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It
is not possible to convey all the different experiences of the young
people and the entire programme in detail, but a glimpse of some
of the more positive aspects of the project can be ascertained from
a sample of their comments below.
Aruna
, India
- There is unity in spite of our diversity. I have enjoyed the people
from the four corners of the world coming together to achieve certain
goals.
Amit,
India - I enjoyed working with the group of young adults with the
help of the local village people. These people are from different
religions and it is good to see that.
Nangroi,
India- I learned the importance of team work and cooperation.
River,
Canada - We moved sand, painted and destroyed a wall. The
falling of that wall was symbolic of the religious barriers that
were collapsing. All of us on our knees worshipping in the mosque
is a memory I will cherish. Then there was the tiring work at the
temple. The sun burned hot beating down on all of us and weakening
our backs but our resolve was strong. We poured concrete, moved
dirt and built the foundations. At the same time as we were building
foundations of interfaith tolerance.
I was
proud of us when we were working, giving ourselves in the true meaning
of shramadan ("shramadan" means "the gift of labour")
Recollecting the last evening together, River noted, I have only
felt that type of unity and happiness once and that was never in
the midst of so many differences.
Nora,
Hungary -When we were working in the Muslim village, we experienced
the Friday prayer. We were not part of it, since we stayed downstairs,
but it was a very special feeling for me, because in that very moment
I really had the feeling that we had done something useful. We stopped
working, and were listening to what the Imam was saying (some of
us did not understand a word, of course). However, we were part
of their life and they became part of my life at that very hour.
I have
very much enjoyed learning about each other's faith and cultural
traditions. I have experienced the power of human beings, the power
in the diversity and similarity.
Nana,
Japan - I enjoyed working with the village people. I enjoyed the
interfaith group work. We could talk about some of the problems
of religious intolerance.
Xolisa,
South Africa -I really enjoyed the interaction between the locals
and us (internationals); all of us at the project were so close
that it was hard leaving each other on our last day. The work we
did was probably the greatest thing I have ever done to contribute
to one community, and hope I could do the same for my community
as well.
Rebekah,
UK- It seems to me that shared physical labour of the most simple,
enduring kind is part of the humble spirit that helps break down
barriers of culture and religion and that, particularly in a situation
where communication cannot be perfect in the linguistic sense, such
physical acts of communal spirit can speak volumes.
We
were told by the Muslim villagers, that we were the first of numerous
groups who came looking round the village after the earthquake,
who had stopped to help as well as to question.
Overall,
I have never been on a project that left me feeling so positive
and so connected to my fellow team mates. Though there were some
difficulties of translation and some differences of opinion, this
was a very successful project and IARF should definitely feel that
part of its 7 year aim to create a network of young people committed
to interfaith work, and to international relations is already being
fulfilled. I feel full of hope for what we as young people can achieve
in our future world.
Paula,
USA -The physical work was very powerful for me, being able to
give of my time and spirit are things that I value..Learning about
different religions was also very moving. I believe that religions,
faiths, or just ways of being are really interesting to know about
because you learn what motivates people, what keeps them strong,
and what their answers to the big questions are. The things I will
remember for the rest of my life were the small things during the
trip. I loved the bus rides, talking and singing with everyone.
I loved the spontaneous dancing that would sometimes happen. I loved
that at every meal we would pray together. I loved the conversations
I had with the other participants, that weren't planned. I loved
all the laughing that we did as a group and how close I felt I came
to everyone. The part that changed my life were the people I met.
They are what made the trip so absolutely amazing to me. The work
we did was very powerful, but the friends I made, I will have for
life.
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