Visualizing Peace and Justice

2014
A classs journey toward understanding global peace and justice beyond our borders
Dedicated to our professors,
with whom we learned that peace and justice know no boundaries.
Tank you
Table of Contents
About Us
Meet Jef Pugh
Meet Eric Sung
Meet Jessica Ho
Meet Kiley Leduc
Our Journey
Moving Forward
Center for Mediation, Peace and Resolution of Confict (CEMPROC)
Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence
!CityArts!
Acknowledgements
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About Us...
On January 4th 2014, 17 strangers from various backgrounds came together with a common goal.
Cameras in hand we embarked on our journey to Ecuador in hopes of capturing the true meaning of peace
and justice.
Te frst leg of the trip brought us to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where we experienced the
political essence of justice though various forms of art. At Casa de la Danza, a beautiful dancer graced us
with her elegance. On every street corner, graftti made bold statements. We also had the pleasure of visiting
Colegio Filippo Brunelleschi and fnding peace in the unconditional love of the students who captured our
hearts.
Our next stop was Pijal where we were engulfed in the culture of Ecuador. Trough daily routines
and various cultural activities, we became engrained with a deeper appreciation for the community of Pijal.
Many of us found ourselves pushed to our limits, stepping outside of our comfort zones, and surprised by the
things we learned about ourselves while learning about our host families.
Upon returning to Quito, the 17 of us worked closely with CEMPROC to further our service.
We met with the RET Group and worked with Colombian refugees to help fnd alternative methods of
mediation and reduce violence. Finally, we used the photographs we had been collectively taking to put
together a gallery exhibition at Casa de la Danza. In our artist statements, we attempted to articulate our new
found understanding of peace and justice on a global scale.
Fortunately, our studies were not halted upon returning to North America. Meeting weekly as a
class, we have split up into various groups for community service in Providence, RI. Some students make
weekly visits to the Nonviolence Institute, which aims to lower gang related violence rates in the Providence
area. Others work with the CityArts program in Providence, giving children a safe space for productive after
school activities. We are also holding another photo exhibition in Providence, with hopes of incorporating
our service here and spreading our various messages of peace and justice.
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Jef Pugh
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Executive Director of CEMPROC
Visualizing Peace and Justice has been such an enriching experience for me as an educator. It has ofered
wonderful opportunities for me to develop innovative partnerships across disciplines with my colleagues in art and global
studies (who have also become good friends), and I have enjoyed working with adventurous, hard-working students who
care about the world.Over a decade, I started a small non-proft organization that does confict resolution education
and community peacebuilding work in Ecuador, and I love introducing students both to this beautiful country and
to the work that CEMPROC, my organization, does with children and communities in South America. Reciprocal
relationship-building is easier to do in the limited time we have when we are getting to know local community members
who already know and trust CEMPROC through Ecuador director Omar.Because of this, the students from PC are
introduced as friends of Omar, which opens the door for more meaningful interaction and mutual learning. Having
student leaders on the trip that had been to Ecuador with Eric and me previously was also very special, because it helped
reinforce the durability of these friendships, as they were able to greet old friends in Pijal and Quito and introduce them
to new friends from the U.S.
Tis trip often results in personal and collective journeys that are challenging but that lead to real growth and
deeper understanding of the world around us.Many students were pushed beyond their comfort zones, but in my mind,
this is a good thing, because that is the only place that real change and development occurs.Whether it involved realizing
that hot showers might sometimes be a luxury, or identifying uncomfortable ethnocentric assumptions in their pre-
existing views of the world, or being forced to use language skills even when they were not completely confdent in them,
I saw many students challenged, and then ultimately emerge stronger as they learned and grew. Te interdisciplinary
nature of this program, and the way it weaves together refective service learning in Providence and abroad, is one reason
why I think it is a unique learning opportunity refective of a liberal arts education.
Tis class is exciting for me because it allows me to share a peaceful and refective space in Casa de Danza as
music swirls together with the colorful folds of a dancers dress and the delicate scent of incense in the air.It introduces
budding artists (both students and me) to a new world of possibilities as we learn to capture the beauty around us, use
our lens to refect or shape social relations for greater justice, and to share the resulting images with others, all guided by
Master Sung the master photographer. It builds bridges in which young people from Providence College discover the
common ground they have with young people from Pijal and Quito, while indigenous community members are able to
learn about new cultures, religions, and ideas. It gives a platform for people from all walks of life to tell their stories, have
them listened to and valued, and reach more people (like you!) as they work for social change and justice.I hope that the
stories and images that we share with you are meaningful for you too. I am grateful for the opportunity that Providence
College has given us in supporting this program, and look forward to a growing global service learning program in the
future.
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As an artist, my motivation to make art often begins with an idea that questions interconnection of communities.
Tat is also true with my motivation of teaching. Beyond the studio setting where students learn to make art, I am
interested in creating a place for them to learn as they make real world connections with a range of communities that
they are part of both immediately and broadly. My frst experience in ofering studio course with service-learning
was in Louisiana. I have brought students majoring in photography to work with residents from the rehabilitation
facility. All residents who participated in the project were disabled to have verbal communication. However, after
a brief training and modifcation of equipment, they were able to photograph and share their narratives via images
made by them. Tis was such a powerful and positive experience for all of us involved. Empowered by this experience
from this service-learning project, I have been fortunate to be involved in a handful of service-learning projects
including partnership with Gloria Gemma Foundation for Breast Cancer for a course co-taught with Cemal Ekin
from Marketing, School of Business, Rhode Island Preservation Society for an Art Deco in RI for a course co-taught
with Ann Norton from Art History, and Community Lens course co-taught with Nick Longo from Global Studies
and Jef Pugh from Political Science which was ofered for the third time this year.
