Project Background
Bethany Land Institute represents a new model: an integrated approach to fight poverty, restore dignity and care for creation. BLI’s goal is to inspire similar models that can revitalize rural livelihoods in Uganda, and its mission is to train leaders in rural Uganda and set a new standard for sustainable creation care, food production and economic well being in Africa. The mission is realized through three key programs of the Bethany Land Institute:
Mary’s Farm: A sustainable farm that conducts educational and mentorship programs in sustainable practices of land use and food production.
Lazarus’ Trees: A forest, which serves as a catalyst for a major countrywide reforestation effort and an education base for a new ecological consciousness.
Martha’s Market: A Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), which serves as the business hub of BLI and the engine for ongoing economic entrepreneurship of BLI caretakers. Among others, Martha’s market will set up, manage and operate a retreat center and a roadside market (to provide a market for the produce, a rest stop for travelers, and publicity for the BLI vision and programs).
Definition of Opportunity
BLI is a unique initiative, whose programs of learning (Mary's farm), renewing (Lazarus Forest) and sustaining (Martha's Market) offer a unique methodology of integral ecology that responds to twin cries of the cry of the earth and cry of the poor. BLI does not want this model and mission to spread solely around rural Uganda but wants to engage with scholars, students, and researchers across the world who will learn from BLI and bring their own gifts to campus. Therefore, BLI wants to develop an internship program at its campus in Nandere in which US or European students and scholars can live at BLI, both learning about integral ecology and Pope Francis’ Laudato Si as well as providing value to BLI with their presence and skills.
Definition of Success
Ultimately BLI is hoping that the team will help BLI understand the role that immersive education experiences (including internships and fellowship) play at BLI, and explore how these contribute both to participants and to BLI. The team will further delve into one of these immersive experiences (one designed for US students) and help design the program, helping set and manage visitors' preparation, expectations, field experience, reflections, and continuing engagement.