Ramona Lumpkin, PhD Principal, Huron University College 2001 ...

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THeOLO GY
“our experiences allowed us to view the
different strengths of the human spirit”
Huron theology students in post-apartheid south africa
As part of the Faculty of Theology’s
Transcultural Learning Experience
Program, five Master of Divinity
students embarked on an
experience that would forever
alter the way they view issues of
social justice. This inaugural event
was sponsored by the generous
contributions of Diocese of Huron
churches and Huron alumni and
friends.
Led by the Dean of the Faculty of
Theology, The Rev. Dr. William J.
Danaher, Jr., and including students
Chantal Blackshaw, Martin Levesque,
Meghan Nichols, Rebecca Sample
and Chris Travers, the group began
their three-week journey in May,
2009 to explore firsthand the social
transformation and reconciliation in
post-apartheid South Africa.
“The six of us embarked on an
education experience half way around
the globe to embrace a culture that
was not our own, and to share in the
experiences of people young and
old, rich and poor, healthy and sick,”
says Chris Travers. “Our trip allowed
us to explore the impact of social
transformation and restoration postapartheid
and to see reconciliation at
work through people and institutions
throughout the country.”
Visiting and studying South
Africa provides Canadians with an
important perspective not only on
another culture and context but on
our own, says Dean Bill Danaher. But
no amount of preparation could have
prepared the students for the sights and
experiences of those stricken with HIV
and banished from their homes and
families.
“South Africa is a state of `fragile
stability,’ in which the gap between rich
and poor has increased,” says Dean
Danaher. “Crime rates are among the
highest in the world, nearly 20 per cent
of the population is infected with HIV,
and political groups have become
increasingly entrenched along racial,
ethnic, and tribal lines.”
While in South Africa, students
took part in teaching HIV awareness,
peer education, outreach programs,
and spent a day at an HIV rescue
centre talking to those infected with
the virus.“Our experiences allowed us
to view the different strengths of the
human spirit,” says Rebecca Sample.
Dean Danaher helped us reflect and
process our experiences, our anger,
our joy and awe through prayer and
conversation, says Chris, who adds
that “it is safe to say that all of us
experienced the trip differently.”
“We were taught the power
Led by The Rev. Dr. William J. Danaher, Jr. (right) Huron
students participated on a pilgrimage on Robben Island.