I fnd interdisciplinary learning not only powerful but important. For one, that is how I understand the
complexity of the world. I have co-taught the frst Community Lens course project with Nick and we both decided
to ofer the course again to continue the positive educational impact with an international component added. Two
years ago, we were very fortunate to be partnering with Jef who has both scholarly and professional experience with
Ecuador. Te newly added global partnership with Ecuador created a long lasting and empowering experience for all
of us involved which naturally lead me to co-teach a further improved version of the course titled Visualizing Peace
and Justice with Jef that has more engagement with international and local partners as well as deeper integration of
photography and peace building.
Photography has been a favored art medium by many contemporary artists as well as social activists to achieve
their interest of addressing political and social concerns. What I have deeply discovered by partnering with so many
interesting people including Jef, Nick, Nuria, all students, Omar and partners from Quito and Pijal in Ecuador,
students and teachers at the CityArts, and Lynne and street workers from the Non Violence Institute, the process of
making and sharing art also naturally as well as powerfully create sense of a strong community. It enables us to share
and communicate our ideas, which can lead us to build a peaceful place. I hope to continue to be part of creating this
type of learning opportunity for our students in the future.
Eric Sung
Associate Professor of Photography
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Jessica Ho 14
Student Leader
I went to Ecuador two years ago with our Global Community Lens: Visualizing Peace and Justice
class. It was such an amazing and eye opening experience that I wanted to go back. However, I was not sure
when I would have the opportunity to return. I had thought my next chance was going to be after college.
I did not know that it was going to be two years later and this time as student leader. It was exciting to see
familiar faces again and meet many new friends!!
Art speaks to us in a language that we need to use our heart to appreciate, our hands to feel, and our
eyes to capture the enduring beauty. Knowing that photography can afect people in many ways, we wanted
to fully explore photography as a form of art. However, it was not until the trip two years ago that I truly
understood what it meant to be living with art and how art was a means for social change. We found beauty
and grace with the people of Ecuador. We found harmony and serenity in the landscape of Ecuador. We
found that our digital cameras not only captured the moments but also the compassion and the empathy.
Being able to experience something frsthand rather than from anothers point of view was extraordinary.
As a photography major, I use photos and images to capture an instance in time and to document social
change. When I was in Ecuador, I saw life woven into fabrics, painted on walls and choreographed into
dances. Art was presented to me in a way that I never before perceived: it is a part of everyday life. Art was
a communication breaker, a bridge between diferent cultures; it was brilliant. Art was everywhere. If we
could just slow down and take in the beauty of the sights around us, then we would live amongst art every
day of our lives. Being in Ecuador and taking pictures there showed me the benefts of slowing down time
and appreciating life around us.
Our Global Community Lens Class was a family and together we created another family in Ecuador.
I have to thank our professors: Dr. Jefrey Pugh and Professor Eric Sung. Not only did they make this
possible, but they also made it an unforgettable experience. But the icing on the cake was that I had the
opportunity to share this trip with my partner in crime and co-leader on the trip, Kiley Leduc; she had also
gone on the previous trip to Ecuador. Te students involved in the class also showed passion and dedication
about helping our community. I learned the role of art in bridging cultures, and the role it has in capturing
beauty of the land, culture, and individuals we have met. It is through this trip that I learned the power that
art has in understanding and spreading peace and justice. It is my hope that our audience, in viewing our
pictures, will be inspired as we ourselves were when we photographed these powerful moments.
Studio Art Major
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Kiley Leduc 14
When I frst went on the trip to Ecuador two years ago, I didnt expect that the next time I would
return would be as a student leader. Te journey from two years ago, to now, has been interesting. Two years
ago, I had never left the country before and couldnt have imagined leading an international trip. Once I
returned from a year of studying abroad, that perspective completely changed. When the opportunity was
presented to be a student leader for the trip, it was immediately something that appealed to me. Te chance
to go back, but now more experienced in travel, was something I couldnt turn down.
Te experience has helped me grow as a leader, in confdence and learn to work in a variety or
situations. One of the best parts was getting to work closely with not only another student leader, but also
work hand in hand with the two professors Jef and Eric going on the trip. It was a completely diferent side
of things I hadnt thought about before as a student simply attending the trip. Planning the informational
meetings, advertising, facing the challenges of trying to fundraise for a large group, book fights for everyone
when we were leaving during winter break, etc. Ten once we were in country being a source for other
students, when two years prior, I never would have imagined being a resource in that sort of situation.
Getting back to Ecuador and being able to do so with such a great leadership group, as well as a
group of diverse and phenomenal students, was a highlight of my time at Providence College. Not only did
I get the opportunity to grow into a leadership position and go abroad again, but I was able to do so with a
strong and supportive community of students and faculty. Tere was also the chance to revisit relationships
and communities that were started when I visited two years ago. As a result of this opportunity my self and
my community was able to grow and change. Tis is an experience I wish I had the opportunity to do again,
and also recommend highly to students interested in international experience as well as learning to be a
leader in a range of scenarios.
