Centenary offers "Partnership" social justice course in Haiti
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College will offer a special international social justice course through its Christian Leadership Center. The innovative one-week experience in Haiti will equip individuals with the skills to promote social justice within or outside their own communities. The course, Partnership, is planned for May 7-13, 2016 in Haiti.
"Participants will learn about the complexities of human rights in Haiti and become better equipped to work alongside Haitians to improve their communities by engaging with communities, organizations, and individuals involved in community development and social justice initiatives in Haiti," says Dr. Chris Ciocchetti, Beaird Professor of Philosophy at Centenary and one of the organizers of the course. "By working with Alan Yarborough, a Volunteer in Mission with the Episcopal Church who has lived and worked in Haiti for three years, we can offer a powerful combination of theoretical understanding of the ethical challenges we face and practical experience working in Haiti."
Partnership participants will stay five nights at the Partners in Health (Zanmi Lasante) complex in Cange, Haiti, a small town in the Central Plateau region. From Cange, they will travel to several nearby communities either by foot or vehicle, and will also spend two nights in Port-au-Prince to visit human rights organizations and experience Haitian culture.
The program offers an optional Christian education component that provides individuals the opportunity to reflect on the challenges and problems that coincide with traditional Christian missions. Lead by Maegan Daigle, Assistant Director of Christian Leadership at Centenary, participants will be encouraged to analyze and reflect on their experiences in Haiti through a faith-based lens, and explore theological support for more beneficial ways to partner with Haitians to stimulate active change in the country. Methodist Clergy have the opportunity to receive continuing education credit through the Louisiana Annual Conference.
Cost is a flat rate of $1150 USD, not including travel between the U.S. and Port-au-Prince. This includes in-country expenses such as lodging, translation, meals, tips, transportation and activities. More detailed information about the course and an application is available at www.centenary.edu/clc/haiti.