The Loyalist College post-graduate International Support Worker (ISW) students are in Chiapas, Southern Mexico, approximately 100 kilometres from the Guatemalan border. While some of the students have travelled before, none have been in areas where conditions are quite so challenging. Now they are. For four weeks they are gaining first-hand experience through being involved with a wide variety of international development organizations and in direct conversations with people in need. They are immersed in experiential learning including living with Mexican families in the community. They are learning new skills and possibly developing entirely new ways of thinking.
Safety is first. Once in Mexico the students reviewed the information they had learned in class at Loyalist regarding traffic, water, food, political issues and dress. The first day in Mexico, they exchanged cell phone numbers and were given other essential emergency numbers. Next they were divided into groups of two, given a map, directions and detailed instructions – including where not to go – then were challenged to negotiate their way to seven major locations within the city of San Cristobal de Las Casas. This was an exercise in learning how to cope with the unpredictable, to make safe choices and to be flexible and creative – things which are essential in international development. And when each group was given 55 pesos – the government-set minimum daily wage – to purchase specific items at the local market, they quickly discovered how inadequate this amount would be for families attempting to feed, cloth and educate their children.
Since being in Mexico, the group has been to Monte Sion, a village of displaced persons, to learn more about rural poverty. They gathered in the home of one of the families living there. “The conversation started uncomfortably but the students were able to use their training to listen, to break down barriers, and to form relationships,” said Professor Gary Warren. “Debriefing this kind of experience is difficult, in part, because it goes beyond facts. There is a pattern to the emotional responses in students. It begins with fear, leading to pity, then sympathy and then anger as to why these conditions exist. The final stages will likely come later – feelings of solidarity and partnership.”
The agenda for the next few weeks is a full one. At Frayba, an internationally recognized human rights centre, the students joined an ongoing program to train international observers. People come from South America and Europe to participate. At the United Nations field office in San Cristobal they were included in discussions regarding hunger, conflict, poverty, environmental risks and how to measure the success or failure of projects. The students explored museums and delivered parcels of medical supplies from Belleville. They participated in learning opportunities regarding political and civil conflict, human rights and rural development projects.
“The ISW program has afforded me many unique learning opportunities, primarily through direct experience,” said student Caitlin Cameron. “An invaluable aspect is the opportunity to shadow different organizations and people related to our specific areas of interest. For me this is counselling psychology. I spent several hours with a Mexican psychologist who works with different indigenous communities. It was fascinating. This woman practices ethno-psychology, a combination of psychology, anthropology and sociology. She stressed the importance of different cultures – of respecting different beliefs, customs and ways of life. She spoke of the necessity of time and commitment in order to properly build trusting relationships. The idea of ethno-psychology makes so much sense to me and it has given me a great deal to think about for my future.”
The students’ experience in Mexico will help them develop the skills necessary to participate in relief and development projects in other countries, and locally here at home. Their ability to support and empower others is encouraged and they are learning a wide range of development strategies. This is an excellent opportunity to experience safe international travel and become comfortable working in a multicultural context.
Graduates of Loyalist’s International Support Worker program receive a post-graduate certificate. For information about the program click here.