“Before, there wasn’t enough sustainability of the program,” Keller says. “The biggest benefit is that we can establish long-term relationships.”
Partnerships have been developed at several sites in the United States, including New Orleans and Appalachia. Sites also have been established in six countries: Thailand, Bolivia, Mexico, Russia, Zambia, and Chile.
Keller says Global Partnerships developed three criteria for choosing each of the partner sites: education, relationships, and sustainability.
While on the trips, students obtain a first-hand look at issues in other parts of the world. They often begin to read the news differently and are more apt to consider their responsibilities to the rest of the world, Keller believes. To further the students’ education, the university also will seek to bring members of the partners to the campus.
Developing relationships will help students understand the issues on a more personal level and think of justice issues differently, Keller says. Students will spend their money and make lifestyle choices based on the relationships they have formed.
Keller emphasized it is important to pursue projects that can be sustained over years. Partnerships have been made with churches, orphanages and organizations in different regions of the world. Teams are sent to our partnering locations over winter, spring and summer breaks.
Students have an array of opportunities, including construction, working in orphanages and camps, and teaching English. Trips cost anywhere from $150 to $2,500 per person, Keller says.
The program was introduced to students during Sunday evening’s College Life program, which also featured the music of Bethany Dillon, whose performance drew raves at CHIC 2006.
To learn more about the program, visit the Global Partnerships website.