Solidifying Understanding Across the Atlantic

By Broadside Staff Writer Jared Trice

George Mason University hosted President Ernest Bai Koroma of the Republic of Sierra Leone on Saturday, Sept. 27. Mason is partnering with Sierra Leone in an effort to establish a four-college community system throughout Sierra Leone.

Mason President, Alan Merten, along with Provost Peter Stearns met with President Koroma and the Minister of Education, Minkailu Bah. The signing of The Memorandum of Understanding took place in Research I building on the Fairfax Campus.

Sierra Leone has donated 800 acres of land for the initial development of the college system. The project is expected to cost an estimated $40 million for facilities and initial operations.

As a developing country in West Africa, Sierra Leone hopes the college system will promote growth and modernization and provide opportunities for the citizens to join a modern workforce. Students who wish to attend the future university will be required to take an entrance exam. The project is currently waiting to receive necessary government grants.

Former director of Mason’s higher education program and current project coordinator, Dr. Gale Kettlewell, explained that Mason’s relationship with Sierra Leone was initially instigated through a native of Sierra Leone and former Mason student, Dr. Alusine Kanu. Kettlewell was approached by Kanu several years ago with hopes of developing a community-college system in Sierra Leone. Kettlewell agreed to establish a local committee to discuss a possible partnering with Sierra Leone.

As President Merten stated, “What we need to do more of as we move ahead are efforts directed towards Africa. We and other universities have not done as much in Africa as we should. What we now need is the support of the U.S. government and other agencies to help us help Sierra Leone and other African countries.” Merten continued, “It adds to the students’ understanding of Africa and their understanding of global activities. Every time we do something globally, it helps our reputation.”

When asked if the community college system could be eventually expanded, Kettlewell eagerly responded, “I certainly hope so. Sierra Leone is a large country.”
Mason is currently the first university involved in the creation of such a college community system.

Although Kettlewell has already visited the future site of a campus in the city of Lunsar, arrangements are currently being made for a follow-up visit.