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Collegiate Challenge
Habitat for Humanity runs a year-round alternative break program known as
Collegiate Challenge for student groups age 16 and up. Although summer, fall,
and winter break trips are available, most participants (primarily college
students) go during their spring break. Collegiate Challenge volunteers travel
to affiliates throughout the U.S. and participate in week-long building
activities at their host's work sites. Over 12,000 volunteers took part in
Collegiate Challenge in 2004, making it one of the world's largest alternative
break programs: Since its inception in 1989, over 100,000 students have
participated in Collegiate Challenge.
Global Village Trips
As suggested by the name, Habitat for Humanity International places a strong
emphasis on building outside the United States. Its international character
dates back even before its formal inception, as founder Millard Fuller received
considerable inspiration while on a three-year trip to the Democratic Republic
of Congo (then Zaire) during which he and his family sought to apply Koinonia
principles outside the limits of the small Georgia farm.
Volunteers today can build with Habitat affiliates throughout the world on
Global Village Trips. After having gone through training, trip leaders organize
travel plans with the support of the Americus-headquartered Global Village
Department, first formally established in 1988. Participants from all over are
then able to register for trips to their destination of choice. Teams generally
number between eight and fifteen, with trips usually last between nine to
fourteen days.
When people of different faiths and cultures come together to build a house,
individuals learn from and find new respect for one another. Coming together for
the common goal of building a house with a neighbor in need has proven to be a
successful way for bringing healing to divided communities and creating a sense
of cross cultural unity.
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