What is the Guyana's Trip Course About?

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This Course consists of a 2-3 week international Community-Engaged Learning trip to Guyana in May.
           In Guyana, we will engage in volunteer work at the following sites: The Palms Geriatric Institution, St. John Bosco's Orphanage & the three other orphanages, and Mahaica Leprosy Residence. We will also work to support Anthony Archer, our host in Guyana, and his Foundation. One might ask: why do we have to go to Guyana when people suffer in our own neighborhoods? Our focus, during this trip, will be on serving the individuals we will visit and identifying similarities and differences in what marginalization means in a country in the global South as compared to our own country. We will discuss both universalities in suffering and inherent in marginalization in any setting and the non-universal, unique circumstances that individuals face. Guyana's history provides an excellent example of many factors that contribute to global marginalization experienced in the developing world. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) the legacy of colonization, alienation of the AmerIndians, slavery, and indentured servitude; (2) the political, economic, and social effects of decolonization; (3) the national and international implications of early nationlistic governmental policies post-independence; (4) the realities of global economy exploitation of resources such as gold and diamonds; (5) the problems of corruption and neglect of public support policies in programs; and (6) the present difficulties inherent in "plugging in" to a technologically more advanced global world.

          Students will engage in a team project in support of a local small foundation, Allan's Hands and Hearts Foundation. This other oriented foundation is designed to host student groups, church groups, and volunteer vacationers as they visit and learn about Guyana and contribute positively to the alleviation of the struggle of vulnerable communities in Guyana. We will determine the nature of the projects while we are there, in collaboration with Anthony and Andrea Archer.

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