University of Iowa News Release

July 28, 2004

(Editors and News Directors: This summer camp provides many opportunities for vibrant, colorful stories and photos. For information about the best days and times to cover the event, contact Buffy Quintero, 319-335-0345, buffy-quintero@uiowa.edu)

Area Youth To Attend 'Africa Is Not A Country' Summer Camp Aug. 2-6

A group of local elementary school children will expand their understanding of the geographic and cultural variety contained within the continent of Africa during a weeklong summer camp hosted by University of Iowa International Programs. The camp, "Africa Is Not A Country," runs Aug. 2 to 6 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. daily. All sessions will be in North Hall, which is located at the end of Davenport Street behind Burge and Currier Residence Halls.

Organized by Buffy Quintero, International Programs outreach coordinator, the camp is a week of fun, interactive activities designed to help area youth learn that Africa is not a country, but a continent comprised of many unique nations, each with its own customs, languages, religions and traditions.

During the week, students will have the opportunity to learn words in languages spoken in parts of Africa, including Swahili, Hausa and Arabic. They will also discover valuable resources and information, which can be gained from the UI African student population, students who have studied abroad in Africa and their community.

Special activities include touring the world-famous Stanley Collection of African Art at the UI Museum of Art on Monday, Aug. 2 from 2 to 3 p.m. and getting an overview of the African continent. Earlier on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to noon, they will also learn a traditional Ghanaian song of welcome taught by Modei Akyea.

On Tuesday, the youth will study East Africa with a focus on Kenya. The day's curriculum also focuses on the books "Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain" and "Galimoto."

On Wednesday, they will discover North Africa by practicing Arabic and creating Moroccan tiles.

On Thursday, there will be a focus on West Africa, especially Nigeria and Ghana. The students will learn to count in Hausa from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and will have an opportunity to try on West African clothes from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The week will culminate with a Pan-African party, including a free public performance presented by the camp participants and lunch catered by chef Solei on Friday, Aug. 6 from noon to 1:30 p.m. just outside of North Hall.

The camp is supported by UI International Programs and a National Resource Center for International Studies Department of Education grant.

For more information, contact Amy Green, International Programs, at 319-335-1433 or amy-green-1@uiowa.edu, or Buffy Quintero, International Programs outreach coordinator, at 319-335-0345 or buffy-quintero@uiowa.edu.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500.

CONTACT(S): Media: Lois Gray, 319-335-2026, lois-gray@uiowa.edu; Program: Buffy Quintero, 319-335-0345, buffy-quintero@uiowa.edu