The Working Centre, in Kitchener Waterloo, has been working in partnership with the Ugunja Community Resource Centre for several years. Both organizations are involved in community outreach programing. This new program is for participants interested in community outreach and grassroots development projects, but will also allow for participants to live and immerse in the local community.

The Working Centre is a non-profit, community-based, volunteer inspired venture that seeks to give individuals and groups access to tools and opportunities to become involved in the building of community projects in Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas. The Ugunja Community Resource Centre (UCRC) is a community development NGO located in Western Kenya that promotes sustainable development, and empowers communities through increasing access to information.

Preparation

A five week preparation period will be held in Ontario before the group departs. Workshops throughout the month are focused on community building among group members, articulating personal and group goals, developing consensus decision making and conflict resolution skills, working with the urban poor in Canada, learning about the history, politics, economics and cultures of Kenya, enhancing awareness and analysis of poverty and injustice, and preparing both mentally and physically to live cross-culturally. The group will spend one week training at the Working Centre to get a sense of the Canadian partner organization. The group will also spend time on a canoe/hiking trip in Algonquin Park to have time to be challenged and know each other better.

Project Work and Immersion

In Western Kenya, the group will live with families while participating in rural village programs coordinated by the Ugunja Community Resource Centre.  Participants will learn, through immersion living and through project work about the local culture, lifestyle and language, as well as issues of community development and social justice. Local work opportunities include rural agricultural projects, teaching, administrative assistance, computer training, and event coordination.

Debriefing

This is a very important element of the program. Four weeks will be spent in Ontario reflecting on and processing what has been learned and experienced. This includes guided reflection and sharing, evaluating personal and group goals, and sharing insights and perspectives gained through presentations to schools, colleges and other groups.

Finances

It is the responsibility of participants to fundraise the costs for the program, which is $6500 CAN. One World is registered as a charitable organization and can issue tax reciepts for donations. Many past participants have been able to fundraise all or part of their program fees. The program all receives grants from the Basilian Human Development Fund, and there is a possibility of financial assistance being provided for those most in need. For information on our subsidy program, please click here.

Cost:  Approximately $6500 (includes air fare)
Cost is less for the shorter four month program.

For more information, or to speak with past program participants, please contact us:

One World Global Education Program

314 B Paisley Rd
Guelph, Ontario  N1H 2P9
Tel: 519-837-1636
Email: programs@oneworlded.com

Application - The Working Centre - Ugunja Community Resource Centre