SSU Model African Union Team Earns Awards at the 2023 SEMAU Conference

 

The Savannah State University team at the awards ceremony of the 2023 Southeast Model of the African Union (SEMAU) Conference. From left to right front row: faculty advisor Dr. Philip Omunga, Kenza Ouedraogo, Jinorri Wilson; Second row: Vanessa Washington, Anayah Lewin, Dorissa Fergusson; Third row: Kailee Mack, Brenae Falana, Brinnae Davy; Forth row: Ailani Greenlee, Elaine Siebo, Tye Henderson, Oshja Hester, Miquina Bell. 

SSU Model African Union Team Earns Awards at the 2023 SEMAU Conference

The 2023 Southeast Model African Union (SEMAU) Conference was held Nov. 8-11 on the campus of Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. This year’s simulation of the annual meeting of Heads of State of the African Union (AU) was centered around the theme “Coup d’états and Democratic Sustainability in Africa.”

The Savannah State University (SSU) Model African Union (AU) team represented the African countries of Gabon, Nigeria and Rwanda. SSU students participated in the conference, contributed to council and committee deliberations, produced draft resolutions on “African solutions to African problems” and won multiple awards.

The 26th Annual SEMAU welcomed delegations from universities across Georgia including University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, Middle Georgia State University, Georgia College and State University, Albany State University and Fort Valley State University. Two universities from New York and New Jersey also joined this year’s simulation. The keynote address was delivered by His Excellency, Chibamba F. Kanyama, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear remarks delivered by officials from the University System of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. Dr. Philip Omunga led the SSU’s Model AU team at the conference.

“I can’t express enough how valuable this conference experience was,” said Anayah Lewin, SSU mass communications sophomore with a political science minor. “It was a chance to put my preparation into action and it paid off more than I could believe. Each day filled me – and my team - with pride to be there representing the countries we studied, but also our school, Savannah State University.”

For other students, the experience allowed them to hone critical skills and better understand world politics.

"This experience allowed me to display my leadership skills,” said Vanessa Washington, an African Studies major. “During a time when diplomacy and government play a critical role and the direction of these entities is unforeseen, this conference showed me the future of the political world and I will truly value this in-depth look."

The SSU students who brought home awards include:

Ailani Greenlee, political science freshman, won the Outstanding Delegate in Committee Award, for her work as a delegate from Gabon in the Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights Committee.

Vanessa Washington, Africana studies junior, won the Outstanding Delegate in Committee Award, for her work as a delegate from Nigeria in the Environment and Climate Change Committee. She also served as committee parliamentarian.

Miquina Bell, political science freshman, won the Honorable Mention Delegate in Committee Award, for her work as a delegate from Rwanda in the Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights Committee.

Dorissa Fergusson, mass communications freshman, won the Honorable Mention Delegate in Committee Award, for her work as a delegate from Nigeria in the Peace and Security Committee.

Tanayah Henderson, political science freshman, won the Honorable Mention Delegate in Committee Award, for her work as a delegate from Rwanda in the Executive Council.

Anayah Lewin, a mass communications sophomore with a political science minor, won the Honorable Mention Delegate in Committee Award as a delegate from Rwanda in the Social Matters Committee. She also served as committee chair.

Kenza Ouedraogo, a political science sophomore won the Honorable Mention Delegate in Committee Award, for her work representing Gabon in the Peace and Security Committee.

Jinorri Wilson, computer science sophomore and team captain, won the Honorable Mention Delegate in Committee Award, for his work as a delegate from Nigeria in the Executive Council.

The SSU delegations of Nigeria and Gabon also won the Outstanding Delegation Honorable Mention Award.

Additional SSU students who participated in the event include:

Brinnae Davy, biology and sociology major, represented Gabon, and served as Rapporteur for the Environment and Climate Change Committee and for the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the SEMAU’s final day.

Brenae Falana, political science junior, represented Gabon in the Social Matters Committee.

Oshja Hester, political science junior, represented Nigeria in the Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights Committee.

Kailee Mack, political science freshman, represented Rwanda in the Environment and Climate Change Committee.

Elaine Siebo, accounting freshman, represented Nigeria in the Economic Matters Committee.

Model United Nations (MUN) and Model African Union (MAU) fit in the category of co-curricular activities designed to enhance students’ learning and skills through practical experiences. The SouthEast MAU conference is organized annually by the University System of Georgia Africa Council. 

Drs. Otilia Iancu and Philip Omunga serve as faculty advisors. The team is now starting the preparation for the International Model African Union Conference, Howard University, February 21-25, 2024.