Master Classes & Research

“When roots are deep, the wind poses no threat.”

At the International African School, we provide a rich array of opportunities designed to foster growth and learning. Our curriculum features masterclasses and research on topics such as decolonizing the mind, self-discovery through “Know thyself,” examining bias, nurturing critical thinking skills from the elementary level, investigating African epistemology, delving into African Knowledge and Spirituality, and unraveling the intricate narrative of African history.


A bare tree stands on a grassy African hill with brown foliage under a blue, cloudy sky.

Research

In alignment with our Educultural Travel program, young people are not only participants but also co-creators of knowledge. Our research themes include emerging youth trends such as digital activism, civic-ness, and community engagement. By delving into the question of socialization and education for young people discovering Africa, we foster cross-cultural understanding and offer a rich, diverse learning platform for discovering Africa from within.


 Master classes

Embark on a journey of discovery and empowerment with us at the International African School. We eagerly await your presence!


Past Masterclasses by Dr. Otieno Ong’ayo 

  • Decolonization of the Mind I, 2018, Amsterdam.
  • Decolonization of the Mind II: Cultural and Historical Empowerment, 16 March 2019, Amsterdam
  • Decolonization of the Mind III, 21 June 2019, The Hague
  • Decolonization of the Mind IV: The Role of Language in Mental
  • Decolonization in Africa, 14 March 2020, The Hague


A bare tree stands on a grassy African hill with brown foliage under a blue, cloudy sky.

Facilitator of the 2026 Nicole Butler Summer Academy

"We Live Here" encourages students to explore and appreciate the community they live in. Through discussions, storytelling, and local observations, students learn about their neighborhood's history, culture, people, and environment. The program helps build a sense of belonging, pride, and responsibility by showing how everyone can contribute to making their community a better place. Students are encouraged to value diversity, respect others, and recognize that their actions can positively impact their communities.



Presenting in a classroom, facing a screen. Others seated at tables listen.

Themes:

  • African History, Culture, Philosophy, and Politics.
  • Epistemic Decolonization and Strategies for Decolonisation: Linking history, curriculum (education and political theory) to the colonial contexts shaping concepts, arguments, and theories, and alternatives to Eurocentric knowledges, epistemologies, and pedagogies.
  • Decolonization of Political Thought and Practice, Linguistic Decolonization.
  • African Interactions with Others: Exploring intricacies, dilemmas, racialized inequalities, and their origins through the lens of knowledge, discourse, and culture within colonial power structures.
  • Young people in Africa, African Youth in the global sphere, Gen Z and digital activism, (online) community engagement of young people.
  • African Diaspora, Black Diaspora, Migration Studies, Africana Studies, Black Canada Studies, Critical Whiteness Studies.
  • Black Feminism, Africana Womanist Studies, Gender Studies
  • Postcolonial Studies, Intersectional Diversity.