Erica Hannon, of Allentown, was one several Misericordia University, Dallas, students who traveled to the island nation of Jamaica for an annual service project.
The students enrolled in the service-learning course, “Theology and the Church,” traveled to Cross Keys, Manchester in Jamaica for the eighth annual year.
According to an university release, eleven students were joined by two chaperones to participate during winter break in January.
Unlike other visitors to the island, students weren’t going to lay back and take in the sun, but rather to roll up their sleeves and provide hard work and mentor young children.
Through the experience students learn as much about themselves as they do about the culture they become immersed in, according to Dr. Christine Somers, director of campus ministry.
”Students have come back more energized to do service in the local community,” said Dr. Somers, who has been involved in the Jamaican program since it was established. “It has also strengthened the bonds of the students who went and experienced Jamaica.”
During their trip students also painted and provided routine maintenance at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where they were invited to stay by Father Patrick Mwangi.
Another goal of the service trip was to assist the elderly.
Missionaries of Charity is a nursing home for the elderly, which is housed in a former warehouse. The blue-and-white painted concrete building in Balasclaza, Jamaica is now home to many aged residents, including many who were left behind by adult children who sought better lives in more prosperous countries.
At the home, volunteers help the residents with basic hygiene, including shaving and clipping nails while students found many of the residents simply wanted someone to talk to.
Misericordia’s pilgrims of mercy also helped children by visiting and donating their time at St. John Bosko, a home for boys. The child-care institution is owned and operated by the Sisters of Mercy, who also founded Misericordia University. The volunteers play cards and sports with the children. It is home to 150 boys between the ages of 3-16.
On the last day, the Jamaican community held a festival. The collegiate volunteers set up food for the people of Kingston. For more information about Misericordia University and service opportunities, please log on to www.misericordia.edu or call (570) 674-6400.
Founded and Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in 1924, Misericordia University is Luzerne County’s first four-year college and offers 36 academic programs on the graduate and undergraduate levels in full- and part-time formats.
