In commemoration of the lives and commitments of the University of Central America (UCA) martyrs in El Salvador, Casa de la Solidaridad opened its doors in 1999 to visiting U.S. students for a semester of academic, community, and spiritual reflection and immersion in El Salvador. Since then, this praxis-based approach for U.S. students expanded to the Philippines and Argentina. More recently, the UCA launched Centro Ignacio Ellacuría (CIE) to create praxis-based academic formation programs rooted in the Ignatian tradition for Central American students. Now, twenty years on, Casa is poised to open its doors yet again to US. students, this time in Belize.
Casa’s model begins by making a preferential option for the poor. Teaching and learning strives to be rooted in solidarity with those on the margins, with those in society who are excluded, disadvantaged, and whose dignity has often been violated. Over the course of the semester, students spend two full days per week accompanying community members in marginalized neighborhoods. This experience then informs classroom discussion and personal and community reflection on the local reality – discussions that often involve questions of social justice and vocation.
For the model to work, Casa requires significant partnership between Jesuit institutions to deliver on the model of high-caliber academic experiences, especially experiential learning. The University of Central America (UCA) in San Salvador partnered with Santa Clara University to develop the original Casa, and now helps to facilitate other such partnerships through its Centro Ignacio Ellacuría (CIE). For example, CIE promotes and administers the Casa de las Américas program for Salvadoran and other Central American students at the UCA.
CIE also advises and supports Casa Belize, which will be delivered in partnership between Saint Louis University (SLU) and St. John’s College (SJC) in Belize. Building on decades of partnership and collaboration between the two Jesuit institutions in the U.S. Central and Southern Province, SLU and SJC will welcome the first semester-long study abroad students from SLU and AJCU partner schools to “Casa Belize” starting fall 2020.
Casa Belize, open to students of all majors and from all universities, promises a semester immersed in the diverse culture, ecosystem, and history of Belize. Through interaction with marginalized communities, students will explore academic perspectives on the social realities of Belize and the region, live simply in community with fellow students in an on-campus residence, and be invited to share their spirituality - no matter their faith tradition - with that community. Reflections based in Ignatian spirituality and a community retreat during the semester provide additional opportunities to process the experience abroad.
Alice Peralta, president of SJC, notes the significance of this collaboration; “Casa Belize will bring together two countries, two Jesuit institutions, and many students and faculty in the pursuit of one Jesuit Mission. This partnership is a testament to the meaning and purpose of Jesuit education, and of its capability to embrace and to connect cultures and people.”
For more information
Centro Ignacio Ellacuria (CIE): visit http://uca.edu.sv/cie/, follow @CentroIgnacioEllacuria, or write to [email protected]. Applications are open at the CIE website for spring/summer 2020 at Casa de las Américas.
Casa Belize, visit https://www.slu.edu/study-abroad/casa-belize.php, follow @BeCasaBelize, or write to [email protected]. Applications for the fall 2020 inaugural class at Casa Belize are being accepted now via the Casa Belize website and are due by January 31, 2020.