From left, Damani Kenan, Princesse Pierre, Janiah Wilson, Gabrielle Nelson, Naomi Allen, Kelin Charleston, and Joshua Wilson. Back row: Dr. John Bennett and Dr. Otilia Iancu. Savannah State University’s (SSU) Model African Union students once again distinguished themselves at the South East Model African Union (SEMAU) Conference, hosted by Georgia Southern University from November 19–22. Demonstrating exceptional preparation, leadership, and diplomatic skill, the SSU delegation earned seven awards, including the prestigious Outstanding Delegation honor and multiple Outstanding Delegate in Committee awards.
The 28th edition of SEMAU was attended by Model AU teams from ten regional universities, including the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Albany State University, and Middle Georgia College and State University. The conference keynote speaker was His Excellency, Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the United States.
Students also received welcome messages from the University System Africa Council representatives, as well as from Georgia Southern University leadership and community officials. SSU’s Drs. Otilia Iancu, Chair of Political Science and Public Affairs and Model AU faculty advisor, and John Bennett, Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Political Science, led the SSU’s Model AU team at the conference.
During the conference, students engaged in simulated African Union committees and drafted resolutions on global problems, networked with peers, debated and negotiated solutions to pressing issues, and prepared to become the next generation of international leaders.
The SSU Model AU delegation, representing the countries of Liberia and Mali, included students Naomi Allen, sophomore, mass communication major and President of the Model African Union; Kelin Charleston, sophomore, Engineering major; Damani Kenan, Junior, Criminal Justice major; Gabrielle Nelson, Sophomore, Political Science major; Princesse Pierre, Sophomore, Sociology and Political Science major; Mikiyah Walker, Sophomore, Biology major; Janiah Wilson, Sophomore, Political Science major; and Joshua Wilson, Freshman, Biology major.
“Our Savannah State University’s Model African Union team approaches the simulation conferences with courage and determination to succeed,” said Dr. Iancu. “Students’ commitment to representing our institution instills in them a profound sense of pride and responsibility.”
Student Kelin Charleston, recipient of the Outstanding Delegate award in the Environmental and Climate Change Committee, represented Liberia with distinction. He said, “This experience helped me gain a deeper understanding of nations that often lack a strong voice in the political landscape. The Model African Union provides a platform to meet new people from across the state and collaborate on crafting resolutions that tackle important issues faced by African countries.”
Princesse Pierre, attending a simulation conference for the first time, added: “My experience at SEMAU was invaluable. As a delegate representing an entire nation, stepping into that room allowed me to share my knowledge with other delegates, learn from them, and advocate for my country (Mali).”
