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Trip to Kenya will open eyes of SOU students A 22-day educational experience begins Sunday By TONY BOOM ASHLAND - A black Southern Oregon University student is looking forward to being part of the majority when she and four colleagues visit Kenya later this month. "I can't even imagine what it will be like to be on a whole continent of black people," said River Walker, a journalism major. "It was great to be part of the majority (when I visited Jamaica). I didn't really stand out." Walker and the other students leave San Francisco on Sunday for a 22-day trip sponsored by the university's Black Student Union. The students will study Kenyan culture and establish contacts that could bring the first exchange program between SOU and an African university. Others on the journey include BSU President Kevin Bendaw, a business management major; Jessica McDonough, international studies; Erin Watari, political science; and Taryn Cardenas, sociology. McDonough, who is white, says she's trying not to have any expectations about being a minority in a black country. She has already been a minority while visiting Thailand as part of her studies and growing up in a Hispanic community. Bendaw got the idea from 1999 black student leader conference, where participants were asked to help unify the global community and to reach out to Africa. When he found that similar conferences this year were already filled he promoted the visit to Kenya. SOU presently has three students from Kenya. More are expected next year. SOU faculty member Shamsul Alam is currently a Fulbright scholar in the country. "For the African-American students on campus who were interested in Africa there should be some way to study abroad," said SOU's interim President Sara Hopkins-Powell. "When Kevin came to me with the idea ... I was thrilled." Fund raising efforts provided half of the $15,000 cost. The other half is coming from SOU sources. Ashland Community Hospital, Darex Corp. and Bear Creek Corp. each donated $1,000 for the trip. Students have used e-mail to make contacts at Nairobi and Kenyatta universities, both in the capitol city of Nairobi. "We've had a positive reception, especially from Kenyatta University," said Walker. "They've arranged a lunch to meet other foreign students." The travelers studied with Kenyan SOU students Christine Bwayo and Ayisha Yahya to learn about the culture and for some basic Swahili lessons. Most people in Nairobi speak English, said Bwayo. "We talked about things people don't tell you in books," said Bwayo, a hotel management student. "If they are offered water they should probably ask for a soda. It's safe to buy bottled water. They should also be cautious of accepting food." The SOU students will stay at Bwayo's parents' home in Karen, a suburb of Nairobi, during part of their trip. But they won't meet her parents, who will be in Ashland for the July 1 wedding of Bwayo to SOU student Wade McCulloch. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.