University of Calgary interns collaborate with IofC on trustbuilding workshop

Four students—Jared  Clark, Ashley Muller, Linda Akoakem and Lisa Fornalik—worked on the Trustbuilding Workshop held on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8.They worked hard throughout January and February, researching the topic by reading Rob Corcoran’s book on trustbuilding and other IofC literature. They secured a location, drew up advertising flyers, found food donations, and took care of the numerous other details to make this workshop successful.

Twenty participants gathered Friday March 7 night to watch the film The Imam and The Pastor followed by a lively dialogue.  Saturday was an intense commitment to the numerous activities that comprise the workshop. These were recorded through the use of a technique called “graphic recording” by a volunteer assistant Firyal Mohamed.  In addition to Firyal, Janyce was  assisted by Kal Workneh, another long-time volunteer assistant at trustbuilding workshops.

Workshop participants commented that they most enjoyed learning: the importance of reflection; interacting with people from all walks, worldviews and cultures; the opportunities  to share their views without being judged; learning about the importance of listening; and how all people can be agents of change in every situation.

The four students worked on their final report which they later presented to their  development studies class.