Thirteen months ago, one of our Ugandan co-fellows, and one of the smartest, funniest, most beautiful, and humble people I know (Lorraine Kabunga) asked a presenter at our GHC Orientation “What can Africa teach the world?” Honestly, I do not remember the presenter’s response. Still, this question is something I kept on my mind throughout my entire fellowship. Now, 13 months later, as it all draws to an end, I would like to share just six (because it’s a special number) of the thousands of lessons that the world has to learn from Africa:

1. How to build strong support networks… How to build communities that are as strong as families
2. How to respect, and cherish, our elders
3. How to smile… Like, really smile
4. How to calm down, and just go with it
5. How to make it work, with what you have at that moment
6. How to dance (obviously..)

As the world continues to grow, and the ability to travel and share information continues to expand, It is important that we each take the time, and initiative, to remember that every person, and every culture, has 1000’s of lessons to teach us. As Global Citizens, It is our responsibility to show up and take a seat, so that we can listen, watch, experience, and learn from each other. Then, take these lessons with us, put them into practice, and share them across the world.

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