‘e-immersing’ into Sub-Saharan Africa

OH Jun Ning in white tee shirt

Thanks to technology, in-depth experiences of faraway places are still possible despite COVID-19 disrupting international travel.

OH Jun Ning, a Year 1 Life Sciences student in the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) discovered the marvels of ‘e-immersion’ when she joined some 80 students for the virtual NUS Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER) programme to Africa in December 2021.

The e-STEER programme focused on Sub-Saharan Africa, which includes countries such as Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa. The two-week programme provided students invaluable insights into the region’s socio-cultural-political-economic environments, management of natural resources, as well as the rich heritage and cultures of the region through webinars, virtual lectures, e-networking sessions and online cultural visits.

Jun Ning, who describes the programme as one which challenged many of her assumptions of the world, shares highlights from her experience with us.

Why e-STEER Sub-Sahara?

After taking the HSA1000: Asian Interconnections (CHS Common Curriculum) module in Semester 1, I developed an interest in other regions in the world. I was piqued by the programme as I had little to no knowledge of Africa, other than knowing about China’s Belt and Road Initiative there. I was, and still am, curious about the way of life in different countries in Africa.

And as a Life Sciences student, I wanted to learn how African nations plan towards sustainable development with regards to their biosystems.

What did you learn from this experience?

The entire programme was an eye-opener. Take for instance, culture. While the Singapore education system continually seeks ways to preserve our cultural diversity and heritage, for Rwandan students culture comes naturally and it is normal to engage in cultural activities such as traditional dances as part of daily life.

I also realised how fortunate Singapore was. There was a worldwide decolonisation movement around the 1950s to 1960s and countries in Africa and Singapore were decolonised around the same time. Yet, today, we are two very different countries, and this can be attributed in part to the countries’ very different leadership styles.

What were the standout moments for you?

A highlight was the use of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to explore Cape Coast Castle. The sounds and sights were very realistic, and it felt like we were exploring the place itself with a tour guide.

The ‘Door of No Return’ at Cape Coast Castle, as viewed through the virtual tour. (Photo taken off video produced by Dobiison VR)

Another moment was the ‘Taste of Africa’ experience where I got to sample food from Kafe Utu, an African café and lounge in Singapore, named for the Kiswahili word for ‘humanity’. It was truly a shared virtual experience in appreciation of African cuisine, and the history and culture behind the menu.

Students were treated to a delectable spread of African cuisine as part of the Remote Simultaneous Shared Dining Experience. This set meal option includes dishes such as fried plantain, Nigerian fiery peppered pork stew, and Mahamri, an African pastry with a unique cardamom flavour.

Adapted with permission from source article A passage to Sub-Saharan Africa through the e-STEER programme (nus.edu.sg)