The African Summer for Academic Development Program

This summer, Dr. Rhonda Wilbon, PhD, Professor of Social Work at Morgan State University, spearheaded a remarkable educational and cultural initiative. The African Summer for Academic Development Program, a collaboration between the National Association of Black Social Workers and the Social Work Department, and The Center for the African Study of the United States at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, hosted sixteen students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), two social work practitioners, and two faculty members who traveled to South Africa for an immersive experience in social work education and cross-cultural exchange. The program, held in the summer of 2024, allowed participants to observe and engage in South African social work practices while forging global connections.

Enhanced Academic Understanding: Key Outcomes of the African Summer for Academic Development Program

Through intensive classroom instruction and hands-on learning with local NGOs, students deepened their understanding of social work in a South African context. This approach exposed them to systemic and community-based social work practices, broadening their knowledge and equipping them with a comparative lens to analyze social issues.

Participants noted significant academic growth, particularly in grasping how South Africa addresses community welfare and social services. These insights were invaluable for students aspiring to apply global perspectives to their future social justice and community development work.

Professional Development and Networking:

The program created an environment ripe for networking, allowing students to connect with South African practitioners, expand their professional networks, and cultivate a global understanding of social work. Students honed practical skills that will directly impact their future careers, gaining a deeper appreciation of how social work functions globally.

Rich Cultural Exchange:

Cultural excursions were integral to the program, enhancing the educational experience. Visits to the Apartheid Museum and SOWETO provided powerful lessons about South Africa’s history, the legacy of apartheid, and ongoing struggles for equity and justice. These cultural exchanges allowed students to reflect on their cultural identities while learning about South Africa's diverse communities.

Significant Personal Growth:

Many students described their participation as a life-changing experience. The program challenged their worldviews, fostering resilience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. Several participants remarked on its transformative impact on their personal and academic lives, citing newfound perspectives on both social work and their own role in creating social change.

Positive Participant Feedback:

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Students praised the balance between academic instruction and cultural immersion and the support provided by resident assistants and program organizers. Many highlighted the quality of instruction and the well-rounded nature of the experience as key strengths of the program.

Strengthened Partnerships and Collaboration:

The success of the African Summer for Academic Development Program highlighted the value of cross-cultural academic collaborations. Organizers and partner institutions gained new insights into the importance of global academic initiatives and identified areas for future expansion. The program has set a new standard for international academic engagement and opened doors for future collaboration between HBCUs and South African institutions.

Conclusion

The African Summer for Academic Development Program, led by Dr. Rhonda Wilbon, was a groundbreaking success that provided students with unparalleled academic enrichment, professional development, and personal growth. The program advanced students’ understanding of social work practices in South Africa and fostered cultural sensitivity and global awareness—skills essential for future social work leaders. As participants returned home, they carried new knowledge, global connections, and a more profound commitment to fostering social justice within their communities.  Plans are already underway for next year's Summer Program. Applications will be available soon.