Brock Cares’ Alternative Reading Break

International Services, Department of Residences and Student Life & Community Experience have partnered to provide several exciting options for students over the reading week break. They will be offering a number of hands-on service learning projects that allow students to participate locally or do some travelling over the break to serve a community in a different country. These trips take place from Feb. 18 – 26, and students will travel to the Dominican Republic, South Carolina and El Salvador to work with Habitat for Humanity or Outreach 360.

The Alternative Reading Break at Brock University started three years ago. At first, this experience was only open to students living in residence. However, thanks to its continued success, it is now being offered to all students. In past years residence students went to Mississippi, New Orleans and the Dominican Republic. This year there will also be opportunities to volunteer for organizations in the Niagara Region if students still want to get involved without travelling. More information will be made available on these opportunities closer to the date.

Brock's Alternative Reading Break is in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity and Outreach 360. Habitat for Humanity is an international non-government, non-profit organization that builds simple and affordable housing for those in need. Brock will be going to South Carolina and El Salvador as volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Participants on these trips will help begin construction of brand new houses. Participants will be working alongside the future homeowners of the houses which provides a unique and personal touch to the experience.

"We are building with the family that will live in the house, so there is direct contact. As well as the staff members of Global Village are El Salvadorian," said Kristen Smith, one of the Professional Staff Leaders going on the trip.

The El Salvador trip is open to 20 students and the South Carolina trip is open to 30 students. A typical day on these trips includes building between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., after which volunteers will return for dinner and clean up before participating in group activities in the evening. Also, in the evenings there will be opportunities to interact with local community members who visit the site. As well, there will be other University trips on site. On the El Salvador trip, the last two days will be spent at a resort for some rest and relaxation.

Outreach 360 is an American non-profit organization with a number of sites in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Outreach 360 volunteers will be helping out at an orphanage, teaching English and completing small tasks. Volunteers from Brock will be going to Monte Cristi on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. This trip is available to 18 student participants. A typical day on this trip includes a 7:00 a.m. start where volunteers will walk to the school and teach for blocks between 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and then again from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the evenings there will be social outings that may include hiking or swimming in the ocean.

During these trips participants will be housed in local accommodations and meals will be provided by the local community. This gives students an opportunity to get a cultural experience from where they stay, what they eat and their interaction with the community at large.

"Students get the social element that they would get on a vacation from teammates, but they also get a learning experience [...] an entirely new culture, a new language, an entirely different experience," said Christina Bosilo, who is taking part in her fourth trip with a team of volunteers working with Habitat for Humanity.

There will also be translators available during the entire trip and students are encouraged to try to learn the language.

As part of the trips there will be meetings before and after to go over issues and to reflect on the trip. Safety is one of the main issues that will be discussed during the pre-departure workshops. Participants will be informed about immunization and other potential risks of travelling in regards to food, water and being aware of their surroundings.

"Student safety is of the upmost importance when we are planning these trips," said Smith.

The Dominican Republic and El Salvador trip both cost approximately $1,600, and the South Carolina trip costs $600. Students are encouraged to raise donations for their trip, and all donations made are eligible for tax exemption.

There is also an opportunity to become a Peer Team Leader and receive a $75 deduction to the trip's fees. The role of a Peer Team Leader is to help facilitate team building activities and de-briefs in the evening, logistical aspects once students are there and to be accessible for students and other people on the trip. Individuals with experience on this type of trip are encouraged to apply, however, any student can apply.

"[Spots] fill prior to students heading home for the holidays. So, if students are interested they should think about it now," said Smith.

For more information on these trips, to apply for a trip or to be a Peer Team Leader, please visit brocku.ca/student-community-outreach/welcome-to-brock-cares-alterna