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GFU professor studies in South Africa |
JOHANNESBURG, South
Africa — A George Fox University professor joined seven faculty
members from other Christian universities in June on a study trip to
South Africa.
Paul Otto, professor of history at the university, traveled to
South Africa to study the country’s history and work in justice and
reconciliation. During the 10-day trip, the group learned about the
history of apartheid and the contemporary challenges facing South
Africans.
The tour included visits to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Professor
Nicholas Rowe at St. Augustine College of South Africa coordinated
the orientation in Johannesburg as well as the debriefing of the
Apartheid Museum. At Cape Town, Cornerstone Christian College hosted
a three-day academic conference to continue the discussion of the
past, present and future of reconciliation in South Africa and the
different ways in which justice can be sought.
In addition, the group went on safari at a private game reserve
north of Cape Town and visited Slave Lodge, South Africa’s National
Museum, Table Mountain, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.
The final full day of the tour before traveling home was National
Youth Day, a holiday commemorating student protests that began in
1975 against injustices such as a racially segregated system of
education and inadequate facilities, salaries and training for those
in education. The group spent the day hiking up Table Mountain with
students.
Otto said he learned a lot while on the trip.
“As a history professor who has studied and taught South African
history, the greatest benefit was experiencing firsthand the
landscape, the people and their cultural imprint,” he said. “In
addition, I enjoyed visiting the historical sites and the museums.”
He added, “The conference we participated in (at Cornerstone
Christian College) brought us into contact with scholars, educators,
thinkers, activists and others who were directly involved with the
process of reconciliation in South Africa and involved in the
building of a new South African society.” |
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From
Aug. 4, 2007, Newberg Graphic
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