US students here as citizen-diplomats

CEBU, Philippines - Twenty-four students from the University of Louisville (UoL) in Kentucky will be in Cebu from December 13 to 17 as what UoL calls “citizen-diplomats” of the United States, learning about local communities and sharing their knowledge and skills with the residents.

Accompanied by seven university faculty members, the students are participants in UoL’s International Service-Learning (ISL) program.

Established 13 years ago, the university program provides a unique way of integrating service with education and the opportunity to travel abroad. It also includes cultural excursions and meetings with local officials and leaders. Other countries that have hosted the program include Belize, Trinidad, and Botswana.

During the week-long program, the participants will hold classes with elementary and high school students in Barangays Paril, Mabini, Binaliw, and Banilad. This is the second consecutive year UoL is working with these barangays.

In addition to teaching at the barangay schools, the university students will also hold daily dental clinics for younger children and lead workshops on topics that include addressing bullying and teaching resiliency, preventing alcohol use and abuse, and strengthening skills in science, chemistry, persuasive speaking, among others. The visiting students are enrolled in Communication, Education, Justice Administration and Dentistry programs at UoL.

Those interested in covering the citizen-diplomats at work may get in touch with Lito Alberca, Division Coordinator for Public Secondary Schools in Cebu at 0917-633-1363 or Dr. Tom Jackson, University of Louisville Vice President for Student Affairs/Team Leader at 0929-851-4240.  (FREEMAN)