Bueno Vista University’s Alternative Week of Offsite Learning Program’s (A.W.O.L.) mission is to engage its students in volunteerism in different states and countries, advocating social action and service/civic engagement. This was done through students running alternative spring break programs in 2013. The Jenzabar Foundation proudly presented A.W.O.L. a grant in 2013 to help their efforts. Let’s see what the students have to say about their experience and how the grant helped their humanitarian efforts:

A.W.O.L. Children in Poverty:

BVU students traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and volunteered in nearby Copse, where they assisted with many day-to-day activities at the West Haven Children’s Home, an orphanage for disabled children. In addition to helping feed, bathe and get the children ready for the day, the students helped plan Sports Day, an event similar to the Special Olympics.

Co-advisors for the trip were Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson, director of civic engagement at BVU and Dr. Matt Hanson, assistant professor of exercise science.

“Students grow during the week, and they come back inspired to change something locally,” said Farmer-Hanson. “It shows students that there are people all over the world, including in Storm Lake, who we can serve, learn from and work with to solve some of the most crucial social problems.”

“I spent time with a girl who was physically disabled and unable to speak, but on Sports Day, she smiled and giggled the whole time,” said Sharon Feld, a senior athletic training and exercise science major from Bondurant and student site leader for the trip. “Watching our actions bring a little girl so much happiness really left a lasting impression. These experiences create a sense of caring and compassion in people and a desire to do more.”

Sloane Morrow, a sophomore elementary education major from Fort Dodge and also a student site leader, said, “Jamaica has been one of the most eye-opening, life-changing and beautiful opportunities I have ever had.”