International Connections

Dr. Danielle Haney (IGG) and Dr. Tishina Okegbe (CAMB) in partnership with the Philadelphia-based Science Education Academy (SEA) have established a pilot program with students in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Dr. Haney currently serves as the executive director of SEA and Dr. Okegbe is currently serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer and teaches secondary Chemistry and Mathematics at Moyeni High School.

The purpose of the International Connections program is twofold. First, primary students from Philadelphia and secondary students from Moyeni HS engage in an online scientific curriculum designed to challenge students academically and to encourage them to make observations about their daily life and surroundings. Secondly, the program seeks to elicit cultural exchange on both sides, so that Philadelphia students learn about Basotho culture and so that Basotho students learn about American culture. In this way, students grow not only as scientists and critical thinkers, but also develop an international perspective. Additionally, the program provides an opportunity for students to engage in hands-on experiments, a rarity in present day Lesotho.

So far the program has been a success and we look forward to a continued partnership between SEA and Peace Corps Lesotho!