Shikka

Service and Learning Tour to Bangladesh

 

Shikka is the Bangla word meaning to learn. It is a new service and learning program to Bangladesh for young people (post high school) interested in learning first hand by living in another culture, and being challenged to engage in issues of poverty, development, peace and privilege.

 

Shikka's Goals

• Faith in Action - Grow in Christian faith as you interact with and learn
  from people of other faith communities
• Join MCC's Global Family - Get to know MCC by teaching and learning from
  the children sponsored by MCC's Global Family program
• Discover the Land and People - Experience Bangledesh in both rural and
  urban settings; in crowds and in rice paddies.
• Experience Extremes: the gap between poverty and riches, between pain and joy.

 

 

Applications

Applications for Shikka 2008 are available online. We will be accepting applications until the end of January or until the program is filled.

 

Requirements

Openness to learn and willingness to serve by working with children, and helping to teach them English. As well as an adventurous spirit and will to be engaged by an intense and rich culture.

 

Overview

A group of 6-8 young people will travel together to Bangladesh, spend 3-4 days in Dhaka for orientation and then divide into 2 groups of 3-4 individuals and spend 2 weeks living and working at a Global Family Catholic Mission. We will conclude the tour with several days in Dhaka or Mymensingh with wrap-up and debriefing activities.

 

Activities

Participating in mission life by teaching English to groups of children, participating in activities, songs and games, and joining the Sisters of Fathers during village visitations.

 

Living Facilities

Participants will be hosted by the Sisters, meals will be eaten either with the Sisters or with the children, and housing will be very basic.

 

Cost

Participants are expected to pay their own airfare ($1500-$2000) to get to Dhaka. MCC Bangladesh will cover in-country costs. Any extra spending money is participants responsibility.

 

Timing

First three weeks of June, 2008.

 

For information contact Allan Reesor McDowell at 416-423-9229 or