m looking forward to all 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.”

Karen
Fayemi

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.”

Saori
Tsushima

JAPAN
“I joined AAI because I want to know about African culture and have interactions with many people. It was exciting to meet many people from Africa during the First Members Meeting”

Joshua
Agabu

MALAWI
I heard about AAI in my first year. I was just roaming around campus and saw the booth playing African music, so 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 last year 8 had a great time. What I like about AAI is that it brings in alot of people from different places to interact and have fun.”