THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

AGGREY C. SAMBAY

Aggrey C. Sambay, was born and raised in a small town called Bomet, Kenya. He moved to Canada in 2008 to further his studies and is currently pursuing specialized honors in Astrophysics at York University, Toronto, Canada. He speaks three languages: English, Swahili and Kipsigis, the languages spoken in parts of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Congo.

In addition to his burgeoning writing career, he is also a renowned member of York University’s Mars rover team as a science team lead and the Astronomy club as an activity coordinator. He is also an observatory assistant, a volunteer student ambassador and vice president of the newly founded Glendon African Foundation and a member of the African Student Association at York University.

He is the last-born of eleven siblings: Beatrice, Joan C. Rotich, Humphrey Cheruyot Chepkwony, Judy Cherotich Sambay, Amos Kipyegon Chepkwony, Joy Chebet Mutai, Laura Chepkoech Langat, Robinson Kipkemoi Chepkwony, Linda Chepkurui Langat and Lesley Chepkemoi Langat, all born to their loving father and mother, Mr. Livingstone Sambai and Mrs. Mary Cherono Sambay.

SAIMA SHAKIL HUSSEIN

SAIMA HUSSAIN was born in Pakistan. She attended the University of Toronto where she earned a double honours degree in English and History and a Master’s degree at the Munk School of Global Affairs. Saima is a freelance writer. Her first book The Arab World Thought of It: Inventions, Innovations and Amazing Facts was published last year by Annick Press. Saima is member/administrator of The Shoe Project, a writing group led by author Katherine Govier at the Bata Shoe Museum. She also contributes book reviews and food articles to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper. Saima can be reached at saimash@gmail.com

LISE WATSON

Lise Watson is the publisher/editor of TWAS, which she created in 1997.   She has been an active member of the world music media in Toronto for many years. She is a regular contributor to Ken Stowar’s Global Rhythms on CIUT89.5FM, and her thesis for her Master of Arts from the University of Toronto is in the world music education area of study. She is a full-time administrator at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. A frequent visitor in the West African countries of The Gambia and Senegal, Lise is currently researching music, media and culture.

GLORIA REINBERGS – NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

Gloria Reinbergs is a long-time librarian with the Toronto Public Library.