About ZSSN
This group is an effort based out of interactions between Zimbabwean activists and Columbia students.
The SIPA Pan-African Network, a graduate student organization at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in New York City, would like to extend a message of solidarity to the students of Zimbabwe. As such, we have formed the Zimbabwe Student Solidarity Network (“ZSSN”).
We invite students and others at Columbia University, in Zimbabwe, and beyond, to join ZSSN and use it as a means to come together across cultures and geographical boundaries, and raise awareness about the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.
As of June 2008, Zimbabwe is experiencing an estimated 1.6 million percent inflation, approximately 80 percent unemployment, severe human rights violations, and political turmoil which have been exacerbated through a contested presidential election.
We recognize the difficulties Zimbabwean students face in pursuing their studies, and respect their resolve to continue despite these obstacles. We believe it is especially important to extend our support to Zimbabwean students because, as future leaders of Zimbabwe, they are in a position to bring about change.
We have come together in recognition of this tragedy, to express our support and hope for the people of Zimbabwe. Our hope is that our voices might be heard, particularly by the students of Zimbabwe, for many of us are students too. Among us there are countless who have lived, studied, or traveled in Zimbabwe. We recognize that, above and beyond whatever differences might separate us, we are all ultimately sons and daughters of the same world. For that reason above all others, we stand with you, fellow students and future leaders, in support in this time of challenge.
Get Involved with ZSSN
Zimbabwe Student Solidarity Network (Facebook Group)
You can access the online petition to add your own message of solidarity. We are working with key civil society activists in Zimbabwe and will be providing them your messages of solidarity to share with fellow students across schools and universities:
Solidarity Statement & Petition
More information on Zimbabwe:
allAfrica.com: Zimbabwe
allAfrica.com: Zimbabwe
BBC News | In Depth | Zimbabwe
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/africa/2000/zimbabwe/default.stm
IRIN News | Zimbabwe
http://www.irinnews.org/Africa-Country.aspx?Country=ZW
Mail and Guardian (South Africa)
http://ww2.mg.co.za/
The New York Times Breaking World News: Zimbabwe
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/
zimbabwe/index.html
Sokwanele: Enough is Enough
http://www.sokwanele.com/
