A new student organization is forming at the U of M to provide a space for East African Students and anyone interested in learning about the region’s cultures. The East African Students Association (EASA) has submitted its application to UMSU and is currently waiting for official recognition.

The club was the idea of sisters Rania Ibrahim and Efrah Ibrahim, who wanted an avenue for East African students to connect and explore their heritage. “We just wanted a space for East Africans to learn more about their heritage and get involved [on] campus,” Rania Ibrahim said.

The club’s secretary, Nafisa Hassan, mentioned the club is open to all students, not just those from East Africa. Hassan explained that many people are unfamiliar with the smaller countries of the region. “When they think of Africa, they think of the big countries, and we forget about the little ones,” she said. “We would like people to know [about them] because they are beautiful countries, and the culture is very rich, and we would like people to be immersed in it.”

For many international students, the club can offer a sense of home on campus. Hassan said, “A community like this […] is so important, because [it gives me] a sense of home that I lack here.”

Outreach executive Ikram Imam said the club also serves students who may not have grown up in East Africa but want to connect with the culture. “Being able to gain something through our events […] it’s just a way to understand peers better,” she said.

Head of events Taqua Shapan said the club plans to host interactive cultural activities to teach students about East African traditions. “Having game nights […] like Kahoot! [with] questionnaires about different countries, cultures and traditions […] can [make this] a learning space for people who aren’t East African,” she said.

Media executive Zahra Lokwa highlighted the club’s goal of sharing East African cultures with the broader campus community. “Most of our events will be university-based,” she said, including that the club is a strictly cultural initiative, welcoming all students regardless of race or religion.

While Rania and Efrah Ibrahim are the original founders, Rania stressed “everyone on the executive team had a crucial role [in] bringing this idea to life.”

With its UMSU application awaiting approval, the EASA already has a clear vision to build community, celebrate culture and create opportunities for students from all backgrounds to connect, learn and share in a space that embraces East African cultures.