Sierra Leone When they heard the reason and the changes that had occurred
experiences. The people there were so kind and so willing to
as a result of the training, the neighbors began to spend time
share their stories with us.”
with their own children and soon noticed the difference.
Traveling to distant places and truly connecting with
Allen noted that the team members found themselves in
people there allows experiencing firsthand, rather than through
situations where they interacted with a wide range of people
abstract discussions and lectures, the reality of togetherness:
from children and teachers to school directors and deputy
there is no “other,” for we are all human.
ministers in the Ministry of Education, and from a local mayor
“If everyone could step outside of their immediate bubble
to sub-chiefs and Paramount Chiefs. Each meeting was an
as we have, the world would become fully connected and
opportunity to learn about Sierra Leone and its educational
absent of the ‘otherness’ that exists today,” said Stephen.
system, its needs and its potential, and how we could work
“Through connecting with others in this way, we establish
together to affect positive change. Although UMaine’s team
the mutual understanding necessary to promote peace on a
was initially out of its comfort zone, Allen observed team
global scale.”
members became increasingly confident and grew noticeably
Alli knew going to Sierra Leone would change her life. “It
as individuals. Part of the experience of being in Sierra Leone
was the perfect way to finish my undergraduate experience,”
is recognizing how another culture sees you in terms of your
she said. About the AT Workshop she said, “I felt we’d
education, health, and clothes. You become aware of how
made a difference, but they [the guardians] didn’t realize
privileged you are and at the same time learn about ways you
what they’d done for us. Who you are is changed. I felt so
can contribute individually.
privileged…There was a tremendous sense of gratitude. It was
If there is one word to describe the Servant Heart Research Collaborative it is transformational. Students, educators, and community partners here and in Sierra Leone engaged in this evolving and exciting collaboration all bear witness to its life-changing impacts. Although the focus of the trip was to observe NETT
truly humbling.” Photos from left: Allen Morell ‘73, Sierra Leone missionary, with local children in Lungi. Photo by Patty Morrell. Associate Dean Melissa Ladenheim shares a moment with a local child in Sunday church in Koidu. Photo by Stephen Kaplan. Homes in Koidu; Dean François Amar walks with Patty Morell ‘73, Sierra Leone missionary. Photos by Melissa Ladenheim.
and AT in action, “in actuality,” said Stephen, “it was the people and the culture that defined the vast majority of our
honors.umaine.edu
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