Njeri Marekia-Cleaveland, ICDG African program specialist, opened the session with an overview of the University of Georgia's public service and outreach mission and African initiatives. Next, Mel Hill, Stephens Fellow in Law and Government with the university's Institute of Higher Education, explained the importance of federal and state constitutions. Ed Jackson, Vinson Institute faculty member and legislative expert, provided a thorough review of Georgia's legislative process and the primary powers and duties of state legislators. Lastly, Mary Stakes, director of the Institute's civic education program, talked about the importance of active citizenship in our democracy and how youth can be introduced to the concepts of citizen participation.
"The Vinson Institute is recognized nationally for its legislative education program, as well as assistance and research provided to policy makers. We hope that our visitors from The Democratic Republic of Congo's National Assembly came away with a better understanding of the role of state legislators in a democracy today, as well as how the Institute's training programs in particular help officials here and internationally to be more effective in their work," says Marekia-Cleaveland.
The nine Congolese legislators hear more about how the University of Georgia brings its expertise out into the state through public service and outreach.
