A history of neglect, silencing and rediscovery

Science, technology, medicine, philosophy or literature: Africans have been innovative in all fields. However, their contributions have often been neglected in the western world. Rediscovery starts with being aware of where your own blind spots are.

Lead educators Tanja Hammel and Doris Osei Afriyie discovered only late in their university education that history and global health included much more than what they learned in their curricula. During their studies and travels, they became aware that many perspectives have been ignored or silenced. In this video, they look back and recount their personal experiences of education as well as their search for the bigger picture.

Many people probably share this experience. We all grow up in a specific time period or a frame of mind that neglects or even silences the accomplishments of others. In this course, if we are going to explore how global health may benefit from African contributions, we have to start by asking ourselves the following questions: where do the blind spots in our own upbringing come from? How can we overcome them? Share your thoughts in the comments. And if you feel inspired to find an image related to your own blind spots – share it on this Padlet.