MB
Michael Butcher
  • global studies
  • Class of 2018
  • Greencastle, Pa.

Michael Butcher Travels to Peru for Service Learning Trip

2016 Jun 16

Michael Butcher of Middletown, Md. recently traveled with 13 other Lebanon Valley College students and two faculty advisors on a week-long service learning trip to Peru where they worked with the Misminay community. It is the second LVC group to participate in this high-impact experience, with the first group visiting in 2014.

Butcher, a graduate of Middletown Senior High School, is pursuing a bachelor of arts in global studies at The Valley.

On the first day, the students arrived to Cusco, Peru where they settled in for the evening and explored the city. It was the second day that students jumped into the Peruvian culture by learning about and working with the people of the Misminay village. Throughout the week, the students worked with families, individuals, and children to gain knowledge about their community, observe their practices, and learn from the experiences they encountered.

Many cultures worldwide have resources and systems available that enable self-support. However, the Misminay community relies on substantial economic support from outside organizations and groups, including from the LVC community. The last student group to visit the community was the first group of LVC students who went on the trip two years ago.

While in Peru, students on the trip spent three days at the local elementary school located at the bottom of the village. Each day, they hiked down the mountain and instructed the children on different subjects, which included teaching English through music, organizing activities about recycling and sustainability, explaining hygiene, and aiding the children with better study techniques. They also organized sporting events, put together puzzles, and assembled crafts with the children.

During the afternoons, LVC students participated in cultural and agricultural sessions. They assisted with every day work such as constructing Andean bricks called adobes, which are used to build homes. They also learned about the techniques of weaving with naturally dyed sheep and alpaca wool. Students were astonished by the pure use of natural resources by the Peruvians.

The students were accompanied by Dr. Gabriela McEvoy, professor of Spanish, and Rev. Dr. Paul Fullmer, College chaplain and director of service and volunteerism.