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University of Florida

Community Analysis of American and Kenyan Issues


UF Faculty: Sharon Austin
Department: Political Science Department
College: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Partner Faculty: Levy Odera
Partner Institution: Systems Acumen for Youth-Led Development Solutions (SAYDS)
Title: Community Analysis of American and Kenyan Issues
Project Description: At the beginning of the semester, the students participate in a ice-breaker and compare living and political conditions in their respective communities. In addition, SAYDS students have attended lectures about affirmative action policies, Black conservatism, and the U.S. Supreme Court. The students then participate in online breakout groups and discuss the results of the 2024 presidential election. At the end of the semester, they participate in another discussion about youth-led activism in American and Kenyan communities.
Learning Outcomes:
  1. Students will engage in global learning awareness by studying the living experiences of Americans and Kenyans.
  2. Students will compare and contrast the problems communities face in both countries.
  3. Students will expand their cultural awareness by engaging in discussions about American and Kenyan culture.
  4. Students will learn about the impact of political and public policies on communities.
Participating Countries: Kenya
Number of Participants: 110 UF students & 60 SAYDS fellows
Discipline: Political Science
UF Course Code & Name: POS4931/6157 - Community Analysis
Project Duration: 16 Weeks

Activity Type(s):
  • Student-to-Student Dialogue
  • Virtual Guest Speaker
  • Other
Time allotted to each activity: 5 synchronous activities. Each lasts for an hour and 55 minutes.
Technology Tools:
  • Internet
  • videos
  • Zoom
Sequence of Activities:
  • Icebreaker: Ice breaker activity allowed students to compare and contrast their communities, backgrounds, and experiences with Kenyan students.
  • Engagement Activity: Students listen to lectures from Drs. Austin and Levy Odera and watch videos.
  • Collaboration Activity: They answer discussion questions in breakout sessions.  At the end of class, the entire group discusses the answers from each group in a larger discussion.