Student Leader
Global Studies Major
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Saturday, January 4th
My trip to Houston was defnitely unique. In
fact, it was so unique that I never actually made
it to Houston. I went to Panama City. Te
fight we were supposed to take to Houston was
overbooked, and I ended up getting bumped of
the plane. I spent a solid six hours in the Newark
Airport, waiting in the customer service line
with all the other travelers who had to adjust
and adapt to their changing fight plans. I ended
up being booked on a fight to Ecuador leaving
the next morning with a connection in Panama
City. I was in constant contact with all the trip
leaders, as well as my family, which made the
whole experience a lot easier than if I had been completely alone. While it was an inconvenience, the
experience defnitely made me a stronger person - and that much more thankful and excited to land in
Ecuador and start my trip. - Katelyn Sudlik
Sunday, January 5th
To startthe frst full day in Ecuador we visited the Basilica del Voto Nacional. I have been in a lot of churches
around the United States, but walking into the Basilica in Ecuador was like nothing I have ever experienced
before. It was absolutely beautiful. Te
stained glass windows were bursting
with colors and intricate details. Te
architecture on the outside of the building
was beautiful as well, but the inside blew
me away. I cannot even give the beauty of
this basilica justice with only words. What
made this basilica even more unique was
that people are allowed to climb up to
the top of the church and go out onto a
balcony where there is an amazing view of
Quito. Standing on the balcony and seeing
the entirety of the city for the frst time
was amazing. - Sarah Palmer
Photo by Jessica Ho
Photo by Sierra Wilbar
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Today, we visited the Basilica del Voto National, colonial downtown, and Casa de la Danza. Te Basilica was
absolutely beautiful. I climbed all the way to the roof of the Basilica, which was very high and somewhat
dangerous. We also visited colonial downtown and it amazed me how much the colonial downtown of
Ecuador resembles and reminds me of the colonial downtown of Dominican Republic. Lastly, we went to
Casa de la Danza, a museum and studio,
in colonial downtown. At Casa de la
Danza, we met Moti, the person in charge
of the studio, he is an amazing man, who
is completely mesmerized by his wife,
Susanna. Susanna is a very talented
dancer and is know worldwide. At Casa
de la Danza, we listened to music, looked
at artwork, watched dances, and ate really
delicious Ecuadorian food. Also, we were
all so relieved when Kaitlin fnally arrived
to Quito tonight after her extremely long
journey! - Jessica Rodriguez
After a long day of touring Quito, we made our
way to Casa de la Danza, a dance and cultural
studio that one of Dr. Pughs long-time friends
had a very active role in. Tis long time friend,
Moti Deren, was born in and spent most of his
time in Cuba and then traveled to New York
where he then decided that Ecuador was where
he belonged. Now, forty years later, Moti and his
partner, Suzanna Reyes, own Casa de La Danza,
the house of dance, where dance and peace fll
the air. Upon entering the studio, a large dream
catcher hung from the ceiling where rose petals
and candles illuminated the stone fooring. Moti
and a woman, who was dressed in all white, began
to speak of what exactly it is that they do at Casa de la Danza. Te woman spoke of the souls connection
to the Earth and how throughout her life, she has expressed this connection through dance. She said
something along the lines of, Te soul and the Earth are connected in such a way that they are similar
to the equator. Ecuador is the highest point along the equator, making it the place where the soul and the
Earth come together, peacefully. - Lindsey Ciolf
Photo by Lindsey Ciolf
Photo by Kiley Leduc
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Monday, January 6th
If I ever return to Ecuador I will defnitely be
making a trip back to Casa de la Danza. Te second
I stepped into the house, I felt more at peace. We
were given a tour of all of the artwork as well as the
opportunity to watch a dancer. Te dancer wore a
bright yellow skirt and rainbow scarf and seemed
to radiate energy while she was dancing. During
the dancing I was overcome with a sense of wonder.
Tere I was watching an exquisite performance
while overlooking the Panecillo and mountains of
Quito. Te sun streamed in through the openings in
the wall and the whole foor was fooded with light.
I felt energized, alive and ready.- Sierra Wilbar
I was amazed at how diferent and thin the air was at 4,100 km above sea level. While we were up on
Mt Pichincha, I think that we all grew closer and were able to create a stronger bond within the group.
We became a unit of friends rather than just a group of Providence College students traveling together.
- Giovanna Franciosa
Photo by Kiley Leduc
Photo by Jessica Ho
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We visited Mount Pichincha this morning and
in the afternoon we visited Casa de la Danza.
Mount Pichincha is a very beautiful place, I was
very grateful to have a chance to see it. It was
such a nice view and I would love to see this
same view everyday. I dont think that I have ever
been to a place as peaceful. Ecuador is a country
rich in culture and surrounded with beautiful
mountains. After visiting Mount Pichincha,
we went to Casa de la Danza, which was my
favorite place. We got a chance to talk about our
photography project and see the room that we
will be having our exhibition in. - Asha Ahmed
Tuesday, January 7th
While in Quito, we have been able to observe
the artistic expressions of Ecuadorians in public
spaces. In our travels throughout the city, weve
noticed detailed grafti on various walls and
buildings. On this particular day, we decided to
get of of the bus and walk along one strip of wall
that was completely covered in street art. We
refected on how these individuals were also
using art as a way to express issues associated
with peace and justice. Te very act of painting
these walls expressed a sense of entitlement
amongst the people who were desperately trying
to make themselves heard and noticed. Tis was
also expressed in some of the words and subject matter of the images that were boldly painted on these
walls. Although some people may view this work as an act of self-expression, it was also apparent that it
was often interpreted as destructive vandalism. After viewing amazing works of art on this one street, we
turned down another and saw that the grafti on this street was painted over with a thin, white coat. We
refected on the way in which the city had attempted to silence the voices of the artists by covering up their
works. Although we could faintly see some of the images that had previously been displayed, it sadden me
to know that this layer of paint prevented me from being able to fully acknowledge the underlying messages
that were trying to be expressed. - Lauren Domingue
Photo by Asha Ahmed
Photo by Gregory Nicolai
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Wednesday, January 8th
Arriving in Pijal, for what was my second
time, was unbelievably exciting. Te frst
time I had been on the trip to Pijal was two
years ago, I had been terrifed given that my
Spanish was questionable, and I had never
lived with a host family before. Although
the time was much shorter two years
before, coming back and remembering how
wonderful the experience was just increased
my excitement. I am more comfortable with
struggling through my Spanish now and was
ready to try and build stronger relationships
then last time. My host mom, Isabel, from
the frst trip, remembered me and showed
me the photo we had given her. It was an encouraging frst step, and I was ready to spend time with my new
host mom, Lucia. Te fact that I had gotten more comfortable and now had experienced being abroad, made
a huge diference in adjusting to living with a host family. Te nerves from the frst trip were not there and I
was really able to enjoy the frst day with the family, and also enjoy the rest of the week we spent with them.
