by Kathy Pereira

A few years ago I undertook postgraduate studies on the many benefits of crosscultural learning. It became clear that spending an extended period of time immersed in a cross-cultural context can bring life-changing transformations for all involved. The insights of my studies served into increase my long-held passion for engaging young people around the world in cross-cultural experiences.

So when I was invited to speak in front of hundreds of young Australians at the Make Poverty History Summit in Canberra in May 2010 about how together we can actively play a tangible role in the alleviation of poverty, I wholeheartedly accepted the opportunity.

The Summit was a time of impassioned learning for all. Hundreds of young Aussies from every corner of the country campaigned to raise awareness in local communities about global poverty. The “road trips” converged in Canberra, where participants enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to learn more about how their actions can improve the lives of people who living in poverty and disadvantage.

It was a strong reminder that young Australians already have a firelike passion to strive for global equality and to become involved in changing the systems that create poverty. UnitingWorld received an amazing response at the summit, as more and more people wanted to embrace a tangible role in fostering mutual, two-way partnerships that increase the capacity of local communities, thus empowering them.

Dozens of young people with a passion to become actively involved in UnitingWorld’s Experience programs eagerly quizzed me afterwards.

Experience programs facilitated by UnitingWorld offer a tangible way to literally be a part of the deep connection between the Uniting Church, our Church Partners, and your own congregation. And overwhelmingly, participants in the Experience program come back changed. They come back having learnt and grown a great deal through engaging with our partners and the communities in which they live.

After having the opportunity to engage with other cultures at a deep, rich and relational level, people cannot help but return changed. Placements might only take place for six months or a year, but the skills will stay with our trusted Church Partners for much longer.

Kathy Pereira is Associate Director for Experience Programs