CGE-Central America

Hasta Pronto María Elena! (See you soon María Elena)

2012-02-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

This week, CGE had to say Hasta pronto to our beloved sister and colleague, Maria Elena Rodríguez, who is retiring after serving as our cook in Nicaragua for 25 years - almost our entire existence. María Elena is responsible for the AMAZING dishes that thousands of you have tasted when you have come on a travel seminar to Nicaragua. As she goes on to fulfill other life projects, we expressed our gratitude to Maria Elena for her invaluable friendship, commitment, solidarity and dedicated work. She is part of the foundation of CGE in Nicaragua and will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Upon Maria Elena’s departure, we interviewed her for an upcoming Global News and Notes Newsletter article. One of the best quotes she gave, which we feel sums up her time with us is: “I don’t only work with my eyes and hands, I mostly work with my heart”.

For those of you who know her - and there are many of you! - please check out the spring issue of GNN, which will hit mailboxes and our website in April. In that issue, you'll see a lengthier article and interview from her.

For now, we leave you with some pictures of María Elena in the 80s and more recent ones (#1 María Elena and Anita; #2 Kathy McBride and María Elena; # 3 María Elena cooking at CGE; #4 María Elena with her plantains)

Te queremos mucho María Elena!!

2012-02-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

What difference can two weeks make? "Bastante" (quite a bit!)
according to our students as they press through their intensive
Spanish courses. During our time here in Xela students spend five
hours a day studying, practicing, presenting, writing and speaking
Spanish in one-on-one classes at Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco.
It's not easy; students often feel 'fried' by the time break rolls
around (half way through class) but we're always astounded at how much
their language skills grow during this time. I often hear comments of
"I'm understanding so much more!" or "Yesterday I actually felt like
myself, while speaking Spanish". If you've ever learned another
language, you realize: these are monumental moments worth celebrating.
We're half way through the Spanish course and really still in the
beginning stages of our time in these Spanish speaking countries,
meaning I'm certain their will be many more breakthroughs to celebrate
along the way!
Here you'll find a few photos of students hard at work.

Also pictured are Joe Connelly and Rebekah Menning, from the CGE staff looking over the schedule for the coming week.

Off to a great start!

2012-02-07T07:13:00.000-08:00

We are just starting our third week here on our Semester Abroad in Central America, and I have to say that we are off to a great start. CGE was so happy to welcome 15 amazing new students for this spring semester. Students have already done so much in the past few weeks that its hard to know where to start. Our program begins with a week of orientation. Students spend the first week visiting Guatemala City, the colonial city of Antigua, and then finally on to Quetzaltenango.

Quetzaltenango, or Xela as it is called is our home for the better part of four weeks. Students are currently taking intensive one on one Spanish classes for five hours a day. The experience of intensive Spanish is complimented by the experience of living with local Guatemalan families. As students focus on language study, we at CGE are doing our best to expose students to a wide variety of speakers and institutions that help shed light on the both the historical and current day reality of Guatemala. During the second week of classes, students examined issues surrounding the 36 year Civil War that has shaped so much of Guatemala's reality. Students were able to meet with high ranking officials from the Guatemalan Army, former Gorrilla Force commanders, as well as listening to the testimony of Guatemalan civilians who lived through the conflict.

Stay posted in the coming days and weeks to learn more about this unique and fascinating Study Abroad experience. Paz, Joe Connelly.

Travel Tips from CGE-Minneapolis

2012-02-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

CGE has several upcoming travel seminars in Central America and participants may be looking for travel tips and information. CGE-Minneapolis is here to help. While we may not have the in-country expertise of our colleagues in Central America, we are the folks that often travel to and from CGE locations around the world. Sometimes frequently! So we thought we’d put together a list of our top travel tips. We hope they help you as you plan to study abroad or travel abroad in Central America.

From Olee Amata, Program Assistant, International Travel Seminar:

“I always carrying toilet paper with me. Travel-size tissue paper works great! I also like to bring wet wipes, and hand sanitizer too. When traveling, you don't want to be caught without TP!!! Toilet paper is not always readily available like it is in the U.S. and if it is, sometimes you have to pay for it!”

“When traveling internationally, always make sure that your passport does not expire for at least a year out. If your passport will be expiring soon, or the same year you are traveling, I would suggest applying for a new one. Most people don't know that some countries require you to have your passport valid for a least six months before the date you will be departing from their country.”

From Fatimah Panemalaythong, Administrative Assistant:

“It's always handy to have a few of plastic bays around for certain items such as toiletries or dirty clothes.”

“Don't draw attention to yourself, avoid wearing flashy jewelry and don't display large amounts of cash. Carry only enough cash and leave the rest in a safe.”

From David Hamilton, Director of International Travel Seminars:

“Travelers often don't realize they have a different standard of tolerance until they are in another country. For instance, if we told students that they will have to bathe with a bucket in a rural homestay, they might complain about it. However, nobody ever complains about doing these things after the trip. After students get in another environment and get welcomed by a family who is often giving up their bed for the students, they can easily adapt to it.”

From Regina McGoff, Director of the Center for Global Education:

“Zip up everything once you're done using it so you don't take unexpected guests home!”

“Eye masks and earplugs are your friends for sleeping better in loud areas, shared rooms, etc. (as well as a little Tylenol PM!!”

From Emerald Tribuno, Program Associate for International Travel Seminars:

Carabiners. I always bring at least 2 and they come in handy so often. I use them to:

1) air dry clothing if you don't have any hangers

2) clip my purse to a loop on my pants in busy areas filled with people when I am worried about theft (use a locking clip for this one)

3) hook my carry on and rolling suit case together or shopping bags

4) keep hair binders in one place

5) hang a hammock

6) clip muddy shoes, a hat or water bottle to my backpack

7) emergency zipper if yours breaks on your luggage, zipper pulls, additional layer of security to detour theft (hooking 2 zippers together like on a backpack)

However, note that if you pack them in your carry on and go through Munich security they will search your bag looking for your brass knuckles.”

“I always bring a couple of packets of dry-mix gatorade with me to countries where I anticipate intestinal distress. After one trip to Mexico where I was too sick to leave my room and go in search of something with electrolytes, I've carried them with ever since.”

From Jesse Haas, Coordinator of Recruitment and Promotions:

Skip the souvenirs. As people go through life, souvenirs can’t always come with– especially if you’re young and have many life transitions ahead of you. When you’re packing up a tiny Toyota to move across the country for a new job, you will more than likely choose your pots and pans (or your dog, in my case) over boxes of items purchased while abroad. Souvenirs often get donated or left behind. Instead of souvenirs, keep a journal. They take up less space and nothing is more valuable than your thoughts and reflections from your time abroad. If you want to support the local community, purchase a few gifts from artisans to give to others upon returning home.

Summer 2012 Professional Development Seminar in Nicaragua

2012-01-20T08:57:00.001-08:00

We wanted our readers to know that we're offering an exciting travel seminar opportunity in Nicaragua this summer - Education for Global Citizenship. This seminar is intended for educators.

Here is a brief description of the professional development seminar in Nicaragua, but please see our website for further details:
http://www.augsburg.edu/global/shorttermseminars/opportunities.html

Education for Global Citizenship: Nicaragua (June 23-July 1, 2012)

This professional development seminar to Nicaragua is designed for faculty from a variety of disciplines to explore theories and best practices of experiential education in an intercultural context. The seminar will give you the opportunity to hear from a broad cross-section of Nicaraguan society and discuss global citizenship with educators across disciplines. Finally, you will have the opportunity to network with colleagues from a variety of disciplines and discuss ways to internationalize curriculum and rethink course design in light of global citizenship.

Santa Ana El Salvador

2011-10-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Just as we were getting ready to enter the third week of programming in El Salvador, a group of students and I made the trek to the Sant Ana Volcano for a day of hiking. Here are a few shots from the majestic Santa Ana!

Sad news as we leave El Salvador

2011-10-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

As we wrap up our time in El Salvador, I wanted to share with you all more info about the complete disaster that has occurred due to very heavy rains. Today was our ninth consecutive day of rain. The National Assembly has declared a National State of Calamity. At the moment there are 32 reported deaths. It is believed that updwards of 50,000 people have been evacuated from there homes and will be living in shelters until further notice. The month of October has seen three times the normal amount of rainfall, with higher level of saturation than those that occurred during Hurricane Mitch in 1998.
Many of you who have traveled with the Center for Global Education in El Salvador have most likely visited the rural community of Nueva Esperanaza. We are sad to report that along with the majority of communities in the Lower Lempa area were some of the areas most affected by the rains and flooded. We were informed that all families had to be evacuated from the community and that they have lost the entire harvest for the year. Some of our students had the opportunity to bring some food aid and clothing to members of the Nueva Esperanaza community who are currently living in make shift shelters and schools. When the community was forced to evacuate, rain had reached the rooftops of the community and just priory to being evacuated some community members had to take shelter in the church bell tower.
As our time came to a close we were also saddened by the news of the passing of Father Dean Brackley, SJ. Dean was a Jesuit Priest from the U.S. who went to El Salvador shortly after the massacre of the Jesuit priests in El Salvador in 1989. Over the years Father Dean met with countless numbers of CGE groups and students. He had a wonderful spirit and passion. Students were often set ablaze by his energy and conviction. On many occasions he spoke to our students about the idea of solidarity and the hope that experiences of study abroad would convert students in life long fighters for justice.

Greetings from El Salvador

2011-10-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that we are already half way into our second week in El Salvador. El Salvador is our second stop on this three country semester abroad. As with Guatemala, we try to focus a good part of our time and attention here on the major social issues that our facing the country. In the short time that students have been in the country they have already met with several speakers who have touched on the complexity of Salvadoran history and current events.

The academic focus of our students while in El Salvador is Liberation Theology, a class that focuses on how communities used radical religon as a means to analize their realities and later work for social change and transformation. El Salvador has a rich history of such communties who through their witness and perseverence have brought about real social change.
I addition to taking class, students have also had the oppurtunity to visit several rural communities to get a closer look at the Salvadoran reality.Upon finishing one such stay students had the oppurtunity to visit a beautiful beach on the Pacific coast. I am glad to share some wonderful images taken by Becca Barhorst.

Week in the Country

2011-09-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

One of the really great parts of our program in Guatemala is the fact that we spend the better part of the final week in a rural indigenous community. Students live with rural families and partake in as much as possible in the daily routine of the local families. During the week students take a traditional cooking class and spend an afternoon in local natural hot baths. Here are just a few shots that our student Anna Wilcox was kind enough to give us. Enjoy!

