Hope in Africa : human development through higher education community interaction

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.