In an inspiring display of international collaboration and a commitment towards service-learning, Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) recently participated in the 12th Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities – Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) Service Learning Program with the theme, “River, Mountain, People: The Art of Beings (Discernment and Peace).” This transformative program, which took place from 07-27 August 2023, was hosted by the Xavier Learning Community (Saengtham College Xavier Campus) in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
This year’s theme is in response to GC 36: as it seeks to have a “renewed fervor for reconciliation with God, humanity, and creation.” This program is also grounded on Fratelli Tutti, the encyclical that aims to promote a universal aspiration toward fraternity and social friendship. In the background of the Encyclical is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shown that “no one can face life in isolation” and that the time has truly come to “dream as a single human family.” After all, we are “all brothers and sisters” (Pope Francis). This program aligns with the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAP), which are: (1) promoting discernment and Spiritual Exercises; (2) walking with the excluded; (3) caring for our common home; and (4) journeying with the youth.
The Service Learning Program, organized annually by AJCU-AP, brings together students and faculty from Jesuit institutions across the Asia-Pacific region to engage and immerse in service-learning that addresses various social and environmental challenges. This year’s program featured a diverse group of 34 student delegates from nine Jesuit institutions, namely, Instituto São João de Brito (Timor Leste), Sanata Dharma University (Indonesia), The University of Hong Kong thru the Ricci Hall (Hong Kong), Sophia University (Japan), Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines), Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Philippines), Ateneo de Davao University (Philippines), Campion Institute (Myanmar), and Xavier Learning Community (Thailand).
ADDU was represented by its Arrupe Office of Social Formation (AOSF) and was participated by the following students: Mr. French Bayer Bandong (3rd year AB Political Science); Ms. Clarisse Joyce S. Soylon (4th year BS Industrial Engineering); and Mr. Gabriel Emmanuel P. Undag (4th year BS Chemistry). Additionally, Ms. Shela Mae C . Jaso and Ms. Agnes J. Sagaral alternately as faculty companions.
The participants came together with a shared mission to make a positive impact on the local communities they were immersed in during their three-week stay in Chiang Rai. Some of the highlights of the conference are the exposure of the participants in Mae Kong School with Mr. Niwat Roykaew ‘Kru Ti,’ a visionary who helped protect the Mae Kong River; exposure to Thailand Buddhism through the Rai Cherntawan International Meditation Center and Buddhist temple visits; immersion to the hill tribe villages of Akha and Karen, which are hill tribe communities in the borderland of Thailand to Myanmar; and conversation of Burmese migrant workers in the borderland of Thailand.
During the 12th AJCU-AP Service Learning Program, one of the most eye-opening moments was the opportunity to unmask the realities faced by the hill tribe communities in Thailand. Through exposure to these communities, student delegates gained firsthand insights into the challenges, cultures, and aspirations of the local residents – together with the injustices they have been facing.
The grace of the 12th AJCU-AP SLP was the interdisciplinary, intercultural, and inter-spiritual celebration of God’s Holiness through active immersions and dialogues.
Article by Mr. Gabriel Emmanuel P. Undag
Photos by Ms. Agnes Joy J. Sagaral and Ms. Fatima Jennae B. Jereza