Hiking Santa Maria

2011-09-28T12:07:00.001-07:00

Just after a week of being in Guatemala our students had the chance to hike the Santa Maria Volcano. The volcano is not far from the city of Xela, in fact one could say that Xela lives in the shadow of this majestic volcano. One of our students, Charles took some wonderful photos from the hike. Here are a few:

Weekend at Lake Atitlan

2011-09-13T14:53:00.001-07:00

Semester after semester students have chosen to head to Lake Atitlan on one of the free weekends here in Guatemala. When one has experienced the beauty of this special place its easy to see why. This semester was no diffrent. Lake Atitlan, which is vocanic in origin is the deepest lake of its kind in Central America. It is believed that the first volcanic activity in the area took place over 11 million years ago. Today it is famous for its breath taking views and the fascinating Mayan culture that surrounds it. Here are a few images of students enjoying a weekend away at the Lake. Thanks again to Becca for these great pictures!

images from the semester in Guate

2011-09-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful student and in house photographer Becca Barhorst was kind enough to share these images from our first days in Guatemala! Here we see semester students getting aquainted withe Xela, the city that we call home in Guatemala for the better part of a month.

Diving into Guatemala

2011-09-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

When asked to describe the start of our semester in Central America, I often use the metaphor of diving in. One day our students are at home in the states and the next they arrived in Guatemala and our immersed in all things Guatemala. We begin our program in Guatemala City, the nations Capital. After an overnight in the city and a day of touring and exploring there, we head off to the colonial city of Antigua. Our one night stay allows students to get out and explore; a relaxed way to get their bearings in this new and exciting setting. After a quick but memorable stay in Antigua its off to Quetzaltenango: our new home.
Quetzaltenango or Xela as it is affectionately called is Guatemala’s second largest city. Xela has an estimated population of 159,000 inhabitants, with about 60 percent of population being of indigenous heritage. Xela is a picturesque mountain city tucked away in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. In addition to its natural beauty Xela has become famous for its Language Schools and experiences in Spanish Immersion.
It is in this setting that our thirteen students find themselves immersed. The group is now in their third week abroad and the second week of intensive one on one Spanish class. While mornings are dedicated to Spanish, we try to use afternoons as a time expose our students to the history and culture of Guatemala. We have spent a large portion of our time discussing and analyzing different viewpoints on Guatemala’s thirty six year Civil War. We are also focusing on Indigenous rights and religion and the role they play in modern Guatemalan Society. This past weekend our students travelled to the city of Chichicastenango, experiencing one of Central Americas largest out door markets. On Friday when class comes to an end, most our students our looking forward to relaxing weekend at beautiful Lake Atitlan. There is so much to do and so much more that awaits our students here in Guatemala

The Rainbow Group in Guatemala

2011-09-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

A wonderful reflection about a fascinating group called the Rainbow World Fund, which is a LGBTQ Humanitarian Aid Organization. They recently travelled with CGE in Guatemala. Thanks to Jeff Bert for the reflection to Ruth Garrido for all her hard work with the group

Before I went to Guatemala, I guess like a typical American, I had very little knowledge of the country, its history, or the role that the U.S. has played there. This was my first visit to a developing nation (unless you include Mexico in that category). It is no understatement to say that visiting Guatemala was a life-changing event for me—or at least I really hope it will prove to be!
I was deeply impressed by our excellent itinerary—our speakers, program visitations, and Ruth, our incredible tour guide. The orientation and all of our speakers provided us with powerful, personalized perspectives, a breadth of education about Guatemalan history and thankfully, did not sugar-coat the unseemly nature of U.S. involvement.
The Center for Global Education and Rainbow World Fund put together a great experience! The entire trip was well-planned and coordinated, highly educational, and for me, a very spiritual experience. The poor and oppressed people—who liberation theologians sometimes refer to as the “crucified people”—connected me to my own humanity and my need to get outside of my comfortable, myopic life in the U.S. This quote from liberation theologian Jon Sobrino’s book Where is God? captures the nature of my experience:
This is our thesis: the crucified people have the power to call us…. The suffering of these crucified people has the power to move our hearts, which would otherwise remain hardened, distant, numb…. The solidarity that arises from this call is not just humanitarian aid. Aid is obviously good and necessary, and it is a correct response to an ethical demand. But if solidarity were only aid, it would be nothing more than glorified charity: the donors give something from what they possess, without being drawn into a deeply personal commitment…. But in solidarity … [they] are no longer giving what they have, but what they are…. [they] have become one with the crucified people. [They] in turn are awakened.

I hope that I have at least begun to be awakened. I pray that I will be in sincere solidarity with the oppressed of Guatemala and of the world. To this end, I am planning a birthday party in October where I will ask my friends not to bring me gifts, but rather to bring a gift to contribute to the Rainbow World Fund, which with then be channeled directly to one or more of the many worthy projects we visited in Guatemala.

With gratitude,
Rev. Jeff Bert
San Francisco
August 31, 2011

Sam Estes, Class of 2006 Returns to Nicaragua

2011-08-09T13:14:00.001-07:00

(in the above photo we see Sam enjoying his favorite sweater for the last time before entering the Nicaraguan heat.)

Returning to Nicaragua with a New Foreign Policy

Starting in September, I will begin two years of service at Centro Cultural Batahola Norte (CCBN) in Managua, Nicaragua, as part of the Friends of Batahola volunteer program. The CCBN is a community center founded in 1983 that seeks to empower women and children from marginalized sectors through its cultural, educational, and vocational programs. I first became acquainted with CCBN during a brief home-stay in the Batahola Norte neighborhood in 2006 as part of a Center for Global Education (CGE) study abroad program, Sustainable Development and Social Change in Central America.

While my CGE experience was my first trip to Nicaragua, I first became interested in the country back in 2004. At the time I had been very troubled by my government’s invasion and occupation of Iraq and decided to do some research looking into the history of US foreign policy. I soon learned that the invasion of Iraq was only the latest in a long series of violent interventions that the US government has participated in. As I continued my research, I was particularly disturbed by my government’s policies in Central America during the 1980s, which included material and diplomatic support for death squads in Guatemala and El Salvador and training for terrorists and saboteurs in Nicaragua.

Learning about US-Central American history was so shocking that it was hard to believe what I read. Were the policies of my government really this violent and destructive? The answer, I discovered, was yes. Two years after my research project on US foreign policy I studied for a semester in Central America with CGE. We read books and articles about the histories of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua and listened to local people from the various organizations in each country. No text or speaker denied the scale of the violence or the vital role my country had played in it, although some blamed the victims in an attempt to justify it.

While studying with CGE, I also learned that my government had a long history of interventions in Nicaragua. Apart from its destabilization efforts against the democratically-elected Sandinista government in the 1980s, US armed forces had landed in Nicaragua no less than eight times in the latter half of the 19th century and had been stationed in Nicaragua for many years during the early 20th century. All of these interventions were based on a self-interested foreign policy. Whether intervening to protect its potential stake in a proposed Nicaraguan canal in the 19th century or punishing regimes that pursued an independent development path in the 20th, my government’s policy toward Nicaragua has always been about promoting US commercial interests and defeating whatever stands in their way. Too often the US government has acted as if it owned Nicaragua.

At the same time, I learned in my CGE program that there is another side to the US-Nicaragua relationship, a side in which the US government and the interests of US-based corporations do not figure so prominently. I met American individuals and organizations whose objectives were not to exploit Nicaragua for their own benefit but who arrived with the goal of forming mutually beneficial partnerships with Nicaraguans and their grassroots organizations. Instead of imposing the projects they thought were best suited for Nicaraguans, they listened to what Nicaraguans had to say and ensured that this input shaped the design and implementation of their projects.

Centro Cultural Batahola Norte, where I will be working for the next two years, has been part of this newer historical narrative of US-Nicaraguan partnership. While it was founded by two foreigners (an American nun and a Spanish priest) and receives a significant part of its financial support from individuals and groups in the United States, the CCBN has always strived to listen and respond to the needs of the Batahola Norte community. Over the years it has increased its adult course offerings in response to the demand in the neighborhood for more vocational training; offered more arts and music activities as more children found these activities meaningful; and established a scholarship fund to support youth who were interested in educational opportunities within and beyond the CCBN but unable to pay the full cost.

My own role at the CCBN emphasizes this practice of listening and partnering. In fact, my first three months will be an observation period. My primary work during this time will be to learn about the CCBN and the community it serves so that my work will reflect an understanding and receptivity to the needs and experiences of the community.

It’s an exciting time to be going to Nicaragua. I get to be part of a new generation of Americans who are developing a more humane US foreign policy, characterized not by violence and compulsion for the benefit of one side only but by listening and partnership that is mutually beneficial. I hope that one day this approach will trickle up to my government’s foreign policy.

Sam Estes, CGE Central America Fall 2006

A few notes for the reader:

If you are interested in following my work at Centro Cultural Batahola Norte, my co-volunteer and I will be blogging about our experiences at this site.

If you would like to support my work at the CCBN financially, you can do so by donating to my sponsoring organization, Friends of Batahola. Information about donations to Friends of Batahola by check or credit card can be found at this link (for check writers, please write "Sam" in the memo line; for those using credit cards, please type “Sam” in the box at the bottom of the online credit card form). My goal is to raise $5,000 to cover a portion of my basic living expenses in Nicaragua.

Finally, if anyone has any questions and comments about my blog entry or would like the visit Centro Cultural Batahola Norte, feel free to send me an email at setsemas@yahoo.com.

Busy Summer Months in CA

2011-07-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

While a large part of our work does revolve around the U.S. college schedule, summer time certainly does not mean vacation time for our staff in Central America. The months of June and July included travel seminars from the University of Montana, Boston College, Augsburg College, Ohio State, University of San Francisco, and others. (The photo above was taken in the rural community of Sontule, during a visit by Ohio State. Here teacher and host mom Danelia presents a game to the students.)

For two weeks in July our entire staff travelled to Mexico for the Center for Global Education All Staff Conference. As always, it was a real pleasure to catch up with our co-workers from Mexico, Namibia, and Minneapolis. For several members of our staff, myself included, this was a first trip to Mexico. We were all taken by the beauty and hospitality of the people.

In the next few weeks our staff hopes to post more about some of the activities that have been going on during these summer months. We will also be featuring profiles on former students and participants who continue to live out of the experiences that they had with CGE in Central America. Be sure to stay posted.

Looking back at the semester

2011-06-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Some great pictures of our group in action in Nicaragua and Guatemala.

