UA Students Pursue Alternative Break Projects in Nicaragua, North Carolina

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Center for Sustainable Service and Volunteerism is sending two teams made up of 46 UA students, as well as leaders, on Beyond Bama: Alternative Break from Sunday, March 14, to Sunday, March 22.

One team will go to Nicaragua, while the other is headed to Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

The team traveling to North Carolina will work with Possomwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary specializes in rehabilitation and treatment of small mammals, songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds and reptiles. The students will assist with rehabilitation while helping to save and maintain the animals’ living environments

The team traveling to Managua, Nicaragua, will work with Panorama Service Expeditions: Nicaragua Compact on developing a community library. This initiative sends U.S. university and college students to help with the long-term development of Nicaragua through social-justice-based direct service projects.

Panorama Service Expeditions, a nonprofit organization focused on developing grassroots sustainable social and economic development projects, and Break Away, the national nonprofit for alternative breaks, are committed to long-term sustainability and service in Nicaraguan communities.

“Alternative Spring Breaks are an important aspect of the programming we do in the center,” said Courtney Chapman Thomas, director of UA’s Center for Sustainable Service and Volunteerism. “These breaks allow students the opportunity to participate in service that helps develop and inspire their leadership skills while bettering communities around the globe.”

UA observes Spring Break next week. These students are spending their time away from classes volunteering.

For more information about the center’s Beyond Bama: Alternative Break program, go to www.volunteer.ua.edu or phone Courtney Thomas, program director, at 205/348-2865.