Te welcoming into the community was so strong, it really felt like a home away from home. - Kiley Leduc
Te purpose of this trip was not just for fun, but
also learning about others through our experiences
and photos. I have never been challenged by a trip
until I left for Ecuador. I had never found a real
reason to explain to others why I hated speaking
Spanish. Troughout my life, my identity has
been a challenge - I have always known who I
am, but I was never able to embrace my Hispanic
background. Going to Ecuador and having to rely
on my Spanish was painful at frst. However, being
able to speak without judgments but rather having
individuals help to teach me made my experience
even better. I do feel shy and timid speaking
Spanish, but I will never forget that my language will forever be a part of me. I will always remember what
Ecuador has done for me. It enabled me to realize I should not be ashamed, but excited, that I am bilingual.
As we adventured of to Pijal, this challenge was faced. - Karissa Diaz
Photo by Jessica Ho
Photo by Karissa Diaz
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My frst night in Pijal was defnitely
accompanied by a mixture of emotions,
ranging from excitement and intrigue
to fear and shock. During the frst
half of the trip, I felt an eagerness to
arrive in Pijal, where I knew I would
be exposed to a completely diferent
culture. I looked forward to learning
more about this way of life and being
directly immersed into the culture.
However, when we fnally arrived in
Pijal, after a long day of traveling,
I suddenly felt overwhelmed and
anxious at the reality of what I was doing. I could hardly speak Spanish, I had no previous international
experiences, and my privileged life gave me unrealistically high expectations for cleanliness. When I was
dropped of with Molly at our new home, I began to question whether or not I would be able to do this.
However, in spite of my fears, I was warmly welcomed into this family. Even when I was unable to fully
comprehend what was being said to me, I recognized the universal language of their smiles and felt at ease.
Although that frst night was difcult in terms of the language barrier and the scarcity of their home, I
adjusted quickly and was happy that I placed myself out of my comfort zone. Te kindness and acceptance
of my host family was truly worth the anxiety and uncertainties that I frst felt. - Lauren Domingue
Photo by Giovanna Franciosa
Photo by Molly Blake
Photo by Lauren Domingue
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Tursday, January 9th
Tis afternoon, Mercedes dressed me
and Sierra in traditional clothing, what
she and other women in Pijal wear
on a daily basis. First, the handmade
blouse, made and embroidered by
Mercedes herself, then the long and
heavy skirts over our heads. Next came
the hats which were extremely special
to Mercedes as well as expensive -
usually costing about $80 each. Finally,
Mercedes strung a gold necklace on
Sierra and then realized that she did
not have one for me, so she untied
the one around her neck and strung it
around mine. Tis was such a selfess and motherly act of kindness from Mercedes. At this point in the trip,
only the frst day with our host families, Mercedes had already managed to make me feel so comfortable.
It was her gentle and welcoming disposition that made me feel at home, even though in reality I was
thousands of miles away. - Lindsey Ciolf
Photo by Jessica Ho
Photo by Lindsey Ciolf Photo by Jessica Ho
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What a day to not have socks on... We all had to wear
rubber, knee high wellies so we could hike through the
rivers and mud. Jess and Greg both feel in and soaked one
leg but no one was injured. Once we got to the waterfall
the view was amazing! We got to take so many incredible
photos and I even stood in the mouth of the waterfall
to get a cooler, closer angle. All of our trekking through
mud and branches was totally worth it. On the way, Don
Antonion taught us about a lot of the fora. He showed
us a tree called La Lechera that produces something of a
natural superglue. Te tree is also capable of regeneration
and is often used as fence posts and for building houses.
He showed us another whose leaves are used in cooking
and is considered sacred. - Katherine Mechem
One of the things that was most enjoyable in Pijal was getting to know our host families. Today we were
assigned the frst photo project in Pijal. It really gave us a chance to see how diferent Ecuadorean culture
is compared to the United States. If you
asked an American family where their
favorite place is I wonder what they
would say - probably a restaurant or a
store. When we asked our host family
to bring us to their favorite place in
Pijal, they brought us to a house that
was 100 years old. In this house lives
our host moms grandmother, she is 85
years old and spends her time inside
of this house making embroidered
clothing and cooking food. It was
amazing to see how important family is
in their culture. - Sarah Palmer
Photo by Katelyn Sudlik
Photo by Jessica Ho
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Friday, January 10th
Inti Raymi is one of the Ecuadorians largest cultural festivals that happens in June to celebrate
harvest season and the sun. Tonight, our host families held a mock Inti Raymi to show us what
it is like. I enjoyed the experience, especially as Lucia was ecstatic to get us dressed in traditional
clothing and get ready to host our friends and their families for the evening. Everyone came to her
house, apparently this is also true when they celebrate the actual festival. Tere were lots of photos,
dancing, music, and of course, tea. For me, this again just emphasized the sense of community that
is embodied in Pijal. It was a time to gather and celebrate. Even though we werent celebrating the
traditional festival day, it was clear that we were celebrating the community and our time together.