CGE Summer

2011-06-07T09:00:00.001-07:00

Well, once again way too much time has passed without blogging. But we have been BUSY here in Central America.
Our semester program came to an end in mid May. As always it was sad to see our students leave, but just at touching
to see how much this experience had touched the lives of the 10 students that travelled with us this semester.

Just as soon as we said good bye to our semester students, we found ourselves in the midst of Delegation Season.
All of the staff here in Nicaragua, and in the rest of Central America has spent the better part of May and June with a whole
host of University groups.

In the weeks to come I will try to showcase some of the experiences of these groups.
But for now, a few pictures from our students. The photos shown in this post show our four day
stay in the rural community of El Sontule, Nicaragua. Our time in this community and home
stay with families add so much to our stay in Nicaragua.

Welcome to Nicaragua.

2011-04-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we have arrived at our final destination of the semester; Nicaragua. Students will spend six weeks doing program activities here. They will also enjoy a week of relaxation during Spring Break. Our program in Nicaragua is both academic and experiential. Students are taking a History class and a Political Science class. For the better part of a month students will live with urban families in the working class barrio of Batahola Norte,
It is amazing to see how quickly students adapt to this new setting and begin to assimilate into life in with host families.
Managua has often become a second home for many of our past participants.
Here are a few shots showing our first days in Managua

Here we see the ruins of the old Cathedral of Managua, destroyed in the earthquake of 1972.

Here a student learns pottery in the indigenous village of San Juan de Oriente

A mural in Batahola represents the years of the Sandanista Revolution

A wonderful shot from a students weekend trip to the Laguna de Apoyo

Last night out in El Salvador

2011-04-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

Before bringing our time to a close in El Salvador, we had a wonderful night out with our Salvadoran staff. In this picture we see our student group with Program Director Cesar Acevedo, Professor Peggy O'Niell, and our driver Alfredo Barahona.

The Story Behind Immigration in El Salvador Travel Seminar

2011-04-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

The deadline for application has been extended until April 18 on the Story Behind Immigration travel seminar in El Salvador. New deadline is April 18.

Participants on this travel seminar will learn first-hand about the socio-political and economic reasons for migration, the effect on Salvadoran families left behind, and the impact on Salvadoran culture.

Please visit http://www.augsburg.edu/global/shorttermseminars/opportunities.html for more info.

Romero Vive

2011-03-30T12:25:00.001-07:00

As is often the case in our Spring Semester, CGE students were able to bring a close to their time in El Salvador by
participating in the March for the anniversary of the killing of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Romero spent the final years of
his life and ministry speaking out against the social injustices and oppression facing the Salvadoran people. He was a defender
of the poor, and is often called the voice for the voiceless. March 24, 2011 marks 31 years since the killing of Romero. Just days before the march, President Obama visited El Salvador and visited the tomb of Romero. Below are some photos that our student Linda Mcsorley has shared with us.

Great Pictures from Guatemala

2011-03-23T20:59:00.001-07:00

I am very glad to be able to share some wonderful photos from our time in Guatemala. Eva, one of our students was kind enough to share these wonderul pictures. The top two show students during a week long rural stay outside on the village of Cantel. The final photos our from our weekend trip to the community of Santa Anita la Union. thanks Eva for these wonderful shots.
saludos desde San Salvador, paz Joe

Ending our time in El Salvador

2011-03-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

It seems hard to believe that we have already arrived in week three of our time in El Salvador. The week started with a group trip to the stunning Coatapeque Lake. Students enjoyed a wonderful day of swimming, tanning, and relaxing.
We also spent the better part of the week in the town of Suchitoto. Our home in Suchitoto was El Centro Arte para La Paz. a Peace Center which is using the arts as a way of creating a culture of peace and conflict resolution. On Saturday we traveled by boat to a massacre site in the village of Copapayo. Students heard first hand testimony of two individuals who witnessed and survived the massacre. It was a moving morning, and one that students will certainly carry with them.
Students are now in the process of conducting interviews around a variety of social issues facing current day Salvadoran society as a way of preparing for final projects that will be presented on Friday.

In other news, President Obama arrived to San Salvador today. Obama wraps up his Latin American tour with a two-day visit to El Salvador, where he is meeting with Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes to talk about issues of public security and migration. One of the events that stands out about Obamas visit was his tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral where he visited the tomb of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Romero was murdered 31 years ago for his dedication to the poor and for his harsh critique of the Salvadoran Governments repressive acts against the population. Romero also spoke out publicly against the United States Governments military aid to the Salvadoran Army. Obama is the first U.S. President to visit the tomb of Romero.

Anita and Maria Elena

2011-03-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

Back in January the Center for Global Education in Nicaragua was host to Augsburg College's Board of Regents. It was a wonderful experience to share with them a little bit of the work that the Center does in Nicaragua and above all to demonstrate the many we ways that the world can learn from Nicaraguan experience. I was was looking at some of the wonderful pictures that were taken during the regents visit to Nicaragua. This one in particular stood out to me. Anyone who has visited our Center in Nicaragua will certainly remember with fondness the wonderful work and kindness of Anita and Maria Elena! We have been so lucky to have them on our staff for so many years and to enjoy their delicious food every day.
abrazos, joe

From the Beach to Nueva Esperanza

2011-03-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

Two weeks have already come and gone here in El Salvador. After a weekend away in which students shadowed both rural and urban base communites, it is our tradition to take a group trip to the beach. A week ago Monday we enjoyed a wonderful day trip to the Pacific Coast beach called Las Ojas. It was a wonderful way to swim, relax, and soak up the sun.

On Thursday we left the capital and headed to the rural community of Nueva Esperanza. Nueva Esperanza has a fascinating history. The members of community were forced to flee their homes in Chalatenango in the early 1980's due to repression and violence. The bulk of the community spent several years at refugees, first in the basement of a church in San Salvador (some 400 people in one basement) and later fleeing to Nicaragua for several years. After several years in Nicaragua the communty made a heroic effort to return to their homeland of El Salvador, even while the war was still going on. This March the community will celebrate 20 years since the return to El Salvador.
We spent four days in this truly inspiring community living with families, learning about their history, the work they do in both agricultural and social cooperatives, as well as gaining insight into the struggles that they currently face as a community.
It was a truly amazing experience, filled with many tears and a great deal of laughter. One night we were honored with a private concert by one of the communities musical groups and were even present for the celebration of a local girls 15th birthday bash.
We are so thankful to the people of Nueva Esperanza for having opened both their community and homes to us.
stay posted for more from El Salvador
paz, Joe

Above we see students hanging out in the coconut fields and exploring corn fields in Nueva Esperanza. Below is shot of the Pacific Ocean at Playa Las Ojas. Thanks to Andrea and Hannah for such great pictures!

Situation In Japan

2011-03-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Family of CGE. We were all very sad to hear the news of the earthquake in Japan. Currently 20 Latin America nations are under alter for possible
tsunamis in the region. We are monitoring closely the situation and will respond in any way necessary should the need arise. For the moment I just wanted to let you all the know that the students and staff are all fine here in El Salvador. I will post any new updates
peace joe

International Womens Day

2011-03-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

As we celebrate International Womens Day, I wanted to share some intersting articles about Women in El Salvador.

The first comes from the website Upside Down World and explores Women in Grassroots Organizing.

http://upsidedownworld.org/main/el-salvador-archives-74/2933-women-at-the-forefront-of-grassroots-organising-in-el-salvador

A second article of interest focuses on Women and Immigration can be found at Tim's El Salvador Blog.

Included in the this blog post is a picture that I have posted before, but is certainly worth reposting. The photo shows former student Robyn with the women of her host family in Nueva Esperanza, El Salvador. Anyone who have had the chance to stay with these women or any of the women of this community know that they are true examples of the spirit of International Womens Day!
Que Vivan Las Mujeres!

paz, joe connelly

Week One in El Salvador

2011-03-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

One week has come and gone here in El Salvador. We arrived last Sunday after the morning bus ride from Antigua, Guatemala. Since time is of the essence, we jumped right into our activities. The focus of student’s time here in El Salvador will be Liberation Theology and the ways in which revolutionary religion has plaid a key role in creating social change in this country and in the greater region. Students, along with Professor Peggy O’Neill gather at least three times a week to critically analyze this movement of Liberation; its history, key figures, merits, and its critiques. But time in the classroom is just one piece of the puzzle. On a daily basis students are meeting with guest speakers, visiting universities and NGO’s to gain greater insight in the history and current reality of this country. At this moment, students are finishing up a three day stay with families around the country, who participate in what are know as Christian Base Communities, grass roots groups of believers who try to put liberation theology into action in their lives and communities.

There will be much to blog about in these coming weeks in El Salvador, but it seems appropriate to leave you all with a few important and interesting facts about the country. El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in all of Latin America, with a population of about 5.8 million. Similarly to Guatemala, much of the country’s recent history has been marked by Civil War; In the case of El Salvador a twelve year war that took the lives of more the 70,000. The roots causes of that war and social inequality will be a major point of study for our students during their time here. Another issue of interest for our students will be Salvadoran immigration to the US. It is believed that between 500 t0 700 Salvadorans leave their homes each day to begin the dangerous journey towards the U.S. This fact has had a huge impact not only on the Salvadoran economy but also on the social fabric of the country.

As you can see there is so much to explore and experience here in El Salvador. Stay posted in the these coming weeks as I try to give a glimpse of what are students are experiencing here in El Salvador!
Paz, joe connelly

BC Global Health Initiative in Nicaragua

2011-03-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!!

Once again we are about to host our Boston College nursing group in Nicaragua. Time sure does fly! The William F. Connell School of nursing at BC has been partnering with us since 2007 and its students have done a great job of providing direct nursing care, counseling, and health education in a resettlement community called Nueva Vida. In the morning they are at the clinic learning and providing their assistance to members of this community, located in one of the poorest and most densely populated cities of Nicaragua (Ciudad Sandino). In the afternoons, the students, through CGE, learn about the Nicaraguan health system and the socio-economic and political reality of the country. Some of their visits this year will include: visiting a trauma hospital, a children’s hospital, an organization working with people that live and work in Managua’s municipal waste dump, a nursing school, among others. They will also have an opportunity to share their experiences and views on health care with other Nicaraguan nursing students, members of the Nicaraguan Nursing Association and the People’s Health Network.

It is always a pleasure to be with these dedicated nurses and it is due to a personal reason. About 2 years ago my mom had to receive emergency care in Boston and incredibly so she was assisted and cared for by a wonderful BC nurse who had come to Nicaragua. So from personal experience, I know that the learning and skills gained in Nicaragua have a tremendous impact in the worldview of these nursing students and their daily work with other Latino populations in the U.S.

