SU's Navy ROTC receives grant for African language, studies program
The Project GO grant was awarded by the Institute of International Education, an acting agent of the National Security Education Program. Persons in Southern's Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps population, which includes students from Southern, LSU, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Baton Rouge Community College, are eligible to benefit from the grant.
The grant will provide intermediate-level proficiency in African languages and cross-cultural involvement opportunities through study aboard in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, and South Africa.
While in the countries, the students will be exposed to African languages by participating in community volunteerism activities facilitated by Southern and partnering university faculty.
"Recently there has been a growing realization of Africa's significance in a global context. The development of a strong African language and culture program provides cadets and midshipmen with unique and critical skills that will enable them to contribute and compete in this environment," said Capt. Gerard Hall, Southern's NROTC Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science.
Hall adds that the grant will give the university an opportunity to develop leaders to help African partners improve governance, prevent or end conflict, increase security, and improve economic opportunities.
Southern is offering African language courses and will participate in cultural events throughout this semester. Study abroad projects will be conducted in the summer of 2010.
Barbara W. Carpenter, dean of international education, will serve as the lead on the project.
For more information, contact Troy Watson at (225) 771-4370 or Rosa Robins at (225) 771-2613. Watson can also be emailed at Troy_watson@subr.eduand Robins can be emailed at Rosa_robins@subr.edu.