CONTINENT EXPERT

Romaric in Peik Hall at the University of MN

Romaric Zongo

Hometown: Sabou, Burkina Faso

Professional Life: Romaric is a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota working on his Ph.D. in Learning Technologies in the College of Education and Human Development. Zongo received a Master in Information Media and Human Development, a Bachelor in Business Administration and Management, and an Associate Degree in Computer Science. Zongo, who is originally from Burkina Faso, worked for Plan International as IT-Coordinator in Burkina Faso for nine years and continued working in IT upon his arrival in the United States. Zongo is well traveled to countries such as France, Japan, and most of the countries surrounding Burkina Faso. He has worked with women’s cooperatives in Burkina Faso. He has continued his efforts while working on the Shea Butter Initiative for economic development through training, quality control and international marketing.

Zongo’s research explores the role that information, communication and technology play in ensuring the right education is provided to those in need. He believes an informed, knowledgeable and innovative society is essential for sustainable development to foster peace and economic freedom in sub-Saharan Africa. His research is rooted in analyzing how to provide the right education to ensure a knowledgeable and innovative society regardless of the socioeconomic status of its members. Zongo will continue to drive education as the foundation for sustainability.

What is education to you? Does education advance sustainability?
For me education is the acquisition of information and knowledge that help an individual to become skilled in knowledge construction and innovation in order to fully participate in improving the life of people and the progress of the society he is part of.

Education advanced sustainability in the sense that a well-educated society will foster skilled and innovative people who will promote peace, human security, economic development, the protection of the environment, human rights, gender equity, healthy living, and food security. To sum up: an educated society is a peaceful and healthy society.