Ateneo de Manila University joins 12th Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities – Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) Service Learning Program

Ateneo de Manila University was one of the nine member institutions that participated in the 12th Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities – Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) Service Learning Program held at Xavier Learning Community (Saengtham College Xavier Campus) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, from 7 to 27 August 2023. The theme of this year's program was titled "River, Mountain, People: The Art of Beings (Discernment and Peace)."

This theme was chosen in response to GC 36, which seeks to inspire a "renewed fervor for reconciliation with God, humanity, and creation." Through the “art of the encounter” with various marginalized populations in Northern Thailand, the program—grounded also in Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti—hoped to instill in its participants a sense of fraternity and social friendship in the desire to bring about global justice and peace to all. It was with the idea that concepts and theories should be aided by contact with those in the margins that solidarity and co-responsibility with our fellow “beings” are learned.

Over the course of the month-long service-learning program, delegates gained a deeper understanding of the social realities and issues faced by communities living in Northern Thailand and along its border through numerous cultural immersion activities and workshops. International collaboration was also encouraged among the delegates, who were able to experience the richness and uniqueness of each other’s cultures as well as share about similar injustices happening in their respective countries. As part of the goal of instilling the value of service, the program also emphasized the importance of learning, reflection, and discernment—reinforcing the Ignatian value of becoming persons for, and with, others.

Hosted by the Xavier Learning Community, the program's activities included educational lectures on the worsening environmental state of the Mekong River and its impact on nearby communities as a result of continued dam-building and complex international politics, discussions and conversations through homestays and community visits with the Karen and Akha people to understand the plight and realities of the Hill Tribe communities in Northern Thailand, dialogues with grassroots foundations and organizations dedicated to environmental protection, human rights, and the creation of sustainable community projects, as well as educational trips to various temples and historical sites across Northern Thailand.

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities – Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) holds the service-learning program annually, fostering international and multicultural camaraderie among member institutions across the Asia-Pacific region. This year's program saw a total of 34 delegates participating from nine Jesuit member institutions, namely: Sophia University (Japan), Instituto São João de Brito (East Timor), Xavier Learning Community (Thailand), Ateneo de Davao (Philippines), Campion Institute (Myanmar), Sanata Dharma University (Indonesia), Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan (Philippines), The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong), and Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines).

Ateneo de Manila University was represented by two student delegates from the Development Studies Program, Marie Angelie Molina and Maria Kristin Purnell, who were supported and assisted by the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Social Development, Environment, and Community Engagement of Ateneo de Manila.

Photos courtesy of Ateneo Student Delegates, Ms Marie Angelie M Molina and Ms Maria Kristin N. Purnell