Tey were excited to have us, and we were excited to be there. - Kiley Leduc
Living with a host family is an experience that I will never
forget. Tonight we had our festa with all of the host families
and it was such a wonderful event! I enjoyed the music, the
dancing, the smiles, and the singing! Te traditional outfts
were not as uncomfortable as they looked and it let us have a
connection with our host families. One aspect of the night that
made me happy was seeing the reactions that the members of
my host family had when we put on their clothes. I have never
witnessed someone more proud of their culture than our host
family was. I enjoyed how everyone brought their families to
the festa and made an efort even though the festa was not the
actual event, which is held in June. Te festa made me feel at
home and let me enjoy the Ecuadorian culture. - Molly Blake
Photo by Katherine Mechem
Photo by Sarah Palmer
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Todays adventure took us on a trip to a village called
Otovalo. We visited the local market which was very
diferent from markets that you would see in the United
States. Here, the venders tell you the price they want for
their product and you tell them the price you want to pay.
You bargain with them until you can agree upon a price or
you leave. Tis was a very interesting experience because
it is not something you see often, if at all, in the United
States. Te bargaining was not the only thing that made
this market diferent from American ones. Te products
themselves were very unique. Tey had very beautiful
clothing that you might not be able to fnd in the United
States. Tese were just some of the many things that were
for sale at the market. It was also very interesting to see
how many people were at the market, both buyers and
vendors. People traveled from all over to buy and sell goods
in Otovalo. It goes to show that there are so few places in
Ecuador were commerce is popular. - Stanford Law
Saturday, January 11th
We went to the Otavalo craft market where all the arts and crafts were being sold. Tamia and Guilmer, my
host parents, came along as well. We were going to see Alexandra and Johan!! I met them last time I visited
Ecuador. Tey had moved to Otavalo and we had not had the chance to see them yet. I was really excited
to see them! I do not think words can express how I happy I felt to see them again!! We walked around
the market and perused the diferent
items being sold. Johan kept playing with
the little wooden animals with bobbing
heads, like bobble heads but in animal
form. Ten, we went to La Casa de Intag,
a fair trade cofee shop, to have something
to drink and rest. Johan took quiet a few
photos with my camera; he was exploring
the diferent ways of taking photographs.
He would press diferent buttons and
see what would happen. Afterwards, we
continued to look through the market
some more. - Jessica Ho
Photo by Jessica Ho
Photo by Giovanna Franciosa
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The people of Ecuador today have decided to save the
republic, a republic of hope, in whose streets and green fields
should f lower dignity, hope, equality, and happiness.
- Alfredo Palacio
Photo by Lindsey Ciolf
Todays adventure was half a hike and half an obstacle course.
Along the way we stopped at a tree, but not just any tree, it is
sacred. People come to the tree for its leaves and its healing
powers. Tis was the frst glimpse I had of how connected to
nature the people of Pijal are. - Danielle Fleurant
Tis Saturday, at Otavalo market, was one of the craziest days on
the trip. I would say that for many, it proved to be the low point, as
well as the halfway point, for many of the students on the trip. It was
hard to see the group at such a low due to sickness, loss of a loved
one, and also general exhaustion from constantly doing things. It
was however, inspiring to see the group rally to support each other
during the difcult day. Tis sort of support and familial community
is something that not everyone gets to witness or be a part of, but
our group defnitely had that connection. For me personally, it was
still an exciting day, especially for one reason. When we got to the
market, we went and met up with Alexandra and her son Johan. Johan
was one of the little boys we spent a lot of time with when we frst
traveled to Ecuador two years ago. Alexandra of course remembered
us and I think that Johan may have remembered a little bit too. He
had grown so much but was still exactly as we remembered him.
He is by far, one of the happiest little kids I have ever met. It was
defnitely a special experience to go back to Ecuador, two years later,
and continue to build on those relationships that were started during the frst trip. Tere is something special
about those connections that I feel, will be long standing. - Kiley Leduc
Photo by Lindsey Ciolf
Photo by Jessica Ho
Photo by Stanford Law
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Our trip to Otavalo was a nice break from the
countryside. Te marketplace was truly amazing!
Everywhere you looked there were colors and native
designs. I got so overwhelmed; I was in heaven.
Unfortunately the mood changed because I found
out that a very close friend of mine, Sam Berns,
had passes away from a rare disease called Progeria.
It was very overwhelming to be so far away from
my family and have to cope with the loss of Sam. I
couldnt even contact them when I got back to Pijal
because we have no internet or cell service. Tis
afternoon was clearly a bump in the road, but from this point on I really embraced the trip and appreciated
everyday that I was in this crazy, exotic country. Sam taught me how important it is to live in the moment
and that we cant waste our precious time being sad. Sam lived the essence of Carpe Diem and he would
have wanted me to embrace every moment in Ecuador. Although I was heartbroken, I am so glad that I
decided to join the group for the next event to go see the Peguche waterfall. Te waterfall was enormous
and it made me feel so much better embracingthe mist on my face. At that moment at the waterfall, the
sun came out and the forest was illuminated in a vibrant green. I truly felt that Sam was with me and
celebrating in the beauty of life. While this day was the defnitely the low point in my trip, it gave me such
a renewed perspective on life. - Sierra Wilbar
Celebrate we will cause life is short but sweet for certain.