I will make sure to share pictures about their experience, but if you want to read more about the Global Health Initiative at BC check out the following link:

http://www.bc.edu/schools/son/aboutus/international/nicaragua/_jcr_content/

Saludos from Nica!!

Suyen

A few more Guate photos

2011-03-02T20:20:00.001-08:00

Students gather for a picture with Spanish Teachers during a week or rural spanish immersion.

A group of students after the long hike to the top of Xela's Santa Maria Volcano.

A wonderful image of dowtown Xela's Parque Central.

A glimpse into the beauty of our week long rural stay in Cantel, Guatemala

Thanks again to Chris Dunn for these wonderful pictures!

A look back at our time in Guatemala.

2011-03-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

Well its hard to believe that we are already in our first week in El Salvador. It seems like the weeks in Guatemala just flew by, and with a rather hectic schedule (former students can attest to this) I just didn't seem to get the chance to do much blogging. That being said I do want to highlight some of our experience in Guatemala, as well as show some of the fabulous photography of our student Chris Dunn.

After a quick stay over in Guatmemala City our crew of ten made the trek to Quetzaltenango. The focus of our five week program in Guatemala is Spanish, but as is the case with all CGE trips, we take a great deal of time to focus on history of the country. Students also heard many talks relating the 36 year Guatemalan Civil War, Human Rights, and Immigration.

For me, the most touching of all of the events was a week long rural family stay in a Quiche Mayan village. Students had the oppurtunity to continue on with Spanish while living out the daily lives of these rural families. It was very touching to see the way that students connected with the people, particularly the children.
I know that these five weeks in Guatemala had a huge impact on our students, and the lessons learned will continue to affect them in the weeks, months, and years to come.

Familiar Faces

2011-01-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, travel guide and author Rick Steves spent the better part of the Christmas and New Years
holiday travelling in Central America and Mexico. Recently Rick has been posting some of his reflections on his travel blog.
One such post talked about his encounter with a Nicaraguan family; The Nicaraguas. Yupp, Nicaragua is their last name. Many CGE semester students and even some travel seminar participants have very fond memories of the unforgettable conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Nicaragua. The Nicaragua's have hosted gringo sons and daughters since 2006. Here is a nice shot of Rick Steves chatting with Lorena and Incarnacion Nicaragua.
peace, joe connelly

A Rick Steves Christmas

2011-01-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

CGE Central America was glad to play host this holiday season to its good friend, travel writer Rick Steves. Rick spent Christmas and New Years travelling in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Mexico. He was hosted by CGE's Suyen and Joe in Nicaragua Cesar in El Salvadador, and Lisanne in Mexico. Rick has blogged about his experience and will be publishing a more detailed account of his visit in the days to come.

Rick has visited the region several times over the past twenty years, and his experiences with CGE have appeared in his writing on travel as a political act. In this picture we see Rick with Fr. Fernando Cardenal at Christmas Eve Mass.

Check out Ricks Central America blog

Former CGE student featured in blog

2011-01-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

Former CGE semester student, and my old class mate Danny Burridge was recently featured on Tim's El Salvador Blog.
Danny participated in our 2004 semester in Central America and has been living and working in El Salvador for over four years.
Check out the story here:

http://luterano.blogspot.com/2010/12/inciting-awareness.html

Jumping off!

2010-12-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

On December 11th another CGE semester abroad in Central America came to an end. As always I was sad to see the group go, but am excited to see what blossoms out of this experience as students look for ways to integrate what they have learned into life at home or on campus. Best of luck to all who participated in this past semester, and THANK YOU!
The CGE family wishes you all the best as you jump into this new phase of your life
abrazos, joe

the above photos show students enjoying one of the last days of the program at Nicaraguas stunning Laguna de Apoyo.
thaks to Robyn Rodrique for her photos.

Bringing our time to a close

2010-12-10T08:21:00.000-08:00

Well, its hard to believe that December is upon us once again, and that another semester group is finishing in Nicaragua.
At the heart of the students experience has been living with both rural and urban Nicaragua families. We spent the better part of one week in protected area of Miraflor, living with families and learning about their experiences as a womens cooperative and organic coffee farmers.

Upon returning to Managua students brought an end to class by working on final projects. Students spent time interviewing a variety of groups, analysists, activists, and organizations to then be able to present comprehensive projects on a given topic.
Examples this semester included visiting the countries two major news papers, appearing on a national radio program, visiting worker owned cooperatives, meeting with former banana workers living with illnesses contracted from the nemagon chemical.
One student who focused on the use of music as a tool for social change met with a variety of important Nicaraguan musicians, including Ramon Mejia (Perrozompopo) who was recently nominated for best Alternitave Rock album at the Latin Grammys.

CGE in Boston College Magazine

2010-12-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

This is just a fantastic piece about a Boston College seminar in Nicaragua from English professor Elizabeth Graver. The writing is so beautiful, I could not select an excerpt to cut and paste here. Read the whole thing.

http://bcm.bc.edu/issues/fall_2010/features/distance-education.html

The Story Behind Immigration: El Salvador

2010-11-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

From CGE-El Salvador and Cesar Acevedo:

As a Salvadoran and as person who has experienced living outside my country of origin for a number of years, I am really looking forward to working with the upcoming International Travel Seminar, "The Story Behind Immigration" in June 2011. Participants on this travel seminar will learn first-hand about the socio-political and economic reasons for migration, the effect on Salvadoran families left behind and the overall impact on the culture in El Salvador.

My extended family and I were forced to leave El Salvador due to the political persecution, repression and assassinations exercised by the Salvadoran Army and government back in the 80's and 90's. The experience of living in Canada gave me a better understanding of the issues that migrant populations face in a host country: language barriers, cultural differences, climate adaptation, securing employment, and sending remittances back home.

Despite the given economic and unemployment situation in the United States and the most recent immigrant massacre in Tamaulipas, Mexico, Salvadorans continue to leave the country in droves. According to the UNDP and other local organizations, there are around 700 Salvadorans leaving the country each day. Close to 2 million Salvadoran immigrants now live in the U.S.

The truth is that Salvadorans do not have many options in their home country. Economic hardships, areas of increased violence, and natural disasters have increased the number of immigrants from El Salvador.

I hope you'll come on this travel seminar with me to explore some of the root causes of migration.

Find more info here: http://www.augsburg.edu/global/shorttermseminars/opportunities.html

Off to the Campo!

2010-11-15T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well its week three of our journey in Nicaragua. The heart of this weeks programming includes a three night stay in the
rural community of Suntule, located in a protected area outside of the city of Esteli. I am hoping that we have a wonderful stay, this will be the final rural experience of the semester. Wish us luck!
I wil be posting pictures and reflections upon our return.
peace, joe

Week one in Nicaragua

2010-11-08T10:11:00.001-08:00

After a much deserved week of vacation, students are back in action. Nicaragua will be the final stop in our three country journey. While in Nicaragua students will take two classess; A History/Women Studies class and a Political Science class. Students are also taking part in an urban home stay experience in Managua in Barrio Batahola Norte. The firt week in Nicaragua included a general orientation to the country, which included a down town tour of Managua and presentations from various speakers about national identity, development models, and indigenous history. The week came to an end with a visit to the town of San Juan de Oriente, famous for its pre-Colonial pottery.

I will keep posting news and notes during the following five weeks in Nicaragua.
paz, Joe

Final Images from El Salvador

2010-10-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

A few final shots from El Salvador. Here we see Robyn with her host family from Nueva Esperanza. Students listen to testimony near Suchitoto. And a fisherman on Lake Suchitlan

Adios El Salvador y Gracias!

2010-10-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that our month in El Salvador is coming to an end. We have done so much in the course of one month,
and I know that at the very least I have learned a ton. Last week students had the oppurtunity to visit the beautiful colonial town of Suchitoto. There students were able to hear the heart wrenching testimony of masacre survivors and gain greater insight into life during the time of El Salvador's Civil War. Students were also able to relax a bit and take in the natural beauty of Suchitoto.

Now we are wrapping things up. Students will finish up the program with the presentation of final projects. Students have been asked to explore pressing social issues and later present thier findings to the larger group. Over the last two days students have met with 15 diffrent grass roots organzitions, governmental officials, activists, and civil society workers, as a way of collecting data for the final presentations.

I know I am certainly looking forward to seeing the fruit of so much hard work and reflection.
It has been an amazing month. I think we will all leave El Salvador tired, but renewed.
So I thank say Gracias and nos vemos pronto a El Salvador!

peace Joe

2010-10-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

A few photos of week two in El Salvador. Here we see shots from the hike to the crater lake at the summit of the Santa Ana Volcano. Also included are photos from our stay in Nueva Esperanza, which included a visit to coconut plantation and a community cheese factory.

Week Two in El Salvador

2010-10-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

TIme continues to fly by here in El Salvador. We have already finished up two weeks of programming. Perhaps two major highlights of these past days were our groups visit to the community of Nueva Esperanza and a hiking trip to the Santa Ana Volcano.

Nueva Esperanza is located in Usulutan, El Salvador. Students spent three nights living with families while learning about the history of exile, repatriation, and development of this fascinating rural community. Students visited sugar cane fields, a cococunt plantation, heard music from two youth bands, and visited the river Lempa.

As a way of rounding off the week we took a trip to the Santa Ana Volcano.

abrazos Joe Connelly

One time discount for Spring Semester

2010-10-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Greetings to our entire CGE family. I, along with our semester students am enjoying a most beautiful morning here in San
Salvador. After a very busy first week in El Salvador, the students are enjoying some down time. Yesterday we enjoyed a wonderful day trip to the Pacific Ocean.

I wanted to send you all information from our offices at Augsburg about an exciting discount for this coming Spring semester. If you or anyone you know might be interested, don´t hesitate to be in touch.
peace, Joe

Greetings from the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College.

I am writing to you with a few announcements regarding CGE's Spring 2011 multi-country semester program in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua - Social Change in Central America: Exploring Peace, Justice, and Community Engagement.

Because we have a few spots available, we are extending the application deadline to November 1, 2010.

Additionally, we are offering a $1,000 one-time discount to accepted students. For students who are also alumni of a CGE program (short-term, summer, or semester in any location), we are offering an additional $500. This discount is ONLY available in Spring 2011.

