International Service Learning UF in Guatemala
2010
Picture a 12 year old boy living in a cardboard shack on the Guatemala City dump. He was born in the dump, his alcoholic parents died of cirrhosis, and works every day alongside other children and families who glean through the garbage for food to eat or something to sell. He’s never been to school. He has no dreams beyond survival.
Picture a 20 year old UF student with a heart for service. She speaks some Spanish but would like to be fluent. She wants to see the world before returning to Florida to pursue her career.
UF in Guatemala: International Service Learning will bring these two young people together for 6 weeks. She will live with a Guatemalan family and work with him at Safe Passage, helping with homework, sharing her musical and sports talent, studying current issues in Central America and reflecting on the challenges they both face. She’ll return to Florida to work with at-risk Hispanic youths. He will graduate from high school. Their dialogue will continue, it will shape their lives and their countries.
For more information: www.spanishandportuguese.ufl.edu
Contact: Kathy Navajas navajas@ufl.edu