名古屋大学全学同窓会-NAGOYA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION-

名古屋大学アフリカ学生会設立プロジェクト

Although Nagoya University has for many years been a destination for African students, it was not until 2017 that the African Students Association of Nagoya University (ASANU) was formed. Previous attempts by former African students to come together under an association were hampered by tight schedules and most of all, finance. It was therefore a huge relief when the Nagoya University Alumni Association (NUAL) undertook to finance key activities crucial to ASANU’s formation and outreach.

With financial support from NUAL, ASANU has organized two major public events since its formation.

Launching Event

ASANU was formally launched on 28 October 2017. It was the first time that African students in Nagoya University organized a major event under a union. The event held at the Friendly Nambu Hall in Nagoya University. It was attended by students and staff of the university and other invited guests from within and outside Nagoya.

The event included songs, dance, and panel discussion on Africa’s development. The highpoint was the official unveiling of ASANU as a recognized student body under the regulation of Nagoya University.

Africa Day Event

On 26 May 2018, ASANU organized the ‘‘Africa Day 2018’’ event in collaboration with the Advising & Counseling Services, International Education & Exchange Center, Nagoya University. Africa Day is an annual celebration of the formation of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union) on 25 May 1963.

The Africa Day event held at the Symposion Hall of Toyoda Auditorium, Nagoya University and had in attendance, over 80 guests from within and outside the university community. The Vice President of Nagoya University Professor Watanabe Yoshihito, gave a goodwill message on behalf of the university administration.

Activities:

・African traditional dance
This was a choreographed dance performance by members of ASANU and included traditional dance from Mozambique, Kenya and Uganda.

・African poetry
Two members of the association thrilled the audience to Guinean and Kenyan poems.

・Quiz
The audience was asked questions pertaining to the continent of Africa and the correct answers got instant, small fun prizes.
・African fashion display
The event provided the avenue to showcase Africa’s rich and diverse fashion. On display were special fabrics and designs from across the continent. Members of the audience had the opportunity to dress and take memorable photos in some of the attires after the event.

・Live music
A jazz and gospel singer, Prisca Molotsi famous for her musical performances particularly in Japan, led the audience on a journey through special Xhosa music from the beautiful country of South Africa.

・Djembe performance
A mostly Japanese group with international acclaim, AMA AFRICA, wrapped up the event with a masterful djembe performance. Although the djembe is native to the West African nation of Mali, the group demonstrated unquestionable mastery of the drums and accompanying African dance moves.

The event was a unique opportunity for members of the African community in Nagoya to interact with our Japanese hosts and other nationals living in Nagoya. The event set the pace for subsequent major activities.

ASANU is indeed grateful to NUAL for the kind financial support without which the two events would not have been successfully organized. The association looks forward to greater partnership with NUAL.