Study Tour Returns from South Africa
OSU-M students joined with Ashland University students to participate in a study tour of South Africa this past summer. The ambitious experience was arranged by Dr. Barbara Lehman, OSU-M professor of teaching and learning, and Dr. Daniel Lehman, AU trustees’ professor of English.
The educational objectives for the cohort were to learn about the literature and culture of South Africa, as well as to understand what the country’s commitment to reconciliation can teach about the challenges of cultural diversity faced in the United States. The OSU students prepared for the overseas trip by reading South African children’s literature, viewing videos, and attending predeparture presentations. Six students were participating in the study tour to fulfill requirements for an equity and diversity course required for Ohio licensure.
During their visit, the group had many memorable moments including attending a speech by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, meeting South African authors they had studied in class, visiting the prison that held Nelson Mandela for 27 years, visiting a number of schools, and enjoying spectacular views of the country and indigenous wildlife.
Impressed by their experiences and the hard-working dedication of the people, the students made personal donations through two initiatives. They collected over $200 for Biblionef, an organization that donates books to needy schools, and they purchased about $175 of artwork created by children at the low-income school, Observatory Junior School, to benefit the school’s program.