Student Highlight: Kadi Studies Social Justice in El Salvador
New Century College freshman Abraham Kadi is no stranger to international travel and foreign cultures. Growing up in a military family, Kadi lived in Japan and Guam, as well as different cities across America. His family currently lives in Virginia Beach, and he chose George Mason University for its proximity to DC and the variety of activities available to students. He studied Spanish for five years, and is now studying Arabic. Even with his range of cross-cultural experiences, Kadi’s alternative spring break experience in El Salvador was eye-opening.
With support from trip leaders Tabatha Donley and Michael Galfetti, Kadi was one of nine Mason students who spent the six days learning how non-profit groups and social activists work to make change in a traditionally patriarchal society. Mason students coordinated with the Foundation Cristosal, a non-profit organization committed to a human-rights based approach to community development. Foundation Cristosal emphasizes that the community members with whom they work and represent are not beneficiaries of charity, but rather, partners in the development process.
During his week in El Salvador, Kadi attended a rally in support of women’s rights and met with non-profit groups working on a myriad of social justice issues ranging from female incarceration to gangs to universal educational access. Kadi noted the variety and depth of programs currently underway thanks to local activists.
He said, “I saw activists my age doing real work and actually changing the system, changing peoples’ attitudes. It reminded me that we have it really good.”
One surprising part of the trip for Kadi was the daily reflection and internal processing of different experiences. Between self-reflections and group discussions, Abraham was able to find his own voice on the complex issues facing local residents every day.
He said, “I was the only freshman on the trip and there was a lot of information to process. Throughout the week, though, it got easier for me to find my voice and I shared more of what I was seeing and experiencing.”
Upon his return to campus, Kadi carries many of his alternative break lessons with him. He said, “The trip encouraged me to talk to people about El Salvador. It also encouraged me to use this as a motivation to explore and do more at the university.” He is already exploring how he could lead an alternative break trip next year and how his El Salvador experience will shape his future studies.
He said, “For me this was my first time focusing on social justice issues and this trip helped me realize the range of things I can study. There are so many problems: access to clean water, women’s rights, the war on drugs, and the list goes on. I’m still trying to see what I want to do, and where I want to focus my energy.”
Patty Mathison is associate director for Social Action and Integrative Learning (SAIL) which coordinates the alternative spring break trips. She also works closely with Kadi through the Leadership and Community Engagement LLC, where he lives.
Mathison said, “I was thrilled to see another side of him through this experience. He was the youngest group member, but in my opinion was the most willing to stretch his comfort zone. Whether he was breakdancing with youth activists, playing the sax with one of the few all female bands in El Salvador, or connecting thoughtfully with the other participants in the program, Abe pushed himself to make the most out of every experience."