African Problems?

On Thursday 7th March, Students from Exeter participated in a debate entitled: 'This House believes that giving Aid is the best way to deal with poverty in Africa'. The PROPOSITION  consisted of:

From left to right:
Sandiso Moyo, George Norwell,
(AH) Tumi Sotire,  Toni Maria and
 James Bartholomeusz

• James Bartholomeusz, English Literature (3rd Year), Campaigns Officer for The Exeter University Amnesty International Society

• Antoinette Maria, Medicine (1st Year), Member of African-Caribbean Society

The OPPOSITION:

• George Norwell, Medicine (1st Year) 

• Sandiso Moyo, Medicine (1st Year), Member of African-Caribbean Society.

The first debate hosted by the ACS, on the benefits and harm of celebrating Black History Month, set high standards and excited me for the prospects of the upcoming debate on Foreign Aid to Africa.

As soon as I read about the event, I thought the debating topic was a stimulating one and had come up with a long list of challenging questions to ask the panel before the debate had  even begun. So, I arrived at the Queens lecture theatre with high expectations, but they turned out not to be high enough...


With everyone seated and the room silent, proceedings began. Introductions by the ACS president, Tumi Sotire, were brief. Naa Okantey, a proud member of the ACS, gave an elaborate speech on the wonderful work her organisation does to provide a safe place for less fortunate Ghanaian children.  If the debate didn't not enlighten anyone on that day, then the inspirational work of the 'Meet Kate' foundation must have hit home and while there were dry eyes in the room, hearts were opened and everyone present got to see the charitable side of ACS, with the profits from the bake sale going to Amnesty and Oxfam.

The contribution from ACS members (Toni and Sandi) was immeasurable! With their fantastic  insight into the problems of Africa, an understanding of the dynamics of African culture and a passion for the progress of the African continent, my seemingly intelligent and challenging questions seemed rather foolish.

That's what the ACS does. It stimulates me intellectually to question myself as an African through such academic and educational events.

ACS President
Disun Vera-Cruz