Godlove Fonjweng, Ph.D.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (June 17, 2024) – Dr. Godlove Fonjweng, the executive director of International & Intercultural Programs at Prairie View A&M University, has been chosen to participate in the prestigious Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad (GPA) in South Africa for U.S. educators this summer.
During the program, Fonjweng and his colleagues will delve into sustainable development in South Africa, examining the intersection of history, environmental justice, and social equity. Their aim is to integrate these critical themes into the curriculum at their respective institutions.
Explaining his motivation to apply, Fonjweng shared insights from his application: “As the executive director of international programs and an instructor of earth and environmental science, one of my primary goals is to create opportunities for faculty and students to incorporate international perspectives into every area of our curriculum.”
He emphasized the importance of global perspectives, stating, “While our students can excel anywhere, incorporating global viewpoints is crucial for their growth as global citizens and leaders. Exposure to and engagement with Africa is particularly significant, as it provides students with a vital connection to their historical, cultural, and racial heritage, fostering a positive identity and enhancing their understanding of contemporary issues in South Africa.”
Along with Fonjweng, 14 educators, administrators, and curriculum specialists from elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions will partake in the four-week program hosted by the University of Pennsylvania. Based in Durban, South Africa, in partnership with the Chatsworth Teachers Center, the program features educational tours to national historical and cultural sites in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape provinces. Follow-up workshops and conference presentations will also be part of the initiative.
Participants will receive 15 hours of instruction per week in the Zulu language, indigenous to South Africa, providing them with beginner-level linguistic and cultural skills.
The program’s overarching goal is to empower participants to apply their newfound knowledge and experiences from lectures, educational tours, and community interactions to develop curricula for nationwide use. Additionally, the program aims to enhance the linguistic and cultural competency of educators involved in African area studies, improving the quality and relevance of instructional materials.
This endeavor marks a new chapter for Prairie View A&M University. Fonjweng anticipates that this experience will “open up dialogue for further exploration, including developing partnerships with institutions in South Africa.”
He also envisions expanding the University’s faculty-led programs, stating, “I look forward to opportunities for engagement with various institutions to establish partnerships, virtual collaborations, team teaching, study abroad programs, and Fulbright exchanges, benefiting both PVAMU and South African institutions.”
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-