On 4 July 2023, the BIP sessions highlighted the role of Jesuit universities and service-learning experiences in promoting inclusion and diversity in a world marked by migration and related challenges.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
The day began with a presentation by Alberto Ares, SJ, PhD, Regional Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service in Europe. In his speech entitled “The role of Jesuit universities in promoting diversity and inclusion in an era of migration”, Father Ares highlighted the importance of Jesuit educational institutions in addressing the challenges faced by migrant and refugee communities. He underlined the commitment of Jesuit universities to providing inclusive education, emotional support, and development opportunities for displaced persons.
Alberto Ares SJ, PhD
The Society of Jesus has been encouraging for years programs and projects aimed at promoting the culture of hospitality
Next, Dr. Sabine Henry, lecturer at the University of Namur, shared her experience in implementing a Service-Learning course. Her presentation entitled “Implementing a Service-Learning course: the experience at the University of Namur” highlighted how service-based learning can foster social awareness and active participation of students in promoting inclusion and diversity. Dr. Henry shared examples of successful projects carried out by students at the university in collaboration with local communities.
Dr. Sabine Henry
Service-learning contributes to the development of the whole person
After these two inspiring presentations, participants had the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved coffee break, where they could interact and share ideas with colleagues from different disciplines and backgrounds. This was followed by lunch, which provided a conducive environment to continue conversations and establish meaningful connections.
The afternoon began with the opening session, which welcomed participants and set the tone for the presentations and discussions to come. Next, Dr. Natalie Rigaux, a professor at the University of Namur, shared her experience in applying service-based learning through her course “Anthropology of Hospitality and Asylum Policy”. She presented concrete examples of how students were able to better understand the realities of asylum seekers and develop greater empathy and awareness of related issues.
Dr. Natalie Rigaux
Service-learning cultivates open-mindedness and logical reasoning to be a better citizen and a better person.
Afterward, Dr. Amélie Pierre, visiting professor at the University of Namur, gave a presentation entitled “Research methods and service-based learning: how volunteering enriches immersion, anthropology of communication and disability”. She highlighted how volunteering can enrich research and learning, giving students a deeper understanding of the social and communicative dynamics of people with disabilities.
Dr. Amélie Pierre
Service-learning cultivates open-mindedness and logical reasoning to be a better citizen and a better person.
The day concluded with a discussion session, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas and reflect on the topics addressed during the day.
The programme also offered participants the opportunity to discover the beautiful city of Namur through a guided tour. During this tour, attendees had the opportunity to explore the historical and cultural charms of the city, allowing them to immerse themselves in its diversity and richness. They had the opportunity to see Namur from different perspectives, highlighting especially the character of the city, its culture, architecture and traditions.
