What do Everest, Africa and Gonzaga have in common?
John Rudolf.
A friend and benefactor of Gonzaga, John has dedicated his quest to climb Mount Everest – in part – to raise critical awareness and financial support for Gonzaga’s programs in Africa.
“By pushing myself to the limit to reach my dream, I hope the Zag Nation is inspired to put forth an effort to assist Gonzaga in helping the people of Africa,” Rudolf said.
You can join John in supporting the Zags in Zambia program. Gifts are invested in community service projects, which benefit the people of Zambia, as well as student scholarships, including travel support. Click here to make a secure online gift. Thank you!
For more information contact: Joe Poss at (509) 313.6106 or poss[at]gonzaga.edu
About Zags in Zambia
Gonzaga University offers three study abroad programs in Zambia as part of our “Zags in Zambia” effort in addition the the Zambia Gold Honey project. The programs give Gonzaga students an awareness of the great cultural and social richness of Africa while providing hands-on opportunities to address the economic and environmental challenges faced by so many local communities around the world.
- Gonzaga-in-Chimfunshi: humanities and engineering field station
- Gonzaga-in-Monze: teacher education program
- Gonzaga-in-Zambezi: intercultural leadership program
- Zambia Gold Honey: fair trade honey
Zambia is a “twinned province” with the Oregon Province of Jesuits, which includes Gonzaga University.
GONZAGA-IN-CHIMFUNSHI
Gonzaga students in Chimfunshi spend three weeks at the 27,000 acre, Chimfunshi Wildlife Reserve. They study psychology, biology or engineering and perform community outreach activities to benefit local people, particularly women and children. The Chimfunshi reserve is located on the Kafue River in protected miombo forest, which has been designated an international important bird area. It is home to over 120 chimpanzees, a hippo, numerous monkeys, birds and approximately 300 Zambian residents. Student camp in facilities with solar power, sleeping cots, cold shower rooms, pit toilets with shelters, a cooking area, barbecue pit, clean water, and a large outside “Boma” for meetings and meals.
Chimfunshi is located in the northern “Copperbelt” region of Zambia.
GONZAGA-IN-MONZE
Studying abroad in
Monze, Zambia, students in Gonzaga University’s Department of Teacher Education help to support a partnership with the Charles Lwanga College of Education (CLCE). This Jesuit-owned, teacher training college is transitioning from being a two-year, primary teacher training college to a four-year bachelors granting institution. Gonzaga students will travel with CLCE faculty to remote school sites to observe CLCE students completing their student teaching experiences, interact with on-campus CLCE students and faculty and take in African cultural activities.
GONZAGA-IN-ZAMBEZI
Gonzaga students in Zambezi are immersed in the life of a small, African town. They study leadership and perform community development activities including: leadership training, educational literacy projects, health care/nursing program, and teaching basic computer skills. Students also take a 3-day visit to Livingstone, Zambia to visit the famous Victoria Falls and go on a wildlife safari in beautiful Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Zambezi is located in the northwestern corner of Zambia near the headwaters of the Zambezi river. The town is considered large in this area of remote villages. It is near the famed Chinyingi Suspension Bridge.
ZAMBIA GOLD HONEY
The Zambia Gold Honey project began when ten Gonzaga students from the
Comprehensive Leadership Program traveled to Zambia. Encouraged to build collaborative relationships within the community, they quickly developed hopes of bringing more opportunity to the region. After tasting pure African honey, students spent time with local bee farmers and the Zambezi Catholic Mission, exploring ways to provide a sustainable market for fair trade organic forest honey in the US. Since then, four interns travel each year to Zambia and work with the Zambia Gold Honey project. Sales profits go directly back to the community to support education. Zambia Gold Honey can be purchased on Gonzaga’s campus, at local retailers, or online at
www.zambiagold.org
The Zambia Gold Honey project was awarded a grant from the
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to fund Social Entrepreneur Internships and was honored by the
Jenzabar Foundation with a “Best in Class” award for its exceptional work in the areas of community service and humanitarianism.