|
International Committee Chair Phil Lazarus shared with the club how these students who shared the TABU experience were remarkable young people. He also declared HPHS teacher Erica Tukes was a wonderful chaperone and guide. Ms.Tukes said this was such a great experience for the students who are anxious to share their experience with us and their fellow HPHS students. Aaron Bach - spoke about their visit to the youth courts. It was a less formal setting - a conference room where both the victim and the offender meet. The offender then faces his/her actions and their consequences to not only themselves but to others.He feels that this type of approach should begin in high school to prevent future incidents. Marianna Marquardt - thanked the club for giving her and the others this amazing experience. To her, the effort to tackle inequality in Northern Ireland resonated with her. The effort to treat gender, religions and race equally helps to bring more harmony. Treating people equally isn't just the law but that it is a moral responsibility. She hopes to take what she's learned and apply that to her time volunteering at Nuestro Center and beyond. Audrey Jennings - told the club she found the alternative NI social groups for young people very eye opening. She liked how conflicted groups are brought together to find common ground. She would like to see this process brought to HPHS where there is racial and economic division. She also liked the youth radio over there sand would like to see this group of TABU students start a podcast so others can tell their stories and they can find common ground. Nathan Kornberg - also thanked the club for this opportunity. He found the school system interesting and thought the uniforms worn by both school systems a wonder idea to ease the socio-economic divide that is present at HPHS. In addition, he also feels it creates a more welcoming environment when there is only one cafeteria instead of two and you really notice the division of the students. Caitlin Hong - expressed what a powerful experience TABU was for her. She found Hydebank Wood College which is a prison housing young people from 18-23, very interesting. Also at Hydebank is a women's prison where all the women of Northern Ireland are serving time. It has less than 70 at this time. At Hydebank, rehabilitation is the goal with learning new skill and gearing toward a better life- and how this benefits the people around you. Gabriela Cordoba couldn't be with the rest of the students, but she felt the Free Derry museum to be a special part of the trip for her. The past and the documented struggle and the Bloody Sunday event. We learn by what is left behind. She looks forward to sharing what she learned with SOAR (Student Occupationally and Academically Ready), where she volunteers. On the whole, the students enjoyed trying the local dishes, getting to know their host families and were in awe of how old everything is there compared to here in the States. |
