The “Africanity Award” Foundation, in collaboration with George Washington University, recently organized a seminar focused on online engineering education at the postgraduate level. The event was attended by ambassadors from countries such as Gambia, Comoros, Somalia, and Burkina Faso. Notably, the seminar also welcomed Professor Shahryar Sarkani, the director of online engineering at
This initiative is set against the backdrop of an international landscape that prioritizes regional economic alliances. It underscores the importance of forging partnerships between Morocco and countries in Southern Africa as part of a broader effort to strengthen historical ties within the African continent. This strategic choice has been carefully considered over the years, to enhance competitiveness in both trade and finance while confronting the challenges associated with globalization.
The collaboration between the “Africanity Award” Foundation and George Washington University represents a significant step towards creating accessible and high-quality online engineering education. By convening diplomats from various African nations and tapping into the expertise of Professor Sarkani, this initiative seeks to bridge educational gaps and foster knowledge exchange.
As the partnership continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in academia. It not only promotes academic excellence but also reinforces the bonds of friendship and collaboration among nations. This seminar marks a promising beginning on the path towards enhanced engineering education in Africa, showcasing the dedication of all involved to a brighter educational future for the continent.
“In a significant move towards fostering educational collaborations, George Washington University is setting its sights on Morocco as a potential hub for offering distance learning master’s and doctoral programs in engineering. This endeavor aims to draw students from across the African continent, allowing them to pursue advanced degrees without the need to leave Moroccan or African soil,” said Mr. Shahryar Sarkani.
Mr. Shahryar Sarkani said “Morocco, with its burgeoning academic landscape, has increasingly become a destination for students from various African countries. This initiative is poised to further solidify Morocco’s status as an educational powerhouse open to all African scholars.”
The decision to focus on Morocco was not arbitrary but stemmed from a well-founded rationale. Mr. Belkhayat, a distinguished professor at George Washington University with Moroccan roots, played a pivotal role in initiating this collaboration. His insight into Morocco’s potential as an educational hub was instrumental in sparking interest within the university’s leadership, emphasized Shahryar Sarkani.
Morocco’s strategic geographical location makes it an enticing choice for this endeavor. With non-stop flights from Washington to Rabat, taking only approximately 7 hours, accessibility becomes a key factor in attracting both students and faculty. Additionally, Morocco’s captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage make it an inviting place for academic exchanges. Faculty members are enthusiastic about the prospect of spending time in this vibrant and diverse nation.
Moreover, Morocco boasts a thriving international university scene, providing a broad array of academic programs and degrees. This existing infrastructure enhances the feasibility of offering high-quality education to students from across the African continent.
The ultimate goal of this partnership is to create an inclusive and accessible platform for higher education in engineering that transcends borders. By choosing Morocco as the cornerstone of this initiative, George Washington University demonstrates its commitment to fostering cross-cultural educational opportunities and strengthening ties between nations. As this collaboration takes shape, it is poised to be a beacon of knowledge and a testament to the power of international academic cooperation.