The UNESCO Chair at Wits University welcomed Michigan State University students and academics to a collaborative seminar.

Academics from Michigan State University were hosted by the UNESCO Chair at WITS University, for a fellowship seminar to enhance global understanding and to engage students in a study of race, colonization, and social inequality. These topics have special significance to both countries.

The seminar took place on the 24th of May 2023 at the Wits School of Education. Our colleagues from Michigan had a traveling party of twenty-three delegates, that comprised nineteen Ph.D. scholars and four of their professors. The seminar was well attended by Wits staff and Ph.D. students alike, who were ready to share in the discussions and presentations.

The seminar began with an opening introduction from Dr. Douglas Andrews, who represented the UNESCO Chair and welcomed our American colleagues. Following the introductions, Ph.D. students from both Michigan State and Wits took turns to present their research to all members in attendance. This provided all the speakers with a unique opportunity to present their work in a ‘live’ event that traversed the Global North and Global South. (The names of the Michigan and Wits speakers and the topics that were presented can be found on the poster below).

The closing speech was eloquently presented by Professor Carter-Andrews who was the team leader from Michigan State.

Following on from the enriching presentations, and once the formal proceedings had been completed, all delegates were hosted at Olives and Plates restaurant on the Wits West Campus for a collaborative lunch. In this more relaxed environment, conversation flowed freely, and lasting networks were established. It is envisioned that these networks will serve to be fruitful well into the future for all who attended.

On behalf of the Wits team and the UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education for Diversity & Development, we extend our best wishes to our American colleagues for their collaboration and partnership. We look forward to the next opportunity to share ideas and enrich our collective and respective research endeavours.