Kuany Kiir Kuany prefaces his book by saying “one has to go into the darkness in pursuit of light.” Courtesy of USFSP
By Amy Diaz
The Open Partnership Education Network is hosting Common Ground, a weeklong series of events around the theme of civility.
From Feb.18-22, students and community members can participate and receive leadership training from Kuany Kiir Kuany, an author, South Sudanese refugee and project officer at the United Nations.
Kuany, 28, wrote a book on his experience with war and survival called “Enlightened Darkness,” and has traveled the world working as a youth leadership developer encouraging positive, peaceful community initiatives.
“This will be the first time he’s coming to the United States, so this is the first time this particular program has come to the United States,” said Benjamin Smet, OPEN director. “And we’re hosting it right here in St. Petersburg.”
Kuany will be offering daylong workshops called “leader-shops” aimed at cultivating empathy and collaboration skills. Participants will get to design initiatives for their community to encourage positive social change.
He will conduct a presentation and a community meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. on Feb. 18 at The Edge in Coquina Hall. After Kuany’s presentation, there will be an open-mic night. The event is free and open to the public, but students should RSVP through eventbrite.
Smet said there will be a leader-shop on campus from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 19. That evening, there will be a drum circle from 7 to 9 p.m. along the waterfront.
If you can’t make it to those events, leader-shops and other events will be hosted at USF Tampa and Eckerd College throughout the week.
