The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is the home of AESEDA at Penn State. The broad interest of EMS faculty in African research initiatives led to the launch of AESEDA.
A SURVEY OF AFRICANS IN THE DIASPORA
Dear fellow African:
We are attempting to learn from Africans in various parts of the world what issues African countries should be addressing and how they can best cooperate with international agencies and NGOs willing to contribute to the development of the continent. For many years, Africans in the diaspora have invested considerable emotions in the state of affairs in the African homeland. Many African countries have been saddled with the burden of poor governance, and social, economic and structural disorganization engendered by corruption and mismanagement. We have, at different times, lamented the concomitant social fermentation as well as violent crimes. Although countries in North America, Europe, and Asia are currently repositioning themselves to take full advantage of accelerated globalization, African countries are instead dislocated in its wake. They lack the space and capacity to negotiate with other countries from a position of strength. This survey is seeking for ways to reverse such a trend.
To those familiar with the landscape of the African experience, many African countries appear to be in a permanently failing mode. Yet, the achievements of African professionals outside the continent have been outstanding. While it is true that Africa has been written off by many as a significant player on the global stage, it is also true that Africans in the diaspora and some outside agencies are genuinely concerned about the African situation and are willing to contribute to the development of the continent.
We trust that it would be helpful for you to know that this is purely a university-based research conducted by African scholars at the Pennsylvania State University under the auspices of the Alliance for Earth Sciences, Engineering and Development in Africa (AESEDA) for the sole purpose of advancing the cause of the African continent. We sincerely hope that you will complete this questionnaire as the beginning of your contribution toward the redemption of the economies of African countries and the reputation of the African continent. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Sylvester O. Osagie, Ph.D.
Assistant Prof. of Labor and Industrial Relations
Division of Business and Engineering
Penn State Altoona,3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, PA 16601, USA
Ph: (814) 949-5262; Fax: (814) 949-5547; E-mail: soo1@psu.edu
M. Thaddeus Ityokumbul, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mineral Processing and Geo-Environmental Engineering
0204 Hosler Building
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Ph: (814) 863-0375; Fax: (814) 865-3248; E-mail: mti1@psu.edu