Learning Experiences and Challenges facing Black International Students at the University of Windsor

In the past two decades, the international-student population increased to about 600,000 (Canada Bureau for International Education, 2018). According to The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, 2019I), international students contributed an estimated $21.6 billion to the Canadian gross domestic product. With the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment of international students, and the economic contribution they bring is under threat. More so, the lockdown imposed by the government, and schools’ adoption of online learning, further poses challenges and unique experiences to children, and young persona, especially international students. We used qualitative data from a focus group of 10 male Black students, aged 20 years and above, attending the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. In addition, we include the experiences and concerns of a student in Nigeria. The findings show that students face a number of social and environmental factors that negatively impact their online learning experiences. These factors include: economic support from parents/guardians, availability and access to learning resources, the place of residence, and lack of academic support from instructors, administration, and peers. We conclude that many Black students feel dissatisfied and stressed by the lack of support and how they have been neglected during COVID-19. These experiences are likely to impact their mental health severely

Circumcision: Its nature and practice among some ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria

A questionnaire survey carried out in five rural communities in mid-southern Nigeria documents the degree and range of male and female circumcision practices among Bini, Esan, Etsako, Ijaw and Ukwuani ethnic groups. Two hundred and eighty adults (154 males and 126 females) reported on themselves and their 1417 children (757 sons and 660 daughters). Circumcision of both sexes remains widely practised, though the timing of the event and extent of surgery show wide variations among, and sometimes, within ethnic groups. The commonest reason for the practice is a strong desire to continue ethnic traditions. Altered sexual urge for women, increased sexual performance for men, protection of baby's health, as well as general reproductive and aesthetic consideration are also important reasons. Traditional surgeons usually perform the operation and few complications were reported to be associated with the procedure in either sex. Female circumcision in this area is not as destructive or mutilating as in some Arabic and East African cultures. Because of the relatively low rate of complications a major campaign against circumcision in these areas does not at present seem warranted.