Abstract:
A growing number of African universities
(see Appendix 1) are joining the Talloires
Network, “an international association of
institutions committed to strengthening
the civic roles and social responsibilities
of higher education” (www.tufts.edu/
talloiresnetwork). Africa is a continent in
great need of empowerment, growth and
development, and the network has emerged
as an important initiative in the global drive
to promote human development.
Stellenbosch University signed up last year.
Along with other members, we share the
view that “higher education institutions
do not exist in isolation from society”.
Talloires participants have committed
themselves to “education for social
responsibility” and the “application of
university resources to the needs of local
and global communities”.
Participants in the Bellagio Conference,
23-27 March 2010, will be discussing
measures to strengthen regional networks
of higher education community interaction.
It would be necessary to get a sense of
initiatives in our respective regions, and
to identify the most important challenges
and opportunities for expanding our civic
interconnectivity.
This particular input is focused on Africa.
It is not a comprehensive overview of
higher education community interaction
on the continent. Instead, some contextual
factors are briefly outlined and the example
of Stellenbosch University discussed in
more detail.
Description:
A presentation to the Talloires Network Bellagio Conference,
Italy, 23-27 March 2010, by Prof H Russel Botman,
Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University and
Vice-President of the Association of African Universities
The original publication is available at http://www.sun.ac.za/university/Management/rektor/speeches.html