Going to the Peguche waterfall was one of my
favorite experiences of the trip. Sam and I hiked
around the waterfall and followed two teenage locals
through the forest over the top of the waterfall. We
were hopping over streams, climbing over rocks, just
trying to keep up with the Ecuadorians. Similar to
all the other locals, these two guys were extremely
friendly. - Gregory Nicolai
Photo by Elizabeth Gaitskill Photo by Danielle Fleurant
Photo by Jessica Rodriguez
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Sunday, January 12th
At Don Antonios house, Isabel talked to us
about the indigenous plants of Pijal and it
was a wonderful experience. Not only was
it educational, it was also a great way for
us to learn about the customs, beliefs, and
remedies of the people of Pijal. Te workshop
allowed us to see the herbs that we had been
eating, as well as to understand their uses in
the society. I found the ritual for the cuy, or
guinea pigs, to be very interesting as well. I
found it to be amazing, and also somewhat
beautiful, the process in which one prepares
the cuy. It was very powerful to learn how
the cuy is used to cleanse the body of evils before it is prepared to eat. I was delighted that the community
shared their traditions with us and explained just how this ritual cleansing takes place. - Giovanna Franciosa
Photo by Jessica Ho
Photo by Giovanna Franciosa
Today was one of the best days because
I got a chance to spend more time with
my family and have great conversations.
My host sister was telling me how
even though they really do not have
a lot money and it is sometimes hard
to do everything she wants to do, she
still very happy with what she has. She
can not imagine leaving her country
because she does not want to leave this
peaceful place that makes her so happy.
People in Ecuador are so peaceful. We
tend to think that we have a lot, we in
America think having good resources
and being wealthy is considered as having a good life. I believe people in Ecuador have so much more, I
consider happiness to be a lot. Sometimes we forget that having money and technology are not the most
important things in life. - Asha Ahmed
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Monday, January 13th
We took a ride out into the Cuycocha
Crater lake on a boat where we got to
hear about the history of lake and take
some great pictures. After the boat
ride, we had the opportunity to go
on a hike up into the mountains that
surround the lake. Tis was incredible
because from the higher altitude, we
were able to capture the entire lake in
one picture. Tere were also beautiful
monuments and fountains at the top of
the mountain. Tis was my favorite site
that we visited during our entire two
week stay in Ecuador. - Stanford Law
Crater Lake was beautiful. Te water
was bubbling from the volcanic activity
underneath the lake. After we boated around
the lake, Sam, Dr. Pugh, and I hiked around
the lake and got some really cool pictures.
Crater Lake was one of the most scenic
places I have been to. - Gregory Nicolai
Photo by Asha Ahmed
Photo by Giovanna Franciosa
Photo by Stanford Law
23
Our last day in Pijal was surprisingly bittersweet.
Maybe I was crying from the awful smell of my
sneakers, or maybe I truly was upset to go. After
a week in Pijal, we had all grown so attached to
our host families and it is slightly mind blowing
to realize that you are never going to see someone
again. We shared the photos we had taken of them
and their community and then presented them
with gifts. Zoyla, my host mother, was very sweet
when she said goodbye, she thanked us for such
a lovely experience with her frst host family and
invited us to return with our own families someday.
Hugging her goodbye was unexpectedly hard... Staying in Pijal had pushed me so far out of my comfort zone
that I thought the day I left was going to be a celebration, but instead I found myself in tears. I will never
forget what Pijal has done for me; opening myself up to a little more adventure and being more accepting of
other cultures was life changing. - Katherine Mechem
Today was the saddest day. I never knew saying goodbye was this hard. Te bond I made with my family
was defnitely a strong one. Pijal was my home. My host family was my family. And I was their daughter
and I was their sister. Saying goodbye was an emotional takeover that I was not prepared for. I will miss my
little sister, Tamia. When I frst met her, I was so happy that this little girl was interacting with me. Back
home, I have two brothers and was raised by only male fgures, so having a little sister was quite an amazing
experience. On the day we were leaving, Tamia came and to say goodbye... Seeing this little girl cry was
devastating, I cried right in front of her and she ran to hug me. We made a pinky-promised that one day we
would be reunited in Pijal. - Karissa Diaz
Tuesday, January 14th
Photo by Jessica Ho
Photo by Jessica Ho
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Today we worked with teenage
refugees. Tis was an experience
that I wasnt ready for. It is difcult
working with teenagers regardless
of where you are in the world, but
working with teenagers through a
language barrier is extremely hard.
I wanted to get to know them and
help them learn about confict
resolution and peace, but it was very
hard with limited spanish. I also felt
a disconnect because I dont think
any of the teens wanted to be there,
which was a difcult wall to break
down. Overall, I enjoyed working with them because I think they realized that we were trying our best to
help them as best as we could and to learn about their cultures. - Molly Blake
After eleven days in Ecuador, there were so many thoughts in my head sparring to get out - What am I
taking out of this? What is the meaning of justice? What can I do in the future to share that meaning? Tese
queries scrambled around in my head as I looked over the photos I had selected. I knew that I would want
to do something related to children, something about the future. Writing my artists statement fnally helped
me to make sense of all the things I was beginning
to understand while in Ecuador. I really enjoyed
editing everyones artist statements as well. It was so
interesting to read them all even though I hadnt seen
everyones photographs yet. To me, the most brilliant
thing about them was that despite sharing a common
theme, visualizing peace and justice, they were still
all so diferent. Every individual student interpreted
their experience with peace and justice in Ecuador in
varying ways. - Katherine Mechem
Wednesday, January 15th
Photo by Eric Sung
Photo by Giovanna Franciosa
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Tursday, January 16th
One of my favorite things we did in Quito was today, when we visited Omars house to paint on the walls
surrounding his home. We were all a little hesitant since no one had ever given us a bunch of spray paint and
told us to just go at it. I drew a heart on the wall. I think it is indicative of something that can be small and
simple, yet positive. I felt
like my heart symbol was
representative of our time in
Ecuador. We are not making
drastic changes in the world,
and our trip was short, but
in leaving our mark on the
wall, is a representative of
a positive mark I left on
Ecuador - like Ecuador
has left. Alone, our artwork
was nothing phenomenal
but all together, all the
diferent colors, made the
wall magical and turn into
something that was only our own. We probably will not ever see that wall again, but other people will.
