Students Prepare to learn and serve in South Africa

This year Marist students will depart for South Africa on May 21st for an academic trip with an emphasis on social responsibility. Throughout the semester students have been attending lectures and have written several papers. While in South Africa, they will attend many lectures given by South African scholars, visit historic sites, and engage in field research for their individual projects/research papers.

The interesting aspect of this trip is that while it is academically focused, it will allow students the opportunity to conduct community service work in one of the many poor townships. Students will divide themselves into three groups and will work for several days on three separate community service projects. The projects will vary depending on the needs of the community and our partner organizations while in South Africa. Marist will partner with "Heal the Hood," Resources Aimed at the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (RAPCAN), and the Township of Vrygond.

In addition to the community service work in the township of Vrygond, the group will travel to Johannesburg and continue to assist needy communities. On Friday, June 6, the group will spend its morning paying tribute to Marist College's founding and the principles that guide the educational experience at Marist by celebrating Champagnat Day at St. David's Marist Inanda. The afternoon will be spent in the community by volunteering with an organization called "Acres of Love" which provides comprehensive care and a home to orphan children who have been abandoned or affected with AIDS or HIV. Acres of Love is guided by the principles of love, hope, and a forever home.

This trip will allow students the opportunity to understand issues facing South Africans and South Africa. At the conclusion of the trip, students should be able to plug their South African experience into the big picture: an understanding of the social and economic differences that exist in the global world. Issues of social justice, equality, wealth, politics, culture, and history are paramount to this experience abroad.

Stay tuned for daily post and pictures by students.