Please visit our Scholarships page to find out more about this discount and to explore our other generous scholarship opportunities, which can be combined with this discount.
http://www.augsburg.edu/global/about/scholarships.html

Jessica Haas
Coordinator, Recruitment and Promotions
Center for Global Education
haasj@augsburg.edu
Direct Phone: 612-330-1118
Toll Free Phone: 800-299-8889

A students good bye to Guatemala

2010-09-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

My Guatemama told me that a small part of my heart would always remain in Guatemala and this is true, but she also told me that a piece of there heart was leaving with me to.

I have spend a little over a month in Guatemala and tomorrow will be a tough day because I will have to say goodbye .

I learned to like the cold air that greeted me in the early mornings.
The bright sun that smiled during the day.
And the rain that always said hello when anything important needed to happen.

PLQ our spanish school is the best with great teachers, coffee,and bread during our morning breaks.Internet was no more reliable than the food at the mercado corners but because of it we found awesome cafes.

Thursdays became a special day because we got a chance to play soccer with and against our teachers at an elevation that made me appreciate every breath.

In Guatemala we meet amazing people including our driver Oscar who is an amazing person always greeting us with a fist pound or a high five. He always made us feel safe and always thought ahead.

The two host families that took me in were like a dream come true.
Cooking up delicious food and telling stories that were incredible and inspirational.
We played games with the kids until we could no longer bare to stay awake.
We climbed mountains, picked fruits, and walked until the rain rushed us home

Living amongst the clouds in Chuitzitibal where you could look out and find clouds staring right back at you was a true blessing.
It was a place were I disconnected from everything and focused only on the today!
I lived in a small but modest house where the family spoke Quiche.
I learned to love the people in Chuitzitibal even though I was with them only for a week.

Guatemala is an amazing place with great people, breath taking views and great food.

Saying goodbye seems to be harder than I though!

Adios Guatemala !
Laura Moya

Bienvenidos a El Salvador!

2010-09-27T07:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday our semester group arrived to El Salvador. We will spend the next four weeks studying Latin American Liberation Theology and analyzing the major social issues facing the country. I will be posting pictures and reflectiosn during our stay in this fascinating country.
peace, joe

A Few Final Guatemala Shots

2010-09-27T07:30:00.001-07:00

We recently finished off our five week stay in Guatemala. The final week included an overnight stay in the community of Santa Anita la Union and a five day stay in an indigenous mayan village. Here are a few pictures from our final days in Guatemala.

CGE Central America in Massachusetts and Connecticut

2010-09-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends

Greetings from Nica!!. Suyen Barahona, program coordinator and political science instructor is heading out to visit universities in Massachusetts in order to promote our semester, summer and short term travel seminars. She would love to meet up with former students or travel seminar participants. Look her up at any of the following universities:

Monday, September 20th: Amherst College
11:30 -2:00 Study abroad fair at Friedman room of the campus center

Tuesday, September 21st: St. Joseph College (connecticut)
11:30-1:00 Information table at McGovern center

Monday, September 27th: Providence College
6:00-8:00 Study abroad fair at Slavin student center, 64 Hall

Tuesday, September 28th: Mount Holyoke College
7:00-9:00 Study abroad fair at Chapin auditorium

Wednesday, September 29th: Clark University
1:30-3:00 Study abroad fair (location TBD)

If you know of interested students, let them know where she will be.

Muchos Saludos,

C.A Team

Feliz Fiestas Patrias

2010-09-15T18:42:00.001-07:00

Today, Guatemala as well as the other Central America Nations, celebrates its Independence from Spain.

The holiday is traditionally celebrated with parades, marching bands, fireworks, and ofcourse a day off from classes.
Quetzaltenango is considered to be the heart of Guatemala's fiestas de independencia. Its always fun for the students
to be in town for this special event. Above we can see a picture of one of the many youth marching bands as they
pass through the central plaza.

While this date is cause for celebration, we are also reminded that historically this date represents the day in which
the new Guatemalan Oligarchy broke away from Spain, an event that meant anything but freedom for the poor majorities.
A morning conference at the language school encouraged students to take a critical view of the holiday and spoke of the enduring hope that one day Guatemala will truly be free.

abrazos, joe connelly

picture by Miguel Gutierrez

A Weekend Trip to Lake Atitlan

2010-09-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

By the end of two weeks of one on one spanish classes, our semester students are ready for well deserved break.
This past weekend the majority of the group made the trek to the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Here are a few pictures taken
by our student Cassidy Miller.

abrazos, joe connelly

Time for work and play

2010-09-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

Greetings from Quetzaltenango,
its hard to believe that we are already finishing the third week of the semester program.
Students have been hard at work with one on one spanish classes. As you can imagine, five hours of one on one Spanish can take wear out even the most motivated student, so luckily we have had several chances to let loose. Out of class activities have included a group salsa lesson, cheering on Xela's professional soccer team, trips to hot baths, pizza night, and lots and lots of hot chocolate.
This weekend students will take a break from classes and visit the spectacular Atitlan Lake.
Be sure to stay posted for more info from our semester program and pictures from our students.
joe

Center for Global Education in North Carolina and South Carolina!

2010-09-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!

Juan Carlos López, our program coordinator is heading out to NORTH CAROLINA and SOUTH CAROLINA to promote our educational opportunities. If you want to connect with him or refer students to CGE study abroad programs look him up at any of the following universities:

Tuesday, September 14: Duke University11:30-3:30 – Study Abroad Fair at Schaffer Mall of the Bryan Student Center

Wednesday, September 15: Davidson College
10:15-12:30 – Information table at Chambers.

Thursday, September 16: Furman University
12:00-2:30 Location TBD. Contact study abroad office for more info.

Friday, September 17: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
11:00-4:00: Study Abroad Fair in the Great Hall of the Frank Porter Graham Student Union Building.

Take care,

CGE Central America

CGE Central America on Facebook!

2010-09-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

Warm greetings from all of us in Central America.Our team has finally taken a huge technological step and has decided to join facebook(ha,ha,ha!!). We want to invite those of you who are using facebook to look us up as: Center for Global Education-Central America and press "like". You will find pictures and short updates about us, our semester program, international travel seminars and events in the region. Our hope is that this will be another way of connecting with you all.

Soon we will be posting information about the different schools that we will visit this fall. We hope to see some of you then, so stay tuned!

Semester Program starts in Guate

2010-08-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Our 14 semester students have been to a good start. We concluded our week of introductions and orientation with a fun soccer game on Saturday afternoon. Today is student’s first day of one- to- one Spanish classes. All have expressed their excitement with the program and their learning process. They are a very dedicated group. Joe, Ixi, Ruth and I are very happy to have them with us in Guatemala.

Fidel Xinico, CGE Guatemala

Update on the Genesis Co-op

2010-08-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Many of our Nicaragua participants have visited with the Jubilee House Community in Cuidad Sandino over the years, just outside the capital city of Managua, Nicaragua. If you have, you may have met with the women of the Genesis Spinning Plant Cooperative. This group of women (and a couple of men) have been working since February 2007 to build and establish a spinning co-op. They have worked all this time with no pay, using their sweat equity as a buy-in into the co-op.

Recently a group of Augsburg College graduate students stopped by the project. Here are a few photos of how far the project has come, it is amazing that this all began with an empty plot! They have cleared the land, made concrete blocks and constructed the foundation, walls and floor. During our visit, they were digging out massive holes into the floor to anchor new machinery that will be soon be delivered.

To learn more about the project and see photos from the beginning of the construction, you can visit: http://www.jhc-cdca.org/index.html

Have you met with the women of the co-op on a previous semester program or travel seminar? How far along were they in the construction process when you were there?

Posted by Emerald, CGE Minneapolis

CGE Semester Program in Central America about to start!!

2010-08-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

We are about to start off a new semester with 14 amazing students. This is a picture of 2 of our wonderful team members: Joe Connelly (study abroad facilitator) and Ruth Garrido (our intern for this semester). They will be guiding our students throughout the region and will surely share with them amazing experiences in Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Safe travels Ruth and Joe!!!

Stay tuned..more will come in the following weeks.

Vice Ministry of Justice - MAS

2010-08-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 26, began quickly with a meeting with the Vice Minister of Justice for Indigenous, Original and Peasants, Isabel Ortega. Initially the group and I thought we would be in a governmental office having a talk just with Ms. Ortega, but it turned out that, upon our arrival to this certain governmental building, many officials from this Vice Ministry wanted to meet with us, too. Wonderful.
We were moved to an auditorium and soon officials started filtering in. Banners of the MAS (Movimiento al Socialismo) party decorated the background, the colorful La Vida Cultural flag hung bright, and finally Ms. Ortega arrived to speak with us. With her cohort filling the seats behind us, she began explaining that her department is in the process right now of forming a new law of reconciliation for indigenous, original and peasants (Justicia Indigena Originaria Campesina). With this new law, the appointed Indigenous Justice would, according to Ms. Ortega, collaborate with and be equal to the Justice Person already in place.
Since the new Bolivian constitution was passed in the beginning of 2010, it is pertinent that new laws are made based upon this constitution. Ultimately, this is what the MAS government has been working fast to do. Five new laws have been passed - one of the principle laws regarding indigenous, original and peasant autonomy.
Ms. Ortega thanked us for our time and support, as we thanked her. She then had to rush out in order to continue, with her companions, to form this pending law.

Central America Regional Meetings

2010-08-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings Friends!
I am currently writing from our program house in Managua. Our staff is currently taking part in its bi annual regional staff meeting. While there is much work and planning to be done during these days, the regional meeting always serves as a great time for us to reconnect as a staff and share some good stories and laughs.

Perhaps one of the highlights of this weeks meetings was the formal welcome of our newest staff member, Ixi Alburez. Ixi was born and raised in Guatemala. She brings a wealth of experience to the Center and we are excited to have her as part of our team in Guatemala and in the region.

more to come...
joe connelly

Trip Re-cap: I

2010-08-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 25, provided us with a fully day. Beginning with orientation, we then proceeded to engage in a talk with Sonia Davila (one of our co-leaders) on the recent political history of Bolivia. Spanning through an intricate timeline of Bolivia's former presidents (including dictators), it caught one's attention to realize that before President Morales, the variety of former presidents was not a variety whatsoever. Between coup d'etas, dictatorships, and subsequently horrific losses of life, a specific few were able to play out their hegemony for quite the time periods... This history of ruling, of course, being far too common throughout the world.

