President in Globe and Mail
July 22, 2011 - In the News
A column by University of Guelph president Alastair Summerlee appears today in the Globe and Mail. In the commentary, published online, Summerlee describes his experience of visiting a famine refugee camp near the Kenya-Somalia border.
Summerlee is in Kenya this week, helping to increase access to education for girls and women in the town of Dadaab. His visit coincides with the United Nations’ declaration of a famine in neighbouring Somalia.
Located in eastern Kenya about 100 kilometres from the Somalia border, Dadaab contains what is often described as the world’s largest refugee camp, housing victims of war and famine.
In the article, which is also posted on his “From the President’s Window” website, Summerlee describes watching refugees pour into the camp following the famine declaration.
Summerlee is in Dadaab with a potential donor to consider building a school and supporting education programs in the camp, especially for girls and women.
Formerly, the U of G president chaired the board of directors of World University Service of Canada (WUSC). A leading Canadian international development agency, WUSC works with students, faculty and institutions to highlight global issues and provide education and training.
Among its many initiatives is the “Shine a Light” campaign, which has helped girls to continue their studies in African refugee camps, including Dadaab.
