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College Nine Field Study: Ghana/Nigeria Internship

In the summer of 2003 Adam traveled to the city of Accra in Ghana where he volunteered with UCOM Ghana Ltd. a subsidiary of the originally US-based company called Engineering systems and Services Ltd. In his capacity as an intern Adam designed, supervised, installed, and configured various networks for the company. Adam received an outstanding evaluation from his supervisor who wrote, "Adam is, without a doubt, one of the most productive interns we have had.JHe is a dedicated student with excellent work ethics. He persistence in dealing with complex problems is admirable. He showed great ability for independent and creative work."

In addition to the work accomplished for UCOM, Adam kept a series of reflective field notes and designed a power point presentation about his experience which he presented to my service-learning class in the fall. On all accounts, Adams work was of the highest caliber. Adam's journal shows a strong sense of maturity in his ability to deal with uncertainty--which is often the case when interning in a developing country. For example, early on, Adam wrote, "We don't have much to do." Nevertheless his tone was completely upbeat whereas Adam decided to spend the time educating himself about telecommunications and information networking until the projects became available.

One of the the key questions that Adam explored in his journal writing is whether or not Information Technology is contributing positively to social change in Ghana. Adam observes that e-mail is alive and well but that institutions such as schools and hospitals have yet to make use of this technology. This, Adam feels, is largely due to negative political and cultural patterns such as corruption, miseducation, poverty, etc.

Adam's power point presentation to my service-learning class was extremely well thought out. He inspired the students to think about the benefits of international service, a new concept for many of them. Adam is a treasure. I know that he will go on to lead of life of service to others in this ever developing world of Information Technology.

College Nine Field Study: Alternative Spring Break

This quarter Adam was the co-founder of a new student organization called FOCUS (Friendship, Outreach, Community, United in Service). The mission of the group is "to provide service-learning opportunities for College Nine and Ten students which allow them to apply the colleges themes of international perspectives and social justice while developing leadership skills and social responsibility."

Adam, along with a small group of other students, successfully organized an Alternative Spring Break Initiative with Barrios Unidos, a local non-profit organization dedicated to Latino youth empowerment and non-violence. Leading up to spring break, the group of nine students met weekly to organize fundraising activities which included a raffle, a letter writing campaign, and writing a number of grant proposals. In addition, the team conducted a series of meetings with staff members of Barrios Unidos to collaborate on a plan which included the following: Working with the alternative high school students in team building activities, providing vocational computing and digital media training for students and staff of Barrios Unidos, and doing construction work at the Barrios Unidos retreat site.

By the time of spring break FOCUS had raised $3,000 to help pay for a technology upgrade of the software at Barrios Unidos as well to help defray costs for feeding themselves during the week of volunteer work. During the spring break, I was very impressed with the way in which the group was able to remain flexible in response to the needs of Barrios Unidos.

In terms of his individual contribution, Adam was a pivotal player throughout the duration of this project. He was involved in all aspects of FOCUS taking on the role of leader within the group. Adam is also a "techi" so the computer and digital media aspect of the project was only made possible because of Adams extensive knowledge in this area. Adam is tenacious. He doesn't let anything stand in his way. For next quarter, Adam will continue on at Barrios Unidos advising three high school students as they upgrade the Barrios Unidos Web Site. Adam has boundless energy, a quick mind, and a genuine commitment to social justice issues. I hope he eventually lands somewhere in the non-profit world.

FOCUS Alternative Spring Break article Santa Cruz Sentinel
FOCUS Alternative Spring Break article UCSC Currents