Following lunch, we headed to the Coca Museum in La Paz. Established not too long ago, this small museum, located in a side-street's far cooridor, impressively presented a comprehensive history of the coca plant in Bolivia and moreover tied that national relationship into the broader realm of foreign relations (i.e. the "War Against Drugs" of the Americas). Also to be noted was the museum's respectful and enlightening manner in which it detailed Bolivia's indigenous relationship with the coca plant - the plant's symbolism, usage in ceremony, implementation into lifestyle (especially in rural areas), etc.
Finally we ventured over to the Plaza Murillo, located just near the Presidential Palace and Congress. Pigeons were flying everywhere! The stairs and walkways were filled with families, friends, and young children running about. As we were leaving, we caught the guards of the Presidential Palace rotating positions (which they do every two hours). The young men, who did seem quite young, moved in synchronicity as they changed places according to the lead guard's officially pronounced commands... I even noticed some small smiles creeping out from the lines of their faces. Since about 14 of us were crowding the Palace's entry-way, we were told softly to move along. Then Sonia pointed out to me that President Morales' office was just up one floor and, look, there in the corner was his window! I was ready to shout an animated hello (with respect, of course;).
It turns out that, just after we left, President Morales came down through that exact entry-way to say hello to the gente (people). Next time, Evo~
It's said that the President does do this from time to time in order to connect with community members...

Eduardo Galeano, January 2006, Inauguration of President Evo Morales

2010-08-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Our countries were born condemned to a death of fear that keeps us from seeing who we are and who we can be. What has happened in Bolivia teaches us that the fear of being what we can be is not an invincible enemy. Racism is not a fatality of destiny. We are not condemned to repeat history... (We are determined to) walk with our own legs, think with our own minds, and feel with our own hearts.

-Eduardo Galeano at the inauguration of Evo Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president-

Bolivia.

2010-08-03T04:36:00.000-07:00

It has been a couple months. Throughout this time I have encountered myself in new ways (specifically with CGE) in Mexico, Minnesota, and now, Bolivia.
Annika here once again.

I returned to Minnesota from La Paz two nights ago after traveling for around 24 hours (lay-over in Miami was quite the trip;). Since I was unable to have extended internet time during the eight days in Bolivia, I have decided that I will explore my mind's memories and reflections regarding the short-term CGE international travel seminar, "When Indigenous People Lead," now while here de vuelta in Minnesota.

To first enter into these thoughts, I believe it is important to say that never have I heard community representatives and specifically governmental officials speak of community and cosmovisions (the way in which one perceives the world, Life) in the ways that I did while in Bolivia... The words harmony and equilibrium were ever-present throughout these people's articulations of the world's cultures/the Cultural Life (La Vida Cultural) and the transformative states and powers of humans' relationships with Life, and, implicitly, Nature.

In total, we, as participants of this seminar, numbered 14. All of us represented unique identities and Life contexts - many similar, many dissimilar. As a great feminist once said, we were able to ignite the creative spark of difference.
Some participants of this trip identified as indigenous (First Nation) peoples from Turtle Island/the United States, while others identified as non-indigenous. Amongst those of indigenous identities included two Dakota people, one Anishinabe person, and one Anishinabe-Odawa person. Another participant's identity traced back to Mayan from Guatemala, and additionally one other person identified as Aymara from Bolivia.
All these historical-presents of each community member offered rich perspectives and vital points of both resonation and contrast.

Signing off with this short introduction and soon ready to share more...

Thank you and sending ongoing feelings that linger from the Andes...

AG

School of the Americas Watch November Vigil

2010-07-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

Is anyone going? Let us know. We'll have a presence there and would love to see other CGEers.

November 2010 will mark the 20th anniversary of the vigil that brings together religious communities, students, teachers, veterans, community organizers, musicians, puppetistas and many others. New layers of activists are joining the movement to close the SOA in large numbers, including numerous youth and students from multinational, working-class communities.

http://soaw.org/take-action/november-vigil

Interconnections

2010-06-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

Hello CGE comrades--

I believe an introduction is necessary, as this is my first time officially posting on the CGE-Central America blog.
My name is Annika Gunderson. I am a current student at Augsburg College and a former (and -if my intentions have anything to do with it -a lifelong) CGE student. Right now you can find me throughout Minnesota, as I'm back from 1.5 months of living and working on an organic permaculture farm (Garden Farme Collaborative) in Ramsey, MN.
During the fall of 2008 I participated in CGE's Central America program, and on July 24 I will be traveling to Bolivia with CGE for a short-term international travel seminar, titled "When Indigenous People Lead."
Before heading to South America, though, I will be leaving this Sunday for Mexico, where I will be volunteering for CGE for five weeks at their site in Cuernavaca (--this to be further detailed on the CGE-Mexico blog).

As I am here with my parents in southeastern Minnesota before my departure, I find myself now (three nights in a row) staying up late to catch up on Latin America-centered news... I've also got an old journal by my side - one that accompanied me throughout my time with CGE in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.
Browsing through my journal and reflecting on some memories, it is obvious to me that my time spent in these three countries incited some true interests within me - interests upon which I've been able to take action. For example, organic permaculture; developing a more knowledgeable relationship with gardening and the Earth... in part, in order to give the word "sustainable" a more personal, tangible feel, and in order to re-think the ways in which I have both related (or worked with) and not related with Life's surrounding ecosystems (including humans).

On November 16, 2008, I was in Miraflor, Nicaragua (outside of Esteli). While in Miraflor, my CGE friends and I were introduced to the community's cooperative, which worked with Fair Trade coffee, produce (mostly vegetables?), and medicinal herbs... not to mention community "development" programs that focused upon education, to name just one.

I mention the above because Miraflor was not the only community that our group visited that practiced cooperative methods of living and production, but in fact it was one of the many. - Each community, of course, had traits, practices, and realities specific to their own contexts - The exposure to and exchanges of knowledge and histories that occurred at each of these sites was incredible... The opportunity to see food systems, for example, on such various scales was positively provocative. Industrial agriculture was indirectly challenged through the live praxes of cooperative farming... I'm not sure if "permaculture" was mentioned while at any of the cooperatives in Central America, but having the introductory knowledge that I do about the trade now, I would say that it was definitely in action through the ways in which many farmers honored the use of native crops and implemented practices of "succession" planting.

It took me one year after ending my time in Central America to presently realize that I can actively reconnect in the States with significant elements of what I experienced in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Right now, this means for me that I will continue my work with organic permaculture (even during my upcoming five weeks in Mexico and especially upon returning from Bolivia in August), and as I do this I will keep inquiring about the real interconnections between realities such as land (ownership of, access to, practices of care and usage,...), disparities across realms of identity, resource distribution,...

Thanks, CGE, for constantly shaking up and sincerely challenging my "truths" and perceptions. I live on with high hopes for this to continue.

Annika Gunderson

An impromptu CGE reunion

2010-06-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

Warm greetings from Managua! Just a little over a week ago, a CGE alum and former classmate of mine, Danny Burridge was in town. Danny and I studied together in Central America and since graduating from college in 2005, Danny has been living and working in El Salvador. Danny took some time out of his schedule to talk at the Ben Linder House, a meeting place for North American volunteers, missionaries, and solidarity workers in Central America, located here in Managua.

I went to listen to Danny speak, and quickly realized that I was in the midst of a mini CGE Central America Semester reunion. Danny and I were both members of Fall 2004 group. Sydny Frey who participated in Spring 2002, was in town, bringing to an end to two years of work and research in Nicaragua, and Amanda Otero class of 2007 is working as a full time volunteer in Batahola Norte, the urban barrio where many of our students have done homestays.

It was touching to see what these young people are doing post college and how they have chosen to return to Central America. It is always great to see and talk with former participants, so be sure to keep us posted on the work that you are involved in!

Joe Connelly

Gilman recipient to attend CGE-Central America semester study abroad program!

2010-06-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

Two Gilman recipients have chosen to attend CGE study abroad programs. One of those recipients is Miguel Gutierrez, from the University of Illinois-Chicago, who will join our semester program in Central America.

The Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship aims to encourage students to choose non-traditional study abroad destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. It is highly competitive.

Congratulations to Miguel!

A photo from El Salvador study abroad wins photo contest!

2010-06-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

A photo by Kate Walker, taken at Nueva Esperanza in El Salvador, won the First Annual CGE Photo Contest. More than 80 photos were submitted!

Kate won a $150 Gift Certificate the Global Exchange Fair Trade Gift Store.

Congratulations, Kate, and thanks for sharing such a beautiful image from your study experience in El Salvador!

Long Lost Pictures from Romero Short Term Travel Seminar

2010-05-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

These photos did not make it onto the post we did a few months back regarding the short-term travel seminar in honor of the 30th anniversary of Romero's assassination.

I know it is late to be getting them out there, but they are too poignant NOT to share, even at a late date.

Photos of the marches and masses in honor of Romero: taken by Miguel Villela.

More information on the internship position in Central America

2010-05-18T08:20:00.001-07:00

If you have already contacted Jessica Haas (haasj at augsburg.edu) regarding this opportunity, I've forwarded your information onto Kathy. Do check out the below for more details. For anyone else interested, get in touch with Kathy (cgenica at gmail.com) directly. Deadline to apply is June 11!

Intern Position in Central America

Title: Program intern, Center for Global Education (CGE) at Augsburg College, Central America site.

Purpose: To promote a healthy living/learning environment for semester students and participants in short-term educational seminars and assist in the operation of all educational programs.

CGE Mission: The Center for Global Education (CGE) at Augsburg College’s mission is to provide cross-cultural educational opportunities in order to foster critical analysis of local and global conditions so that personal and systemic change occurs, leading to a more just and sustainable world. In addition to the semester program, short-term educational seminars are offered during January and summer months.

Immediate Supervisor: Study Abroad Facilitator

Length of Position: 10 months (mid-August —mid-June); includes training in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Accompany students during the fall and spring semester abroad program in Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

· Live in program house to provide first response and emergency assistance to semester students and short-term program participants.

· Serve as resident advisor to semester students. Plan and facilitate weekly house meetings and community meetings to foster effective communication among students.

· Support students and other program participants as they process their inter-cultural learning experience.

· Monitor group dynamics and provide the feedback necessary to students and staff in order to create a positive learning environment.

· Communicate effectively and serve as a liaison between students, program coordinators, and with support staff.

· Participate in logistical operation of semester program.

· Work with program staff on short term travel seminars in Nicaragua.

· During weeks when students are not in country, support CGE staff with short term travel seminar work

In all of the above areas, the intern can expect to be incorporated into a team approach to work; however, ultimate responsibility and decision making lies with the Study Abroad Facilitator and Program Directors.

