May we meet you?
I’m Dr. Ann May Nash Haruna. I’m the Dean of Faculty for the division of Arts and Humanities, Bellevue College, Washington State. My experience is in Accounting, but I left corporate for academics. So, I’m in the academic field right now, trying to lead the change that’s needed.
As a Nigerian-American, what can you say about the ongoing Ghana Event ‘The New Africa Youths Summit’ that aims at bringing Africa together?
I think it’s very unique and I’m excited to see that we have gotten to where we are trying to bring a mirade of other countries together to see the potentials that Africa’s to offer. As you know, Africa is a continent comprising of so many countries and the notion sometimes is that there are people who think that Africa’s a country. So, I have taken it upon myself to correct people that Africa’s a continent; by educating them that it’s by traveling that you’ll understand that Africa’s a huge place full of potentials.
So, I really appreciate the fact that they’re bringing this together; and I’m grateful to my college for being able to sponsor me to come to this program despite the fact that I was nominated. I have been able to showcase our African culture, back home, in the US, to let them know that there are so many things to be done with Africa and some partnerships to be formed by coming to this occasion.
How do we keep this kind of wonderful event coming up regularly, moving forward?
Collaboration is the key word; whereby we come together to collaborate and talk to each other. We have these big plans, big ideas and once the program’s ended, it stops there and there’s no continuity. It’s only if we are intentional in continuing this project that we’ll be able to scale it to the next level.
So, when we’re done with this, it’s not all about the hype or nomination, but trying to work on it and progress, so that we’ll not forget the reason we’re here. The reason why we’re here is to talk about what we envisage the ‘New Africa’ to be, and encouraging the youths to come up with what they can give to move Africa forward. We have a lot to offer as a continent that most people do not know. So, let’s not leave here just like that without putting what we discussed here into practice.
And then, come back, in 2 or 3 years time to start all over again to discuss what we’re discussing now. It’s counterproductive. I’m hoping that when this program’s ended, there will be that fire, because I see fire. I see that enthusiasm. I’m hoping that the fire everyone’s feeling right now will be taken to different areas of their careers. Try and talk to somebody else about it, so that the next time we come back, it will be triple of what we’re saying. It’s only that time you’ll know that the work you’re doing is actually recognized.
What’s your advice to the youths?
Everyone has a talent. Turn it into what you know how to do; your expertise. Everyone knows what they can do best. Get some education; formal or apprenticeship. Fine tune your talent, horn it on. Don’t be a nuisance to the society. Try as much as possible to use the gift that you’ve to be innovative. Be the example you want people to see. Don’t blame anyone for your situation, especially if you’ve not taken out time to develop yourself.
Ask questions, talk to people, get in touch with people, contact people and see what they can offer. I might not know that you’ve something to offer, but by talking, you could get help; directly or indirectly. Personally, I help people get back to school. My school in the US is partnering with The Democratic Republic of Congo. Our VP on International Education usually go to Congo.
We recruit students to our school. Sometimes, there’s discount in their Visa process to help them get their Visa, so that they can acquire the education that they need. So, instead of roaming the street, find something worthwhile and do. Google, they say, is your friend. Go to Goggle and do some research of what you can do. I’m hoping that a lot of people will see this program and be able to get in touch with someone in this program that will open the door for them.
It’s nice having you with us.
It’s a pleasure.
