ASU collects books for Njala University

Asya Magazinnik Staff Writer

The African Student Union (ASU) is organizing a book drive for Njala University in Sierra Leone, which was severely damaged due to the recent civil war in the region. Originally located in Njala, the University was forced to temporarily relocate to Freetown after a series of violent attacks in 1995. The attacks claimed 15 lives, damaged much of the University’s technological infrastructure, and destroyed several buildings on campus. The instability of the region has also prompted many of the University’s prominent professors to seek other employment.

According to Principal of Njala University Aliyageen M. Alghali, reconstruction efforts are expected to cost $58 million. While the government of Sierra Leone is expected to cover a sizeable portion of the expenses, the University is still struggling to offset the deficit, and to finance its goal of establishing six new academic departments. Njala University has made an appeal to the international community for financial support, as well as donations of computers, printers, laboratory equipment, and textbooks.

Vassar’s relationship with Njala University began in 2000, when associate profesor of History and africana studies Ismail Rashid met Alghali during his research on student politics and university reform in post-war Sierra Leone. “They generously provided me with the information I need and shared with the difficulties being faced by the institution as a consequence of the war,” said Rashid. “Even though I did not make any formal commitments then, I was determined to find ways to contribute to the institution’s rebuilding efforts.”

When Rashid joined the Vassar faculty, he organized a project to collect books and equipment for the university. Computing Information Services (CIS) was able to donate 12 used computers, and the Africana Studies Department donated its old Urban Center Library collection.

According to ASU member Ekow Pierre ’06, it cost $1,000 to ship all of the materials to Sierra Leone. Because the ASU hopes to collect more materials this time around, shipping costs are expected to be even higher.

“Over the next two weeks, we will be tabling in the College Center and asking for donations, which will go to shipping,” said Pierre. “We’ll also be leaving boxes as collection points for the books and they’ll be painted green, white and blue for the Sierra Leone flag—students can leave books there.”

So far, the ASU has collected books to supplement the Urban Center Library collection, as well as 20 computers from the Computing Center. They are still working on raising money to ship the materials to Sierra Leone.