During the second UG Diaspora conference it was agreed that UG should move forward with the establishment of a Migration and Diaspora Research and Studies Centre within 2 months of the conference given the prior work that had begun in 2017 on this project. Several key themes emerged as areas of interest and as such are expected to be the focus for the Centre; 1) Migration, Diaspora and Citizenship, 2) Diaspora and intersections 3) Youth, Technology and Vulnerable communities, 4) Indigeneity, Indentureship and Slavery as integral aspects of dispersion 5) Entrepreneurship, Investment and Business 6) Diaspora and Migration in and around Academia 7) Less visible and less studied diaspora communities
Our Vision
The vision of the centre is to be a hub of excellence on migration and diaspora research and studies through an international interdisciplinary global lens
Objectives
The Centre will focus on fostering and promoting a supportive research and teaching environment for scholars concerned with issues of migration and diaspora, drawing on the skills and expertise of national and international academics, agencies, organizations and members of civil society. Furthermore, the centre will develop an inclusive work agenda of key aspects of the dominant and sub-altern experiences of diasporas in the Caribbean and Latin America as well as in other parts of the world, including reciprocity, opportunities, business, culture, the specific roles and conditions of academics in the diaspora, women and gender, indigenous people, youth, and those who may not be in the highest socioeconomic strata in these countries, (including the aged). Additionally, the Center will provide support for the Diaspora Engagement Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other State actors with research, training and policy initiatives. The Centre has 9 clear objectives:
To Develop and Coordinate Research Tools For Studying the history and culture of the Guyanese Diaspora and other diaspora’s of interest
To develop courses, training products, and academic programme on relevant areas in interest and need around diaspora and migration.
To initiate and encourage global research projects in Diaspora studies and to assist in their implementation.
To stimulate and sustain dialogue between and amongst diaspora groups
To publish and disseminate the Centre’s research projects.
To collaborate internally and externally on the Centre’s agenda and activities
Organize diaspora seminars, workshops, conferences, and webinars to leverage diaspora resources
Provide a framework and platform for partnerships and knowledge sharing between global academic institutions and the University of Guyana to enhance knowledge, technology, skills and resource sharing between communities and institutions using best practices for mutual benefit.
To rally resources to support the robust research and activity agendas of the Centre.
