Arts & Contemporary Studies

This is the second year that Ryerson students have devoted their time during Reading Week to people in the developing world. ACSers Danielle Dye and Haley Franklin were part of a group of ten students who, under the supervision of Youth Challenge International, travelled to Panama to help the Ngobe-Bugle people of the Silico Creek community develop their travel and tourism industry. (Full news story)

Here’s what Dani had to say about the experience: “Being part of the team is a unique and insightful experience. Not only does it expose natural abilities, but it inspires and challenges your everyday expressions, routines, and sensory perceptions. Hard work, new languages, adventure and playing childhood games will always be in my memories of Silico. All ten of us have made lifelong friends among each other and endearing impressions within the community. When we were leaving, we exchanged meaningful glances among ourselves as more and more of the village members came to see us off. The energy was tangible as we celebrated a week of two cultures coming together while saddened by our need to say good bye. Only now, as we settle back into our lives here at home, are we able to realize the gravity of what we accomplished.  We all stand empowered, motivated, and humbled by being part of something that was so much bigger than ourselves. Knowing our hard work still stands in Silico is an awesome thing! Yet, it is the memory of the people who made us part of their community that has become the ultimate dream, yet only after it came true.”