May 10, 2012
Doing a world of good: International Service Teams spending summer in Kenya, Brazil and Mexico
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University's International Service Teams program will celebrate a milestone this summer when it send its 100th team abroad this summer to do good works.
Offered through the School of Leadership Studies, the service-learning program provides interdisciplinary teams of university students who serve in communities around the world during the summer break. International Service Teams students work with international partners to plan and implement service projects during an eight- to 10-week stay in their international country. Service team members gain leadership experience and develop an appreciation for unique cultures and perspectives during their spring semester and summer of service.
The program has sent students to serve in communities around the world in its 21-year history. This year's teams will be going to Kenya, Brazil and Mexico.
* In Kenya, Team Tumaini will serve at the Children and Youth Empowerment Centre to implement education workshops, sustainability projects and entrepreneurial skill development with street-dwelling children.
* In Brazil, Team Acreditar will work with the PRAY Mission Orphanage to implement after-school programs and develop environmental projects at the orphanage.
* Team Inspirar, serving in Mexico, will live in family homestays, providing English and theater workshops to youth and adults as well as exploring environmental preservation.
Students serving on an International Service Team and their destination include:
Emily Burch, senior in elementary education from Burns, Team Inspirar in Mexico; Chance Berndt, freshman in business administration from Herington, Team Tumaini in Kenya; Nick Herrmann, sophomore in agribusiness from Holcomb, Team Tumaini in Kenya; Bailey Myers, senior in secondary education-biological sciences from Humboldt, Team Tumaini in Kenya; Jaime Arreola, senior in political science and philosophy from Kansas City, Kan., Team Acreditar in Brazil; Alicia Williams, senior in communication sciences and disorders, Manhattan, Team Inspirar in Mexico. Kenna McWhirter, senior in family studies and human services from Moran, Team Tumaini in Kenya; Bethany Roy, junior in family studies and human services from Norton, Team Tumaini in Kenya; and Hollyn Smith, junior in psychology from Salina, Team Inspirar in Mexico.
From out of state: Kathryn Biver, junior in civil engineering from Rice Lake, Wis., Team Acreditar in Brazil.