Director of Ombogo Girls' Academy to speak April 27

Western Washington University's partnership with the Ombogo Girls' Academy in Homa Bay, Kenya, will be the topic of discussion April 27 in an on-campus lecture sponsored by Western's Center for International Studies.

George Odoyo Oromo, principal of the academy, and Tim Costello, director of WWU’s Center for Service-Learning, will discuss how they've formed a partnership based on mutual respect to address the critical need for girls' education in rural Kenya. They'll also share methods for navigating the crosscurrents of an international relationship, minimizing negative impacts, maximizing creative outcomes and deferring to local heroes.

Oromo holds a post-graduate diploma in education from Maseno University and a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Moi University, and he's currently earning his masters in education, chemistry at Maseno University. He has special training in the management of private schools in Kenya (done by World Bank through CfBT and International Finance Corporation). He has special interest in the integration of faith and learning (University of Eastern Africa-Baraton), high school administration in Kenya (Kenya Education Staff Institute -KESI), implementation of HIV/AIDS Education Curriculum in Secondary Schools and Work Education Experience in Secondary Schools. He has 14 years teaching experience in high school chemistry and mathematics besides being for more than a decade a senior examiner of chemistry with the Kenya National Examinations Council. He has had 10 years of experience in high school administration and management. Other areas of success include facilitation of group, community and institution self diagnostics aimed at strategic planning.

Special thanks to the Diversity Fund, University Residences and the Center for International Studies.

The Center for International Studies sponsors this lecture series so that Western faculty, staff and students who have had significant international experiences can share the perspectives they have gained with the larger community. For more information, visit the Center for International Studies online or call (360) 650-7544.