The African Student Association is beginning “Africa Week” Monday starting off with “Game Night.”

While initially planning the week, members wanted to have fundraisers laid out for the campus, but now the events are intended for students to bond with ASA and learn what the group stands for as a registered student organization.

“Game Night” will include board games and other activities for students. This event is at 8 p.m. Monday in the Andrews Hall basement.

Julianne Adegoriolu, ASA’s president, said this week gives students a chance to come out and get a break from class.

“We want students to meet us on a more relaxed level and show what this organization can bring,” Adegoriolu said.

ASA is giving out Jell-O, rice and chicken mixed with bell pepper, onion, tomato and tomato sauce at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Thomas Hall basement; the food costs $5.

Toward the end of the week, ASA is hosting a Hookah Night at at 7 p.m. Thursday in Indigo’s Hookah Lounge. It is $5 for the night of hookah.

This Africa week is not a national or annual event, but Adegoriolu said ASA members from other campuses also present this week of events multiple times during the year.

“They do have a dedicated week, but we decided to have ours in the fall semester and another one in the spring,” Adegoriolu said. “We did our opening event with the talent show, so we this week is more so people actually getting to know our RSO on a personal level through bonding.”

Adegoriolu said ASA is trying to appeal to the campus with these events and let them know they are here and back for a prosperous year.

Jalen Washington, the ASA events specialist, said next week gives members a chance to spread their brand and get their name out to the students. He said the events show an engaging side of ASA, and members are working on being inclusive and letting everyone know ASA is open to a variety of members.

“This week is really out of enjoyment rather than focused on raising money; it’s just something fun to do,” Washington said.

Washington said a week focusing on an RSO is vital because it is dedicated to the particular organization and activities the group wants to showcase around campus. He said the week was also implemented for students to show their African spirit.

The ASA executive board consists of 11 members and four of those students are African.

Washington said events like these bring people together, and just because some of the students are not African it does not exclude them from experiencing the organization or the events.

“It’s even a learning experience for me because I don’t know much about Africa,” Washington said. “As we have our general body meetings, each time I learn just a bit more about it.”

T’Nerra Butler can be reached at 581-2812 or tabutler@eiu.edu.