UEC students head to Guatemala

A UEC group will teach at non-profit school over spring break

On Sunday, December 2, 2007, the University Episcopal Center (UEC) had the privilege of welcoming Guatemalan Jorge Chojolan as its guest for the evening. Jorge is an internationally-acclaimed social entrepreneur and the founder of Colegio Miguel Angel Asturias, a non-profit K-12 school focused on teaching critical thinking, combating sexism and racism, and empowering its students to become leaders who can change their community and country. The school is located in Quetzaltenango, the second largest city in Guatemala. Over Sunday night dinner, Jorge shared his story, explaining how education can equip average Guatemalans with skills to transform their country. Jorge’s school is a model for this type of education in Guatemala.

Students at Colegio Miguel Angel Asturias in Guatemala

Jorge heard about the University Episcopal Center through University of Minnesota senior Steve Mullaney, who worked at Colegio Miguel Angel Asturias in the summer of 2007. Steve and other UEC-ers have organized a spring break trip to Guatemala, during which they and other University of Minnesota students will serve as volunteer instructors at Colegio Miguel Angel Asturias, teaching special seminars for the students in topics like theater and biology. More importantly, the trip will make it possible for the Guatemalan students to meet people from another race and culture, and vice versa for the students at the UEC. This visit will allow for an exchanging of knowledge that will aid everyone in breaking down stereotypes and understanding the barriers to social empowerment. Watch for more news of the visit later this spring.

Learn more about Colegio Miguel Angel Asturias at http://colegiomaa.org.

Story and photo submitted by the University Episcopal Center.