St. John’s University’s Campus Ministry is seeking students who
would like to live and work among the people of Panama for two
weeks this May during the Ministry’s first volunteer workers’ trip
abroad. Called an “International Plunge to Panama,” the trip is an
opportunity for 10 students to volunteer their services in the
Vincentian tradition of seeking out causes of poverty and social
injustice and encouraging effective and concrete solutions. Slated
from May 15-27, 2006, the trip will enable students to work and
live with rural residents in Panama’s Chiriqui Province (the
western and southern province bordering Costa Rica) and to stay in
Panama’s major cities. Students who would like to be a part of this
empowering volunteer experience are invited to apply by the October
24th deadline. Interviews will be scheduled after applications are
received.
The trip is the brainchild of Rev. Tri M. Duong, who recently
joined Campus Ministry as the Director of Education and Justice,
and (in addition to many sacramental responsibilities) is in charge
of St. John’s community service outreach involvement. He heard of
the opportunity from a Seminary classmate who has lived in Panama.
It will also be Father Duong’s first trip out of the country since
arriving in the U.S. from his native Vietnam 14 years ago.
Plunge Application
Also accompanying the students will be Victoria “Tori” R. Migliore,
director of service for the Campus Ministry. “Three to four
students will live in each home with a family,” she says, “so it
will be helpful if students have a traveler’s knowledge of Spanish.
We’d like to place at least one strong Spanish-speaking student--
who can serve as a translator-- in each home.”
An exciting aspect of the trip will be the opportunity to
interact with members of the Vincentian Marian Youth Group in
Panama, which is part of a very active global youth movement, says
Migliore. St. John’s students will also participate in a Cultural
Exchange Night, and will share “song, food and dance” with their
Panamanian counterparts. “Those selected for the trip will meet
this spring with three Vincentian priests who’ve lived and worked
in Panama,” she says. “The trip is for those who are willing to
live simply and help the monetary poor, by either working in the
fields, assisting in the schools, or helping to build a new chapel.
We’ll also experience the countryside through hiking, and will also
spend an overnight in Panama City. We’re looking for students with
an open heart who are willing to see the face of God through
service to others.”
Campus Ministry will assist with the cost of the trip so that it
will run about $350 per student. If cost is an issue, volunteers
are encouraged to call (718) 990-5058 or 1363 to discuss.