Taking Action in Africa: The United Africa Society (UAS)

In the summer of 2006, five students from Cape Town, South Africa (Maxin Rubin, Roxy Kawitzky, Daniel Kaliski, Gia Benatar, Jamie Srubis), formed the United Africa Society (UAS). Their mission is to unite the African continent by aiding war-stricken regions. The ongoing genocide in Darfur motivated the group to take action. "The fact that I am able to do something meant I had to," says Maxine, summing up the attitude of the five founding members. After seeing the movie Hotel Rwanda, a few of the members of the group were surprised to learn that even after the 1994 Rwandan genocide prompted the world to say "never again," that another genocide was being perpetrated on their own continent.

The students began by putting together a presentation on Darfur and screening it at their school. They invited other students who were interested in helping to join them and from there the United Africa Society was born.

The group organized events to raise awareness on Darfur, including holding a Darfur Awareness Week, and they attended events featuring Darfurian refugees and other speakers. The group also set up tables outside various events to petition and raise awareness about the situation in Darfur. They also helped fundraise for Darfur through the sale of bracelets and t-shirts.

Although Darfur is a main focus of the group, the UAS does not limit itself to one cause. They are concerned with war stricken areas across Africa. The UAS truly embodies the spirit of the phrase "think globally, act locally." "As I became aware of my identity as a South African," says Roxy, "I began to feel a stronger responsibility not only to my country, but also to my continent."

When asked what she has learned through the process, Roxy continues, "There are things that every individual can do to make a difference, even if a small one." Jamie echoes this sentiment:

I have always seen this kind of atrocity on television or read about it in the newspaper and have always been absolutely shocked and disgusted that this kind of thing can occur. I have also always told myself that someone else will do something about it. However, I have realized that this is often not the case and it is up to the individual, no matter who you are, to make the difference.

The UAS is still growing and has spread to other schools around Cape Town. The founding members all expressed a feeling of obligation to use their resources to help their fellow Africans who may not have access to those same resources. Perhaps Jamie best sums up the group's feelings: "I do not want history to repeat itself. The world needs to learn from its mistakes." And with the work of students like those who founded the UAS, hopefully someday it will.