THANK YOU!

I want to thank everyone that has supported me thus far in my fundrasing efforts. It means a lot to me, as it is a huge help and has taken a lot of stress off me while in school. My final year at St. FX is a very important year as it has a great impact on my applications to future academic programs. I am doing my Honours in Human Kinetics, which requires writing a thesis. I volunteer weekly within the community and also tutor students, as you can see I am very busy. Through your generosity, I have been able to focus the majority of my time on my school work instead of worrying about the expenses of this volunteer trip. I am so excited for this new experience, and it wouldn't be possible without your help. THANK YOU SO MUCH! :)

About the Trip

Service Learning Immersion students from St. FX are hosted by the Cuernavaca Centre for Intercultural Dialogue on Development (CCIDD); a Christian, ecumenical, social justice center engaging participants in cross cultural experiences, reflection, and social analysis. CCIDD provides intense educational programs that bring participants to an understanding of social justice, women’s, and health issues in the Mexican and North American context. Service experiences are combined with group reflection sessions and challenging activities that encourage analysis of the participants' direct experiences in light of values of social responsibility. Participants reflect upon their personal response to social and economic inequalities they experience, while in Mexico and at home.

This Service Learning experience includes information sessions, awareness tours and group service placements that involve students learning about and making a small contribution to local development projects. Participants are introduced to community leaders and development projects led by community activists aimed at improving the circumstances of marginalized and impoverished people. There is a focus upon understanding the particular situation facing indigenous people given the current social and political realities within Mexican society today.

Tentative Schedule:

DAY 1 Arrival in Mexico City, travel to CCIDD; settle in, introduction to CCIDD, hopes and fears.
DAY 2 Cuernavaca Quest, dialogue with indigenous artisans from Tlamacazapa, lectura: What is a Cooperative?, shopping and dialogue with United Artisans, intro to Service Projects, visit catedral, Mariachi Mass at Cathedral
Day 3 Intro to Social Movements, Intro to Social Analysis, Personal / Journal time, Intro to compost system by CCIDD´s gardener, visit Recycling Center (Service Project), evening lecture: Mexico´s Past and Present
Day 4 Service Placement at APAC (Cerebral Palsy Support Center), lecture: Ofelia Laureano, A Woman’s Testimony.
Day 5 Service Project – Habitat for Humanity, Lunch with Habitat families, Personal / Journal time, Documentary on Immigration, El Contrato
Day 6 Serve Breakfast at La Estacion School, visit Ruins of Teopanzolco, personal/journal time, activities with children from "VAMOS", documentary: El Machete (about Oaxaca)
Day 7 Painting a Mural with El Pregón (young activist group), Comida / Lunch with El Pregón, Social Analysis Group Work, evening group activities
Day 8 Visit Botanical Garden, Service Debrief / Final Reflection, Social Analysis Presentations, Closing Celebration, Prepare for departure, Leave for the Airport, Flight to Canada

For more information visit: http://www.stfx.ca/academic/servicelearning/index.htm