International Students Volunteer at Not Bread Alone
UMass Amherst exchange students from Africa and the Middle East recently did some volunteer work at CHD’s Not Bread Alone community meal program in Amherst. The students, from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia, are taking part in the UMass Civic Initiative, which is dedicated to promoting democracy through education in both the US and abroad.
Each year, the UMass Civic Initiative brings a select group of students, scholars, and professionals from the world to UMass for courses that examine modern politics and public policy.
“A few years ago, I was discussing the possibilities of our exchange program participants seeing how our community addresses food insecurity,” said UMass Civic Initiative Communications Manager Kenneth LeBlond. “Since then, it has included not only Not Bread Alone but also work parties at the Food Bank farm in Hadley.”
LeBlond said Not Bread Alone, many of whose guests are unhoused or live in nearby subsidized housing, was chosen partly because LeBlond’s Girl Scout Troop has volunteered there in the past and he was aware of the program for many years prior to that. “Our participants this year have always felt very strong feelings about helping others,” he said. “Although each person indeed has their own motivations, one of Islam’s five pillars is to help people less fortunate. To volunteer at Not Bread Alone is to fulfill their duty.”
Visit the original article and see pictures: https://chd.org/2024/07/12/umass-international-students-volunteer-at-not-bread-alone/.
July 12, 2024