Vacation for the intern begins approximately 5 working days after the students depart from Nicaragua, in the middle of December. After the two-week vacation period the intern is expected to return to CGE in Nicaragua for the month of January to work on preparations for the spring semester and support work with travel seminars. Two to three days before the spring semester begins, the intern travels to Guatemala to meet the semester students.

Qualifications:

· Demonstrated commitment to the purpose and goals of CGE.

· Initiative, flexibility, leadership, and strong communication skills.

· Experience working with diverse groups of people.

· Strong Spanish and English language skills required.

· Experience in multicultural settings and awareness of cross-cultural dynamics and gender issues.

· Resident advisor experience or equivalent preferred.

· Computer and organizational skills as well as attention to detail.

· Preference given to alumni of CGE semester programs or similar study abroad programs.

Benefits:

· Round trip airfare from departure location to Nicaragua.

· Health insurance

· Full room and board in program house.

· US $375/month stipend.

· Two weeks vacation, to be scheduled in agreement with work team

· Indigenous language or Spanish Literature study in Guatemala, if desired.

To apply: Deadline is June 11. Contact Kathy McBride, the Central America Regional Co- Director: cgenica at gmail.com

We're hiring an intern!

2010-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

We're looking for an intern to work with our semester program students in Central America. Live in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua. More details will be forthcoming. If you are interested, contact Jessica Haas at haasj@augsburg.edu and we'll go from there.

Metallica, Hillary Clinton, and CGE in Guatemala

2010-04-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

I returned to Guatemala for the second time in two months to work with a group of students from Colorado Mountain College. The day they arrived, the capital city was a-buzz with excitement. Over the course of one day, the country would be visited by rock legends Metallica AND United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

These two visits, which were seemingly broadcast and talked about anywhere I went, seemed representative to me of the excitement that IS Guatemala. But while the world focused for a brief moment on the arrival of these celebrities, I was happy to know that I would be delving much deeper into the history, culture, and art of the country with the CMC group - a side of things that most tourist and politicians tend to miss on their visit.

The focus of the CMC travel seminar was Art and Resistance. We spent ten days traveling through various parts of the country, hearing and seeing first-hand the rich and often brutal history of Guatemala, and how art has been used as a tool for resistance and a motivator for social change.

Looking back on the experience I am struck by the richness of the travel seminar - we met with politicians from a variety of parties, discussed issues with indigenous and non indigenous NGO's,

spent time talking with artisans and viewing their products. We visited the beautiful lake of Atitlan and walked on the grounds of awe-inspiring Tikal ruins.

Once again, I was grateful to be back in Guatemala, a country with so much to offer and so much to teach. I continue to be haunted by the painful history of a country that has known so much conflict and inspired by a people who continually find ways to creatively express their resistance and hope.

--Joe Connelly

International Travel Seminar: Romero Anniversary

2010-04-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Christina Starr sent us the following update from the Romero: Thirty Years a Martyr international travel seminar in El Salvador. The trip just wrapped up - a great success.

"On the 30th Anniversary of the assassination of Oscar Arnulfo Romero, President Funes inaugurated a beautiful mural of Monsignor Romero in El Salvador's only airport! At that time, he also asked the family of Monsignor Romero for forgiveness and he asked the Salvadoran Church and universal church for forgiveness. He asked forgiveness from all the families that have been affected by this illegal violence, which the Salvadoran state in some way supported.

Romero's younger brother, Gaspar, responded by accepting the President's plea for forgiveness and saying that now Monsignor Romero was no longer just San Romero de America, but rather San Romero del Mundo! Of course the Vatican has never declared Romero a saint, but the people of El Salvador - and the people of the world - have already done that.

There were masses in his honor, marches, a myriad of t-shirt designs and flags and bracelets and posters, festivals, formal acts, and people coming from around the world. The newly revised state TV station has been putting on a Romero documentary every day. The President marched along with thousands in a candlelight procession last Saturday night. I have witnessed so many things I never thought I would see in this country. It is an opening up, a deep relief and a time to celebrate and continue on with more hope and energy than before."

First Annual CGE Facebook Photo Contest

2010-03-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

CGE is launching its First Annual Facebook Photo Contest on April 1.

Photos old and new are welcome. Must be a fan of our Facebook page AND post the photos there.

$150 gift certificate to Global Exchange Fair Trade Store for the winner (two smaller certificates for the runners-up).

Visit our website to learn more about the contest and to find a link to our Facebook page.

http://www.augsburg.edu/global/about/stayconnected.html

The photo contest rules are on the right side of the page.

Scholarships for short-term international travel seminars

2010-03-19T08:24:00.001-07:00

Forgot to mention yesterday that we have funds available to help support participation on short-term international travel seminars. See here: http://www.augsburg.edu/global/about/scholarships.html

Have a great weekend!

International Travel Seminars: Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

2010-03-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share with you all some interesting international professional development seminars coming up in Central America, particularly Guatemala and El Salvador.

Central America for Educators, Guatemala & El Salvador (August 1-8, 2010): Designed for teachers from a variety of disciplines, this professional development seminar to El Salvador and Guatemala focuses on learning about the culture, the history and the current situation of Mayan peoples. As a participant, you will study current events and the recent histories that impact Guatemala and El Salvador. You will also gain a better understanding about immigrant students and the forces that caused their families to emigrate, and find out about teaching methods in both countries.

Education for Decolonization, Guatemala (July 10-18, 2010): Designed for faculty from a variety of disciplines, this faculty development travel seminar will probe the enduring legacy of colonialism. You will examine your responsibility as educators to understand the colonial dynamics and the strategies being employed in indigenous communities to decolonize and to reconstruct more just communities.

Application deadlines for these international professional development seminars are just around the corner! Check out our travel opportunities page for more information - http://www.augsburg.edu/global/shorttermseminars/opportunities.html

Interesting event in Minneapolis for those interested in international issues and peace...

2010-02-24T07:06:00.001-08:00

Augsburg College will be hosting the Nobel Peace Prize Forum on March 5 and 6.

Each forum honors and focuses on the work of the previous Nobel Prize laureate; this year the spotlight is on 2008 Nobel Peace laureate, Martti Ahtisaari, international peace negotiator and former president of Finland. He shares a particular connection with the Center for Global Education as he considers the most satisfying work of his career to have been the 13 years he spent as the UN diplomat leading the negotiations for the independence of Namibia.

Speakers, panels, seminars, and two movies will provide many perspectives on peace—interfaith
dialogue, women's activism, democracy-building, lessons learned from Namibia's independence, and many more.

You can find out more at http://augnet.augsburg.edu/news-archives/2010/02_15_10/ppf_intro.html

Ruth Garrido is departing CGE

2010-01-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

The Center is losing a fantastic staff member effective 31 January.

Ruth Garrido, Program Coordinator, will be leaving us to pursue new interests.

Fidel Xinico, Ruth's colleague in Guatemala, shared that she has been a wonderful friend and asset to their work in Guatemala. He also said that many participants in CGE trips raved about her work and were so positive about their experiences with her.

Ruth - thank you so much for all you have given to the Center and to the many people who have visited Guatemala. You will be missed many times over, but we wish you all of the good luck in the world.

Sustainable Development and Social Change: Program Evaluations

2010-01-13T07:50:00.000-08:00

CGE wants to thank the fall participants on the Sustainable Development and Social Change study abroad program in Central America for the feedback you all provided in the program evaluations. I was personally impressed with how poignancy if your responses about the impact of your experience and encounters in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.

100% of students on the semester program abroad in Central America would recommend the program to other students.

The evaluations revealed that many students chose the study abroad program in Central America because of the ability to spend time in three countries and the opportunity to study Spanish. Although these aspects of the program continued to be important to many students, the evaluations also revealed that it was the relationships formed and the stories heard that offered the most value. This is not surprising, as the program focuses on immersion, guest speakers, rural and urban homestays, community visits, etc.

A few quotes from the evaluations:

"Be prepared to be profoundly challenged by guest speakers and NGOs, host families and local friends, the academic staff and your companions to see the world - Central America specifically - through many eyes. Always accept that challenge."
Edward Higgins, Capital University

"The Center for Global Education's semester program in Central America offers students the opportunity to experience the reality of both rural and urban citizens of Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Living the lives of the often marginalized and under-represented of Central America for a semester gives a glimpse into the reality of developing countries."
Shelley Ramsey, Trinity University

"[The program] teaches you lessons that will continue to affect you for the rest of your life. Some of the lessons are difficult to hear and process but they are becoming more and more important to learn in today's world. You cannot change the world with your eyes shut and ears covered."
Kelly Davis, Davidson College

Jesse, Minneapolis

Fidel Xinico, CGE-Guatemala, in the Epoch Times

2010-01-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

Our colleague, Fidel Xinico (CGE-Guatemala), was quoted in an article in the Epoch Times. Fidel works with the Center for Global Education's semester program (Sustainable Development and Social Change) and many short-term travel seminars.

Check out the story at:
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/27627/

Upcoming Professional Development Seminar in Guatemala

2010-01-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

CGE is hosting an exciting professional development seminar in Guatemala this summer.

Complete details can be found at http://www.augsburg.edu/global/shorttermseminars/opportunities.html

Education for Decolonization: A Professional Development Seminar
July 10-18, 2010
Designed for faculty from a variety of disciplines, this seminar will probe the enduring legacy of colonialism. You will examine your responsibility as educators to understand the colonial dynamics and the strategies being employed in indigenous communities to decolonize and to reconstruct more just communities. Special emphasis will be placed on learning about Maya history, culture, human rights and resistance to assimilation. In addition, you will focus on the challenges to building peace, democracy, and autonomy for the Maya majority in Guatemala. This seminar will also explore the role that international organizations and committed individuals have played in addressing systems of domination and defending the rights of Indigenous peoples in Guatemala. Application deadline is March 22, 2010. Apply by February 22, 2010 for an early bird discount of $100.

Listen Now! Poetry & Politics Interview on KFAI Radio

2009-11-12T11:10:00.001-08:00

"The world can be transformed by words...poetry can say the things we cannot"

Karen Hering, a past participant on the 2007 Poetry and Politics travel seminar, describes the role poetry plays in Nicaragua as "a daily utensil for living, much the same as a form or spoon".

Karen shared from her 2007 seminar journal and discussed her views on writing as a meaning-making activity during today's KFAI Radio's Write On Radio! program.

The Center for Global Education will be sending a second group to Nicaragua this February 2010 for another Poetry and Politics travel seminar. This year's seminar will also coincide with the International Poetry Festival in Granada, which attracts people from around the world. Karen mentioned the part of the festival she is most looking forward to is a ceremonial "burial of ignorance" where participants will march in a funeral-like procession.

