Providence College Students Volunteer During Their Spring Break Helping Communities in the United States and Abroad
Providence, R.I. – Providence College students recently spent their 2016 spring break traveling throughout the United States and abroad, learning about various cultures and performing community service projects (February 27 – March 5):
Habitat for Humanity – 127 PC students participated through the Habitat campus chapter, which is sponsored by the chaplain’s office. The students worked on home construction projects and built affordable houses for low-income families in the following areas in the U.S.: Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Global Border Crossing Course Trip in Tijuana, Mexico – 15 PC students focused on the meaning of global border crossing and “justice across borders.” The students worked with Esperanza International, and their sister organization, Fundación Esperanza de México (FEM). They spent most days working with families of FEM, helping with the construction of new homes for community members, alongside the homeowners and their neighbors. They also toured community agencies and sites including Clínica Esperanza: a health clinic serving the most vulnerable in Tijuana, run by Catholic nuns; Casa de Memorias: a home and clinic for people living with HIV/AIDS, and; Casa de Migrantes: a shelter and resource center for migrants in the area. The also made a trip to the U.S./Mexico border wall at Friendship Park.
Food Security & Local Agriculture Course Trip in Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua – 11 PC students immersed themselves in Nicaraguan history, culture, cuisine and service through meaningful experiential learning with Unearth the World’s nonprofit partner—Project Bona Fide. The group engaged in cross-cultural exchange, service and guided reflection with the goal of breaking down barriers, educating, and gaining a greater understanding of food security issues. (Bona Fide promotes food security and sustainable living systems on the Island of Ometepe through permaculture design, agroforestry, research, education, and community collaboration.)
