In Spring 2024, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) offered a unique six-week intensive course that dove into African epistemologies, aiming to highlight the continent’s rich intellectual traditions and cultural contributions: LIR 204: African Studies and Beyond. This course included the opportunity to travel to Senegal.

While this course is not currently being offered, one year later—on the anniversary of their return to Canada— discover the experience, dedication, and effort that made it possible, and explore the lasting impact it had on the students. From May 26 to June 8, 2024, 15 students from LIR 204 embarked on a transformative journey. 

How LIR 204’s trip took shape

Professor Ndeye Ba’s vision was to provide students with real-world intercultural opportunities, center Africa as a site of knowledge production, and contribute meaningfully to the Black Studies Minor, which led her to review TMU’s exchange options, where she noted a glaring omission: Africa. “That absence spoke volumes,” she says. “It implied Africa wasn’t fully seen as a source of knowledge, and I wanted to change that. Taking 15 students to Senegal was a powerful first step.”

“I wanted the course to present the African continent not as a site of charity or 'voluntourism,' but as a space where deep, rigorous, and transformative learning takes place.” – Ndeye Ba

This interdisciplinary, experiential course was developed through a collaboration between TMU’s Global Justice and Change initiative and the Faculty of Arts, specifically the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the Black Studies Minor. Central to its design was a partnership with Université Cheikh Anta Diop (external link)  (UCAD) in Senegal, engaging faculty, students, and local organizations in co-creating lectures, site visits, and a student conference. Supported by the West African Research Center (WARC), the course emphasized mutual exchange and respectful, reciprocal engagement.

These collaborations helped Ba activate a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between TMU and UCAD, deepening institutional ties. The course also launched a new partnership between TMU Global and WARC, which supported the trip with accommodations, venues, and connections to local experts and organizations.

Experience to insights: Student reflections

The following excerpts are from reflections written upon their return to Canada last year and during the trip. One year later, these sentiments remain true.

Roma Safi 

“My experience made me reflect on my identity as a Muslim and an Afghan. I will never forget the beauty of hearing the Athan while I was at the market with the kind UCAD students. The hospitable people reminded me of the collectivist culture in Afghanistan,” shared Roma Safi, a Psychology student.

For Roma, the trip was not only educational but transformative, prompting her to rethink identity, belonging, and the kind of impact she hopes to make moving forward. The venture sparked meaningful reflection and brought a peace that made her consider how to find similar fulfillment back in Canada.

Reflecting on her journey a year ago, Roma shared, “I think back to moments like walking alongside the Chief of Sippo Island, learning about natural medicine and the generational knowledge passed down outside of Western institutions. This journey helped me sit with difficult questions about identity, memory, and belonging.” Since the trip, Roma has been pursuing a path in education, “Not just to teach, but to listen, to challenge, and to create space for others to feel seen. LIR 204 didn’t just shift my thinking; it shifted my purpose.”

Watch the vlog Roma recorded of her experience while in Senegal. (external link) 

Zintiat Kolly

Nigerian-Canadian Social Work student, Zintiat Kolly, reflected on how LIR 204’s Senegal trip transformed her understanding of Africa. Immersed in Senegalese culture, Zintiat found deep resonance in the strong sense of community, tradition, and connection to history. Engaging directly with locals helped challenge internalized biases and broaden her understanding of what it truly means to be African.

“[This experience] was about the lifelong friendships I made, the deeper understanding of my roots, and the newfound knowledge that has fueled my sense of purpose. It is a story I will continue to proudly share every time someone asks me about a pivotal moment in my life.” – Zintiat Kolly

Since the trip, Zintiat has continued to grow and deepen her understanding of African voices. In September 2024, she volunteered abroad in Indonesia, supporting marginalized and vulnerable communities. As the only Black and African representative, she was frequently called upon to advocate for equity and educate others about the Black and African experience. Zintiat is currently furthering her education and has applied to law schools that house Black and African initiatives.

The journey to Senegal offered more than just an academic opportunity—it was a profound personal awakening for many students. One year later, the impact of LIR 204: African Studies and Beyond resonates deeply. Led by  Ndeye Ba with the support of the Faculty of Arts and the Global Justice and Change (GJC) team, students experienced an immersive learning environment, multilingual expression, and reciprocal engagement, which transcended the classroom.

Funded by the Faculty of Arts, Criminology student and Research Assistant, Hanad Abdi, prepared a detailed  (PDF file) Impact Report outlining the full outcomes of the trip.