"We have been visiting Kenya over the last few years, however, we decided to change our travel plans in mid - April due to security reasons," Mrs Mandin stated.
The 2015 trip will mark the end of a valued collaboration. "The adventure between Campus Saint-Jean and Me to We, which has experienced a considerable growth over the years in Canada, started eight years ago. At the beginning, we had a five year agreement which was renewed for three more years," said Mrs. Mandin, who has been involved in this project since it begun. "It really is a unique opportunity for these participants to experience education, leadership and humanitarian action at an international level," she added.
"Our aim has always been to offer francophone international experience, but this has not been possible for many reasons. That notwithstanding, with the appointment in July of a new dean, Pierre-Yves Mocquais, it was decided that an international project in a francophone country was to be developed," said Denis Fontaine, vice dean for academic affairs.
As from 2016, the international project will have a new name: Projet Afrique. So far, two information sessions have taken place on the 9th and 10th of April, and about twenty people have already shown a keen interest in participating in this project. "The Kenya project has grown substantially over the last few years. We will very likely not have the same level of infrastructure as we do now with Me to We. We are confident that we can use what experience we have gained to develop a project that meets the needs of the majority of our students. However, this is something we have to build right here on Campus Saint-Jean!" stated, Lucille Mandin.
"Students will benefit from two main advantages. The first advantage is that Projet Afrique will no longer be exclusively for students reading Education. It will be open to all students from 2nd through 4th year. The second advantage has to do with finance. It is rather too early to determine how much the trip will cost. For now, we know that each participant will have to contribute less than $4500 for the Kenya project," said Denis Fontain.
`The only prerequisite is to have an open spirit and the desire to make a difference," Lucille Mandin continued. Students who intend to participate in this program will also have to take EDUM-498. "I teach this course, but it is really more of a seminar than a theoretical course because it prepares students in facing and overcoming culture choc once they get there. This course is available during the winter and this is the time when the group really bonds," mentioned Prof. Mandin.
The organisers of this field are thrilled by the initial enthusiasm of the students for this project. "That the students have developed an interest and a desire to acquire international experience within the framework of their university program is obvious. The difference lies, however, on the fact that, instead of focusing on a concrete project (building a school), Projet Afrique could have several small groups working on different projects." stated Denis Fontaine.
As Lucille Mandin mentioned, since the students participating will come from a variety of programs at Campus Saint-Jean, it will be necessary to think about possible projects that can be carried out on site. With the collaboration of a facilitator from the host country in Africa, we are confident that each participant will benefit from this learning and humanitarian experience. We have a whole year to conceive and develop this project," she stated.
Many ideas for potential destinations have been put forward such as Burundi, Cameroon, Senegal, Rwanda and Togo. "That is why the project is called Projet Afrique. We could change destinations every year. For the first year, we will go where we have the best support. We are hoping to decide on the destination before July," said Denis Fontaine.
Students will be met for the first time to inform them of the chosen destination. A final decision will be made by September. "The number of participants is not limited, however, the ideal group will be made of 15 to 20 students,"said Mr. Fontaine.