Everyday people will walk by and see the heart I painted, or the basketball, or the fowers, and theyre going
to wonder about how it came to be. I think it makes it special because only the members of the trip know
what went into making it so special. - Elizabeth Gaitskill
Te exhibition wastonight! I have never been a part of an exhibition before so this was all new and exciting. I
was proud of myself and the installation team because everything looked great and extremely well organized
inside Casa de la Danza. I was even proud of my
pictures, which is something that I struggled with
throughout the whole trip. I also felt a sense of
honor that we were able to put on this exhibition
for people we had never met before and simply
immerse ourselves into their culture. Casa de la
Danza is such an amazing and peaceful place and I
feel so blessed to have been given the chance to put
my photographs in their studio. Tis was one of the
best nights we have had in Ecuador, and I am sad
this is all coming to an end. - Molly Blake
Photo by Lindsey Ciolf
Photo by Eric Sung
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Friday, January 17th
Our last day in Ecuador was so bittersweet. While I will miss
the tranquility of this country, I am excited to see my family.
Since it was our last day in Ecuador, we could break of into
groups and explore the city. I went to another craft fair in
Quito, but it was nothing like the one in Otavalo. At this point
I had gotten pretty good at distinguishing between unique
hand made crafts and mass produced touristy crafts.It is hard
for me not to feel like a foreigner in this city. My blonde hair
and blue eyes are a dead give away that I am not a citizen of
Quito. At times I wish I could travel about the city and be
more anonymous. While I will miss the charm of Quito, I
wont miss the constant stares. After eating lunch, a group of
us took a taxi to the Panecillo, the large angel statue at the
highest base of Quito. I really enjoyed the taxi ride because
we got to see the whole city. Te Panecillo was impressive and
Im glad we got to experience the statue up close. Te drive
was a lot longer than I had expected. From the balcony of the
statue we could see the whole city guarded by the surrounding
mountains. Green mountains and pale colored buildings
everywhere. I loved the view but it got really windy so we
quickly came down. What a perfect last day to end our trip!
Te echar de menos Ecuador! - Sierra Wilbar
For our fnal night in Ecuador, we were given
the opportunity to make ourselves dinner.
Tere was so much food, a real sampling of
everything we had experienced during our
time in Ecuador. It was basically our one
last opportunity to eat all the delicious, local
food. I was put on fruit chopping, cutting, and
dicing duty - an interesting experience because
my knife skills are not top notch. However, it
was a lot of fun. We had music playing, and
everyone was either sitting around the table
or in the kitchen, just talking and hanging out
together. It really showed how well we had
gotten to know each other and how we have
bonded during the trip. - Katelyn Sudlik
Photo by Lindsey Ciolf
Photo by Jessica Ho
27
Ive learned a lot about the importance of images that I didnt recognize before.
Te most prevalent of these things is that fact that everyone, regardless of what
language you speak, can understand photographs. Tey dont have to mean the same
thing to everyone either which is even cooler. I like that they are open to interpretation
and based on what you have experienced and also how people can see diferent things
within the same picture.
Pictures allow diferent voices to be heard because anyone can take a photograph.
Te picture that I would take of a fower might be completely diferent than another
person taking a photo of the same fower. Images tell stories and stories are what
bring us together to recognize our diferences, but also our similarities, and we use
those to build strong relationships and communities.
I think in most societies, the voices of the youth are often not heard because
they do not know how to make their voices heard.Te adults of the world tend to
think they know what is best for everyone, but sometimes children have some great
ideas - yet they arent often asked.I think by working with the students at a school
in Quito we empowered those youth to share their idea of peace and by putting them
on display amongst all of our works at Casa de la Danza suggested that were are all
equals and that their ideas of peace matter just as much as ours do All of us having
a say in the exhibition empowered us. Overcoming individual obstacles helped us to
make our voices heard. We worked together to cross streams and get through mass
amounts of mud only to realize we can do what we set our minds to with the help of
other. Helping people realize they can accomplish what they thought they couldnt
do also is something I hope to continue doing in the future. Everyones opinions are
valid and deserve to be heard.
Ecuador has changed me: it makes me want to try new things; meet new people;
and see the world. - Elizabeth Gaitskill
Moving Forward . . .
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Te Center for Mediation, Peace, and Resolution of Confict (CEMPROC) is a nonproft organization
based in Cumming, GA and Quito, Ecuador with the ultimate purpose of reducing confict in Latin America.
It was founded in 2003 by Jefery Pugh, who serves as its Executive Director. CEMPROCs leadership also
includes a Director in Ecuador, Omar Rodriguez. CEMPROC strives to promote meditation and peaceful
methods of confict resolution on a local, grassroots level. It provides training to at-risk communities through
confict resolution skills to promote the study of peace through community development. CEMPROC also
ofers educational programs, meditation services, and consulting, especially for marginalized areas in the
developing world and among immigrant communities in the United States.
Colegio Filippo Brunelleschi, one of the schools in collaboration with CEMPROC, welcomed us
with open arms in Ecuador. We spent a number of days working with these students, exploring our unique
understandings of peace and justice.