Listen Now! To hear the excerpt from Karen's journal and more about her experiences on the 2007 seminar visit the KFAI Radio website and look in the archives.

To learn more about the seminar or register online visit the Center for Global Education. The registration deadline is November 24, 2009 however space may be available once the deadline has passed.

Hiking Izalco

2009-10-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Just last week, on one of our days off from class, I was able to get out of San Salvador for the day with a group of students. Our destination, the Izalco volcano. Izalco is located a little over 45 kilometers to the north west of San Salvador, in the department of Sonsonate. This stunning volcano came to life in 1770 and led a life of regular eruption from that year until 1966. It is considered El Salvador's youngest volcano and is located just a few short kilometers away from the Santa Ana Volcano.

A trip to Izalco makes for a day of serious hiking. We first drove to the peak of Cerro Verde, a lush green mountain, where we took some time to stretch out before the hike. From Cerro Verde we descended 1,318 steps, to arrive at the bottom of the Volcano. From the bottom, there was no place to go but up, zig zagging our way amidst the volcanic boulders that cover the path leading to the volcano's peak. We arrived at the top, tired and content, and enjoyed a lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as we took in the spectacular views.

The town of Izalco has special importance in Salvadoran history. In 1932, in the face of growing state repression, masses of poor laborers - many of whom were indigenous - rose up to fight the government repression. That uprising was quickly put down in one El Salvador's most devastating massacres. It is believed that over 32,000 civilians were killed in the massacre at Izalco.

Saludos, Joe Connelly

First week in El Salvador

2009-10-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

Our Semester Program – Sustainable Development and Social Change in Central America Fall 2009– arrived in El Salvador on Sunday, September 27. After hearing a brief introduction, history of the country, a presentation on the current social, economic and political situation, and having a couple of classes, all students participated for three days in Church Accompaniments. The Church Accompaniment is an activity which is done in pairs. The main goal is to observe and to participate with members of pastoral teams from the mainline Protestant or Catholic Churches in both urban and rural settings.

Humanizing poverty in rural Guatemala

2009-10-02T07:35:00.001-07:00

To wrap up our month in Guatemala, and round out our experiences of the different realities present in the country, we headed out to a small rural community near Cantel. Both students and staff (Joe and I accompanied the group for the week) settled in with host-families and prepared for a week of continued Spanish classes in the morning and varied educational activities in the afternoon.

The community welcomed us with open arms and taught us much about immigration and it's effects on the people, how to prepare traditional food, and reforestation and the natural water sources that they watch over and nurture. We talked with a natural healer, and bathed in hot, thermal water directly from the mountains; we visited a glass blowing cooperative and the community school.

I'm sure we could write pages about any one of these experiences, but I've posted some pictures instead to show a bit of what we saw and felt. Really there are no words for the strength with which this community continues to battle injustices and the generosity with which they welcomed us into their world. For me, they re-humanized 'la lucha' (the struggle) for sustainable development and the harsh realities of poverty that face the majority of the population in Guatemala; and for that I am grateful.
Con carino,
Rebekah Menning
Program Intern

photos:
(1 & 2) CGE students spending time with the elementary students at the community grade school
(3) learning how to make 'envueltos' - a traditional food to the area
(4) Joe with our host-sisters during dinner with the family
(5) the whole group headed out to learn about water issues and plant trees near the community

Article on Social Change and Sustainable Development in Central America Alum

2009-09-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

Go Annika! Annika Gunderson, study abroad student extraordinaire, was featured on Augsburg's website yesterday. Annika not only took part in CGE's Central America semester program, but also one of CGE-Mexico's summer programs.

http://augnet.augsburg.edu/news-archives/2009/09_21_09/gunderson_abroad.html

Jesse, Minneapolis

Rosh Hashanah in Guatemala

2009-09-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Marlene Edelstein and I am currently immersed in CGE’s semester abroad program in Central America. I am in my Junior year at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota but am originally from New York City.

As the only Jewish student on the program this year, it was my honor to share Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, with my fellow participants. Thanks to the help of Joe and Rebekah, our Program Facilitator and Intern, I was able to put together a makeshift Rosh Hashanah dinner/afternoon snack complete with prayers over the apples and honey, candles, bread and wine. For me, the Jewish Holidays are an important time to spend with my family and being away from home can be difficult. However, all of my new friends were so eager to learn about and excited to participate in the traditions that I found myself sharing this holiday with what feels like a new family.

It seems appropriate that I was able to celebrate Rosh Hashanah here in Xela, Guatemala amidst the week of festivities in honor of Guatemalan Independence Day. Rosh Hashanah, which literally translates into “Head of the Year,” marks the beginning of the year and celebrates the creation of the world. It also presents an opportunity for Jews to be created anew and to receive a fresh start. Yet, Rosh Hashanah is not meant to only exist as a day of jubilation. Yes we eat apples and honey to symbolize hope for a sweet year, and yes we spend most of the day in synagogue praising. However, Rosh Hashanah also marks the beginning of a period of time where Jews are asked to seriously reflect about the state of our lives, examine the ways in which we have missed the mark during the previous year and make an honest commitment to do better in the following year. Each Rosh Hashanah, we are given the opportunity to start afresh, but with this opening comes a great responsibility to make meaningful changes.

And then there is Guatemalan Independence Day. A day, nay a week, that I can assure you from first hand experience, is entirely about unapologetic celebration. This past week, commemorating 188 years of independence from Spain, Guatemalans took to the streets. Yet, in light of all that I have learned so far on the program about the gross inequalities that plagued and plague Guatemala, and the international interference in internal affairs, there have been some who have demanded that Guatemalans are not truly “liberated”. They claim that certain leaders have not born the responsibility that comes with autonomy well and that international forces have had too much influence to consider Guatemala “independent” in the truest sense of the word.

However, as an outsider, I have been awed by the ability of Guatemalans with whom I have had the privilege to speak, to free themselves from the burden of their sufferings and move forward. This is not to say that they have disregarded their pasts, on the contrary, many Guatemalans who have shared their stories with us use their pasts as ammunition for progress. Through a process self-reflection and an examination of their own stories, they have found ways to positively change their communities, country and world.

I witnessed this when our group visited a women’s weaving cooperative comprised of widows who lost their husbands in the Civil War. After suffering considerable loss, they banded together in order to support themselves and add a little more beauty in the world. These women made their pasts a part of their prosperity. Their example is universally inspirational, but I find it particularly poignant in light of Rosh Hashanah.

Celebrating Independence Day in Guatemala!

2009-09-16T10:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Guatemala celebrated 188 years of independence! In honor of the national holiday, students had a long holiday weekend to enjoy the festivities. After spending a few days at Lake Atitlan and exploring a bit more of Guatemala on their own, they headed back to Xela for the actual Independence Day celebrations. Upon returning, the city was full of activities: parades, the fair, competing bands, and 'el grito' at midnight in the central park.

Weekend in Chichicastenango, Guatemala

2009-09-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

Upon finishing their first week of intensive spanish classes, our students were off to a weekend away in the beautiful city of Chichicastenango. Chichi, as it is known, is located in Guatemala's highland region known as the Quiche, and is famous for its large craft market.

On Saturday we visited a small rural community called Chontala, where a group of indigenous women spoke to us of the hardships they faced during the years of armed conflict, how they were left widowed, and how they came together to form a sewing cooperative. Students were able to hear first hand the effects of the civil war on rural women and how they have organized to create social change in their community. Site director Fidel Xinico gave students a crash course in the Quiche language so they could talk directly to the women. After listening to the testimony of the women, students were able to view and purchase some of their goods and share a delicious meal prepared by the community.

It was a lovely weekend; a time to rest from classes as well as experience first hand the life and work of local artisans. The opportunity to meet with indigenous women, and hear about the time and energy that goes into their work, as well as learning about the cultural significance adds a new level of meaning to a piece of craft work bought in Chici.

warm regards, Joe Connelly

Hungry in Guatemala

2009-09-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

Recent article about a very pressing issue in Guatemala:
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200908u/guatemala-hunger

Orientation in Xela

2009-08-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is the city of Quetzaltenango or Xela where students are working on their orientation in order to get to know each other better and to settle down in this city which will be their homes for the next 4 weeks. This orientation time will help them very much to get ready for home stays and start studying Spanish one-on-one and begin fully our Central America Semester program.

By Fidel Xinico

Greetings from Guatemala

2009-08-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Warm greetings from Guatemala. My name is Joe Connelly and I work as the Study Abroad Facilitator for CGE's semester abroad program in Central America. My co-worker and CGE intern Rebekah Menning are currently in Guatemala City getting ready to receive a new group of students who will arrive here to the capital throughout the day tomorrow. Over the course of the next four months, this group of students from various parts of the United States, will travel in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua immersing themselves in the culture while learning about History, Liberation Theology, Politics, Womens Studies, and Spanish.

Rebekah and I are very excited to get to work with this new group of students and to share in their experiences. For the next five weeks we will be in Guatemala, with students taking intensive Spanish classes and living with Guatemala families in the city of Quetzaltenango.

Our in country co-workers here in Guatemala are Fidel Xinico Tum and Ruth Garrido. Both Fidel and Ruth will be blogging in the weeks to come. We look forward to a great semester and hope that you will stay connected to this blog to catch a few glimpses into this unique experience.

Muchas Gracias, Joe Connelly

photos:
Ruth and Fidel - at a celebration for Fidel's Birthday
Joe and Rebekah - waiting for students' arrival

Welcome to the CGE Central America Blog!

2009-08-14T09:59:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the CGE-Central Ameica Blog!

My name is Jesse and I write to you from the Center for Global Education's Minneapolis site, which is located at Augsburg College. My colleagues in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, though, will be the real drivers behind this blog and they'll introduce themselves in an upcoming post.

Before we get to Central America, I just wanted to share a little bit about who CGE is and what we do:

Founded in 1982, CGE is nationally recognized for its work in experiential, inter-cultural, and educational travel opportunities. More than 9,000 people have participated in our international travel seminars (one- to three-weeks in length), which are well-known and respected for exposing travelers to a variety of points of view, especially the perspectives of those working for justice and human dignity. Seminars take place throughout Latin America and Southern Africa (and occasionally in other places like Vietnam). CGE also operates undergraduate semester abroad programs in Mexico, Central America, and Southern Africa, which have served over 1600 students from more than 300 colleges and universities.

We are sure many of our readers will be former participants and students, but we also hope to draw some new people into the CGE-Central America family. WELCOME!