ESD’s State of the World Day Series brings speakers and activities to ESD to increase cultural appreciation. This year, The Center for Global Citizenship focused on the mechanics of microlending and how this process can alter the lives of people in an increasingly interconnected world. This year’s speaker series succeeded not only in strengthening student’s understanding of microlending, but also in broadening their perceptions of how impoverished nations work with one another.
Our keynote speakers included Mr. Ralph Black, Mr. Peter Mugga, Dr. Celestine Musekura, and Ms. Sierra Visher. Mr. Black is a representative to Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). He spoke with ESD seniors in the morning as part of the Dedman Lecture Series that annually brings speakers to present to the senior class. Mr. Mugga is a Ugandan student in the US on a scholarship from Save the Children. He plans to return to Uganda upon receiving his degree to start a record label company to recognize young, emerging Ugandan artists. Dr. Celestine Musekura is founder of African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries (ALARM-inc). These three speakers discussed tribal reconciliation, the role of women in government and society, and other issues student questions raised. Ms. Sierra Visher, a representative from Kiva.org (the organization through whom ESD lends), explained where money goes once the microloan has been sent.
~The International Society
