Initial trip to Africa successful

September 2005

 Elliott Erickson

The Record, St. John's University

Two years ago, a class inspired students to take their coursework into the real world — halfway around the globe.

The honors ethical thinking class sparked interest in Africa for a handful of CSB/SJU students. Last May, they ventured to the continent, and now they want the trip to happen again.

Interest in issues like HIV/AIDS and the Rwanda Genocide sparked the original discussion during class about the trip. Senior Erica Layer said they decided the best way to experience the issues in Africa was to go there and be immersed in the culture.

Eventually, the trip materialized and the group traveled to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.

The group raised money for the trip through fundraising and also received money from Campus Ministry and the Vocation Project.

Once in Uganda, the group stayed with the family of Brother John Mary Lugemwa.

HIV/AIDS, education, community development and the genocide in Rwanda were the main focuses of the trip, Layer said.

The group focused on learning about the culture as well, Lugemwa said.

The May trip served as a trial for what they hope will become a new experience that the institution can offer to students.

Planning has just begun for a new trip this spring.

"[There are] no specific details right now," Lugemwa said. Yet there is a lot of interest for the trip.

"I would like to see a stronger service component," said Tony Lusvardi, a faculty resident in St. Benet Hall. Lusvardi accompanied the group to Africa and plans to meet with administration next week about the upcoming trip.

But all talk is speculation at this point.

"[It's] different from the traditional study abroad programs," Lugemwa said of the experience.

Students grow really close because they are more involved with planning and participating in fundraising.

Both Layer and Lugemwa said that a trip like this changes your perspective on issues in Africa.

"[This trip is] something [students] really, really need to do," Layer said. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, she said.