This year, our Global Service Learning project is with CEOLI, a non-profit in Cochabamba, Brazil, that provides crucial support services to young adults with intellectual disabilities. In Brazil, the culture does not typically provide accommodations for individuals with intellectual disabilities, either in schools or in everyday life. This makes CEOLI’s work all the more important, as it fills a significant gap by offering services and support that are rare in the community.

CEOLI has shared with us the challenges they face, and we’ve shaped our project around their specific needs. Our focus will be two-fold:

1. Professional Development for Staff: We plan to collaborate with a school in Pittsburgh or leverage our own research to offer insights and tips on what CEOLI can implement to enhance their staff’s training and development.
2. Increasing Profits through Fundraising: A particular focus of mine is the fundraising initiative involving the sale of cards. While we understand that people who purchase the cards support the cause, many may not fully understand the significance behind them. We aim to create a meaningful video that highlights the behind-the-scenes work, showcasing the impact of their contribution. Additionally, we plan to use social media to raise awareness, in a way that aligns with CEOLI’s comfort levels.

As for the international aspect of the program, my group is excited to experience a new culture and, equally, to reflect on how each of us processes new environments.

One of the cultural challenges we anticipate is the language barrier. Effective communication will be challenging as we may have limited direct interaction with the individuals we need to engage. Fortunately, we will have translators to help us navigate these spaces and ensure that we can work effectively.

The three readings and class discussions that have had the most impact on me are:

1. What is Experiential Education
2. What Should be Learned from Service Learning
3. Points of Discomfort: Reflections on Power and Partnerships

The first two readings, especially, were crucial because they helped me understand the distinction between service learning and community service. This distinction was clearly explained by Brian and the class early in the semester, which laid a strong foundation for how we approach the project. It helped me develop the right perspective and framework for engaging with CEOLI and their needs.

The third reading, “Points of Discomfort: Reflections on Power and Partnerships,” addressed a concern I had regarding the potential for coming off as entitled during our trip. I was worried that I might unintentionally project an attitude of superiority, but the reading helped me realize that this is a common concern among students our age. The author’s insights on power dynamics and navigating discomfort gave me strategies to avoid this pitfall, which has been really valuable as I prepare for the experience.