Apprenticeship in Shared Living

Through the Apprenticeship in Shared Living (ASL) program, Beyond Borders places individuals in rural Haitian communities for one to two years where they live with a Haitian family, learn the language and culture of the people, and find ways of being of service to the community.

According to the Gospels, when Christ entered the world, he did not come in kingly power, but as a helpless baby, born of humble parents. He grew up among us, learned the language and culture of his time, and dealt with the toils and concerns of everyday life.

Jesus calls his disciples to follow his example. He calls us to love one another by putting aside our privileges, power, comforts, and even our lives in seeking the kingdom of heaven. Christ calls us to be truly present to those in need and to share their lives. His example is the inspiration for the ASL program..

The World We Live In

The world we were born into grows smaller. More people live on the face of the earth today than at all other periods combined. This is a time of both unprecedented affluence and poverty. Two-thirds of the entire world’s population of 5.8 billion live in rural villages in ‘Third World’ countries, nearly all at poverty level or below, with inadequate diet, housing, and health conditions.

Many aspects of our consumer economy are based on greed. The practice of greed in our society has had a destructive influence throughout the world. In economic terms, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, both in the industrialized countries and in the Third World. The world environment suffers as the market devours natural resources without concern for the ecosystems that sustain us. Our souls suffer as well because consumer goods and entertainment cannot fill the void left by the absence of community and compassionate service.

Serving by Learning

As Christians, most of us understand that we should respond to the suffering of those around us. But we often do so from a position of power, comfort, security, and even superiority. In trying to help the poor, misunderstanding and disrespect have often marred our efforts. The effect on everyone involved has at times been negative.

For decades industrialized countries have been sending development money to the Third World. Unfortunately, our “aid” has not helped the majority to move toward their vision of a better life. The effect of most of this aid has been to enrich a small elite class who profit by orienting the economy of their country to serve the consumerism of the developed world. Isn’t it time that we begin to question our values and way of life in light of the suffering of the rest of the world? Isn’t it time that those of us who claim to follow the one who said, ”Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...” critically examine our lives?

Through the Apprenticeship in Shared Living, Beyond Borders hopes to create a learning opportunity modeled on the incarnation of Christ, beginning not from a position of power, but from one of mutual respect and interdependency.

Although participating in the ASL program is not likely to lead to comfort, financial wealth or upward mobility, we have found it to be a profoundly enriching experience--opening us to a new understanding of ourselves and our world. In the end, what appears to be a sacrifice turns out to be a treasure of great worth.

How the Program Works

Apprentices spend 12 to 24 months living among the poor in rural Haiti. Their goal is to learn the language, culture and lifestyle of these people by sharing everyday life with them. We have found that this experience can develop both commitment and the ability to work for God’s kingdom.

Phase 1: Dependency

The first phase of the Apprenticeship is one of dependence on the Haitian community, as the apprentice takes on the role of a learner. It is also a time of profound bonding with new people. The apprentices live simply, sharing the home of a Haitian family. They begin to learn within the context of relationships that they develop in their home and community. At this stage the apprentice has no ‘job’ or responsibilities other than language learning and cultural adaptation.

Phase 2: Participation

The second phase of the apprenticeship occurs as the apprentices develop basic communication and living skills appropriate to their new environment. At this point they begin to participate in community activities in a way that corresponds to their interests and abilities.

Phase 3: Response

In the final months of their apprenticeship, participants will have a basic fluency in Haitian Creole and some understanding of Haitian culture. During this phase the apprentices reflect on how they will respond to what they have learned. Graduates of the ASL program will be uniquely prepared to participate in a wide variety of activities, such as:

· Work with development agencies in Haiti and elsewhere
· Continued work with Beyond Borders
· Grassroots community organizing
· Missions
· Advocacy work
· Any work requiring cross-cultural skills

Financing

The combined cost of expenses for an apprentice comes to about $1,000 per month, or about $12,000 per year. Beyond Borders requires apprentices to bring or raise at least $750 per month ($9,000 per year) towards their participation in the program. This usually involves soliciting support from friends, family, and/or churches.

Beyond Borders will provide newly approved apprentices with advice and promotional material to help them in the fundraising process.

Application

If you are interested in the ASL program, please call our Philadelphia office at 610-277-5045 or e-mail us at mail@BeyondBorders.net to request an application or get more information.

“How can I describe all that I have gained here? Understanding of community, friendship, another culture, insight into myself--the love and hospitality of the Haitian people.” - Kathleen O’Keeffe, ASL participant, 1995-97