Day in Africa

An annual event for Wisconsin high school students

DAY IN AFRICA welcomes high school juniors and seniors from across Wisconsin to explore the languages and cultures of Africa in a variety of sessions led by UW-Madison faculty, students, and staff.

This year’s DAY IN AFRICA event will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at UW-Madison’s Union South.

DAY IN AFRICA 2018 will feature a variety of interactive sessions, encouraging students to have fun as they expand their knowledge of the arts, music, and culture of many parts of the African continent.

Registration for DAY IN AFRICA is currently full. Please fill out this form to join the waitlist. Openings will be made available to schools on a first-come first served basis.

If you would like to get updates about DAY IN AFRICA 2018, please send us an email to to be included on our African Studies Program Outreach email list.

Participation in DAY IN AFRICA is free to registered school groups. A limited amount of financial support may be available to schools outside Madison to help defray transportation costs. Contact the Outreach Coordinator for details.

PHOTOS: Day in Africa 2016
PRESS: Day in Africa 2017 from the UW International Division
PHOTOS: Day in Africa 2014

REGISTRATION: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

WELCOME: 9:00 AM – 9:35 AM

SESSION I: 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Umlabalaba
Logan Shallow

If you enjoy games of strategy, come to this session to learn about Umlabalaba (Zulu Chess). You will learn the rules of the Zulu version and some of its origins in southern Africa. After learning about Umlabalaba, you will have the opportunity to play the board game yourself and compete against other Day in Africa attendees.

Africa in the Musical Traditions of Capoeira
Brendan Loula

Capoeira is a dynamic martial art, dance, music, and acrobatic tradition from Brazil that was created by African slaves over several centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. It is performed in a circle, with two people “playing” in the center, who are given energy by the people that comprise the circle, who play percussion instruments, clap, and sing. Brendan Loula, AKA Graduado Capivara, will give an interactive workshop in Capoeira music for attendees of this session, focusing not just the basics of performance, but on the oral history of capoeira, in which a popular imagination of Africa and African customs plays a central role.

Adinkra Symbols and Printmaking
Charles Korankye and Jay Ekleberry

Adinkra symbols represent concepts and aphorisms and have a long cultural history throughout present-day Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire. In this workshop, you will learn more about what these symbols are and where they come from, learn the Alphabet, and make a print using symbols that have meaning to you.

The Land Beneath Our Feet
Emmanuel Urey

When lost footage from the 1920s depicting a corporate land grab in the early days of globalization arrives back in Liberia, it sparks inquiry into how Liberians lost sovereignty over the very land that sustains them. Join us for a screening of this well-received documentary, co-directed by UW-Madison Professor Gregg Mittman. After the screening, there will be a Q&A session with Emmanuel Urey, the main protagonist of the film.

West African Drum and Dance
Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble

Join drum and dance ensemble Limanya to learn more about the movement and music of Guinea and Mali in West Africa. Students will learn more about the origins of these dances and get the chance to learn the movements.

African Poetry
Fabu

For this session, Africa and the African Diaspora focuses on poets and poetic forms from the continent of Africa, the Caribbean and the United States. Poet Fabu, the third Madison Poet Laureate (2008-2012) and the 2019 Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets Calendar Editor, will introduce students to samples of poetic voices, their key themes and styles. Students will leave with a greater appreciation of African poetry in the literary canon. There will also be an opportunity to write and to share.

The Art of African Beadwork
African Student Association

Beautiful, colorful beads are often associated with African art. In this session, students will learn more about the history and significance of beads and how they’re used today. Students will then have the opportunity to make some beadwork of their own with the help of UW-Madison’s African Student Association.

BREAK & SNACK: 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM

SESSION II: 11:20 AM – 12:10 PM

Let’s Attend a Yoruba Naming Ceremony!
Yinka Arawomo

Do you know that Yoruba names tell stories? In this session, we will regale you with the profound stories underlying certain Yoruba names. We will also virtually participate in a typical Yoruba naming ceremony.

A visit to Durban: Welcome to Zululand!
Nhlanhla Mpofu

The presentation uses audio and visual material to introduce students to life in Durban, South Africa. Students will learn how to greet in the Zulu language and will learn about the experiences of high school students in both urban and rural Durban. Finally, the audience will play a popular Zulu game.

A Day in Kenya
Safiya Jama

In this presentation, students will learn Swahili greetings and some other useful phrases. We’ll also explore what daily life is like in Kenya, and learn more about contemporary popular music.

Keeping African Traditions Alive in Madison
Students from Madison East High School

Food, religious traditions, social norms, and other family and society-specific practices contribute to a sense of belonging and a sense of self for people throughout the world, including all of the varied national, ethnic, and linguistic groups of the African continent. During this exciting panel, a number of students from East High School in Madison who come families from a variety of regions in Africa will share their stories and experiences practicing African traditions in their homes here in Madison. The session will end with a question and answer section to allow for audience members and the panel to share thoughts and ideas about the importance of these traditions for families of African origin living in the United States.

Careers in Africa and Beyond
Carly Stingl, Sam Allen, Koffi Dogbevi, Regina Fuller

Have you ever thought turning your global interests into a career? In this session, we’ll explore what international careers might look like. UW undergraduate and graduate students will share some of their experiences and advice as they’ve pursued their passions internationally, especially in Africa. Come ready to ask questions and get advice on how to approach college and beyond!

The Wildlife of Madagascar: Diversity and Conservation
Mary Dinsmore

In this talk, students will learn about the unique flora and fauna of the world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar. Over 80% of the species found in Madagascar are found nowhere else in the world (including lemurs, chameleons, and baobab trees), making the island a biodiversity hotspot. While the country has some of the most unique animals and plants on earth, many of these species are threatened with extinction (perhaps most notably, the lemurs). We’ll discuss some of the reasons for their rapid decline and how researchers and conservationists are rushing to learn as much as they can about these species before it’s too late.

Algeria: A Rich Landscape and Culture
Ryma Azzouz

Algeria has a rich history and a fascinating culture. Join us to learn more about the people of Algeria and their customs. You’ll also get the chance to learn some Arabic, the language most commonly spoken language throughout Algeria.

Experiencing the Peace Corps in Africa
Kate Schachter, Molly Vaux, Lynn Wehn, Jim Wehn, and Ron Geason

Most Americans know about the Peace Corps, but have you ever wondered what life is really like as a Peace Corps Volunteer? Join this group of returned volunteers to hear about their diverse experiences in several different African countries. Students will have the chance to learn more about projects related to health, education, and agriculture in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and Uganda.