Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Two Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) students are spending a summer in West Africa to study the region’s history of slavery.
Emma Cleveland and Ayesha Khan, who study sociology and psychology in respective bachelor of arts programs, are currently in Ghana for an eight-week Harvard University Summer Program that will explore the West African and Caribbean slave trades, and slave roots tourism.
While away, Cleveland and Khan will participate in expeditions to coastal European forts and interior settlements that survived slave raids. They will also conduct archaeological fieldwork on Danish plantations, and visit former sites of enslavement.
The study abroad course combines oral history, film, field trips, museum exhibitions and cultural festivals with intensive coursework. Students will be led by Emmanuel K. Akyeampong – professor of history and of African and African American studies at Harvard University – and Benjamin W. Kankpeyeng, associate professor of archaeology at the University of Ghana.
Both KPU students received Irving K. Barber One World Scholarships to help fund their trips.
For more information about KPU’s Office of International Students and Scholars, visit: kpu.ca/international.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: Ayesha Khan (left) with Emma Cleveland during their Harvard Summer Program in Ghana.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, KPU
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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