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Te Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence has a mission to teach the principals and
practices of nonviolence and to foster a community that targets the reduction of gang related violence in
Rhode Island. Providence is one of the poorest cities for children in the nation, and poverty levels directly
correlates to violence rates. Tere are estimated to be over 1,400 gang members in the city, where approximately
50% of youth have lost a family member to homicide. Te Institute works with law enforcement, families of
victims, convicted persons, employment services, as well as hospitals to reduce violence in the Providence
area. Trough a series of Nonviolence Trainings in prison and schools, Street Outreach, hospital response
to violent crime, employment services, and enrichment activities, the organization successfully serves both
victims and perpetrators of violent crimes. Te Institute works from all angles to renew community bonds.
In an efort to continue our work once back in the United States, three groups of students have been
working on various projects with the Nonviolence Institute.
Jose explained that it is almost impossible not to get involved with
violence in certain parts of the city that have direct afliations with
gangs. Jose opened up to us about his experience with violence and it
was extremely eye opening to see situations in life that I have not been
exposed to by growing up in a suburb. It saddens me that violence is the
only option for many of the people in the city of Providence because
without violence they could fourish in other ways. Molly Blake
Meeting with gang members and other young men has opened my
eyes to realize that these people are not really bad or dangerous.
Tey sometimes dont even want to be in the situation they are in
but do not know how to get out of it. Like Jose was telling us- when
it comes to the streets you can either choose to be the bully or the
person being bullied. Tat is the main reason why young men get
caught up in bad things and people lose their lives. - Sarah Palmer
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Last week we visited the mother of a nineteen-year-old boy who was killed two
years ago. His mother was surprisingly very strong around us when we were in her
home. She had placed out several pictures of her son with his friends and family,
doing all of his favorite things, at his graduation, and as a baby. She was so proud of
her son, and the man he had grown up to be. She kept saying how hardworking he
was, and how everyone was so surprised to hear of his tragic death. I feel like our
job at the institute is hard because we are trying to preserve memories of people we
have only heard about. I think what the Institute does is amazing for these families
in not only preventing violence in the future, but maintaining relationships with
families who have felt the bulk of a lot of violence. - Elizabeth Gaitskill
At the Nonviolence Institute, I, along with three other
Providence College students, are working with homicide
victim families and creating for them new images of
their lost loved one. I hope to create collages and new
photographs, using ones that the families already have, for
these families so that their loved one can be remembered
and kept close to their hearts. - Giovanna Franciosa
Our groups experience at the nonviolence institute has been
nontraditional to say the least. After leaving the recording studio we
refected in the car, trying to fgure out how we could possibly relate our
afternoon to our time spent in Ecuador. To me, the answer was simple;
Arthur and Flip (the owners of the studio) were treating us as their
friends, their equals, and as a part of their community - just as we had
been accepted in Ecuador. Working with Arthur and the Nonviolence
Institute opened our minds to gain a deeper understanding and
connection with the community around us. - Katherine Mechem
One of my favorite things about volunteering with the Nonviolence
Institute is getting to work side by side with Arthur, our program
coordinator. Our group in particular is focused on making an album
cover for a young artist and it has caused us to travel to multiple
diferent sites. Each and every site we go to, Arthur is warmly greeted
by everyone - adults, children, friends, you name it and Arthur knows
them. It is so refreshing to know someone like Arthur and to be able
to see how his positive and friendly attitude has helped so many
children at the Nonviolence Institute. - Lindsey Ciolf
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CityArts!, began its work in 1992, as an initial response to the
communitys critical need for positive programs to engage youth during
after school time. At CityArts, youth are encouraged to express and grow
through the process of art-making and exploration of ideas. CityArts
encourages creative thinking to promote the strength of community
and family. Tis organization provides sources of hope and creativity to
inspire over 1500 youth. CityArts youth have access to this consistent
and afordable after school program which grants the youth exceptional
opportunities to take feldtrips to local museums, perform at community
gatherings, engage in neighborhood service projects, and have their art
work displayed in galleries throughout Providence, RI. In collaboration
with the CityArts program, several students have put together an
exhibition that features both the works of the students at Providence
College as well as the works of the children of CityArts.
Working with CityArts has been such a rewarding experience. While
going into service on a Friday afternoon may have been tiring, the kids
energy automatically put me in a better mood. One day that sticks out in
my mind is when we had to draw trees with the kids. During our refection
of the activity, the kids kept mentioning the importance of protecting the
environment. It amazed me how educated these kids were about such
important issues. Working with such smart, young minds gives me hope
for the future. - Sierra Wilbar
I have been working with the older artists at CityArts, which
has been a really unique experience. At frst, it would take a lit-
tle coaxing to get the students involved, but once they warmed
up to us and the activity, they really gave it their all. Working
with them has taught me a lot about efective ways to commu-
nicate, not only with the students, but with the other student
leaders as well. We all had to work together as a team to create
something meaningful and beautiful. - Katelyn Sudlik
Taking the Global Service Learning course in accordance with
working at CityArts has truly showed me how art can serve as a
form of healing. In fact, one day at service, a little girl was upset
because her pet bird had passed away. Instead of internalizing those
feelings of sadness she was able to express herself through painting
the bird. Te painting was an outlet to share the happy memories
about her pet, which brought a smile to her face. - Danielle Fleurant
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Acknowledgements
Center for Mediation, Peace, and Resolution of Confict (CEMPROC)
Center for Engaged Learning
Center for International Studies and Santander Universities
Ofce of Institutional Diversity
Casa de la Danza
CityArts!
Department of Art and Art History
Feinstein Institute
Foreign Language Studies Department
Global Studies Department
Institute for Study and the Practice of Nonviolence
Ofce of Institutional Diversity
Colegio Fillipo Brunelleschi
PDQ Graphics
Political Science Department
Refugee Education Trust (RET)
Sumak Pacha
Wadysaw Maryan Froelich Award for Research and Creative Activity,Middle
Atlantic Council of Latin American Studies (MACLAS)
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