Harper Africa is launched!
21 March 2011
The first association for Harper Adams University College students from Africa is now up and running.
‘Harper Africa’ involves both undergraduate and postgraduate students from a wide range of countries including Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, Botswana and Nigeria.
Their aim is to provide support for each other and to help new students to prepare for life studying in the UK and to settle in at Harper Adams in Shropshire.
11 students have joined the club so far with the first group outing planned for sightseeing in Chester.
Ann Akilo from Nigeria is studying an MSc in International Agri-Business Management and is a newcomer to the UK. She said: “It was difficult at first as I arrived at Harper later in the academic year than the other students, so I needed help to settle in and catch up.
“Now we’ve started Harper Africa, it is easier to keep in touch with each other and new students. We have even set up a Facebook page so we can post news about events and meetings.”
The group has big plans for the future, with hopes to organise socials including BBQs, cultural events, and industry trips to local businesses such as Muller Dairy.
Eventually they would like to fundraise at these events to offer scholarships to future members of Harper Africa.
Ibukun Olajuyigbe, also from Nigeria, is studying an MBA in International Agri-Business Management and helped to welcome Ann to the UK.
She said: “Being at Harper Adams has been a lovely experience – getting to know my subject and enjoying my course. It was my first choice for the MBA because I heard that it is a good, cultural university.”
The club intends to join other international students at the University College to work together to host events.
Harry Mbah, PhD student from Cameroon, said: “When I was looking for PhD opportunities, Harper Adams had a good reputation for agriculture.
“I’m really enjoying my time here so far and have been making plenty of new friends, I’m also enjoying life on campus. It’s great working with the other PhD students.”
