Cedrick Iyumva switched his major to history because he wanted to hear and to tell stories. Stories of those whose voices are not heard. Those whose struggles have not had a chance to be told or understood.
This desire inspired him and his friend, Carrina Jaime to collaboratively create a club called Global Educo Association, a group whose purpose, as Cedrick describes, is “to yield interconnectedness and mutual understanding by engaging campus-wide, student-led discussions on global issues that transcend the various epistemic frameworks and narrative frameworks encompassed in our ever-growing and ever-so-diverse world.”
“We felt it was incumbent that we, as this world's future leaders, make this mark that would inspire the hearts and minds of students, and ultimately lead to future world leaders who—despite differences—are truly knowledgeable and understanding of one another's perspectives to the point that they, too, could argue for another's human dignity,” he expressed.
“In a world of increasing division,” he said, “we must listen to each other if we are to find solutions to our most pressing world issues…and Global Educo is teaching us all to hear the ‘why’ behind perspectives, even when we don’t agree."
“We [want to] make this mark that would ...ultimately lead to future world leaders who—despite differences—are truly knowledgeable and understanding of
one another's perspectives to the point that they, too, could argue for another's human dignity.”
Fostering understanding across differences
Imagine a meet-up with the intentional agenda of a debate team, combined with the casual vibe of an open mic. That’s how a typical Global Educo meeting would flow.
During the club’s first run in the 2021-2022 academic year, between 25-40 people met bi-weekly for conversations that invited the individual perspectives of each student present. Topics included the increasing global divorce rates—what accounts for them; racism in a beloved community—how does the presence or absence of racism affect student interconnectedness; COVID-19 mandates—do they affect our freedom, what does it mean to be free; and amending historical injustices towards Indigenous populations. Discussions included guest speakers who would offer a more knowledgeable perspective on the issue being discussed.
"In a world of increasing division, we must listen to each other if we are to find solutions to our most pressing world issues…and Global Educo is teaching us all to hear the ‘why’ behind perspectives, even when we don’t agree.”
Equipped for globally-minded thinking
Cedrick believes that these conversations help to equip students in critical and globally-minded thinking.
“We thought it was really important for a school like TWU, who says that they care about equipping students for the world, to have groups like Global Educo, to speak for people, to hear people and prompt discussions on real global issues that will impact them as they leave,” he said.
“We are equipping them for the world…[by] having discussions that are student driven,” he said, noting that both the topics discussed and the skills of listening and communicating will benefit students, and the world around them, as students graduate from TWU.
Seeking to gain perspective, to listen and learn
The discussions are led by Cedrick, club president, and Carrina, vice-president, who, together, through an inquiry-based format, provide the main topic question and sub-questions. The discussions are facilitated by the Global Educo executive team, namely, Lara Tolmie, Sarah Demian, Rea Klar, Caleb Pahl, Caitlyn Charlebois and Ben Rogers, all who are fundamental to the ground-up success of Global Educo.
The goal of Global Educo meetings is to provide perspective, to listen and learn from one another. The outcome is that the community begins to uncover student concerns and gauge student sentiment on a variety of topics.
Cedrick says that in forming the club, he is inspired by Proverbs 2:2, which speaks of “turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding.” As such, Global Educo seeks to challenge and broaden people’s perspectives, and at the same time, to be “attentive to wisdom and inclined to understanding” through dialogue.
Engaging complex issues
The meetings have welcomed students from a variety of backgrounds and religious commitments. The team has also witnessed strength in diversity, as people from vastly different viewpoints come together. Although at times the conversations have been challenging, the club strives for listening and understanding. As Carrina puts it, “We want to invite students’ curiosity and feed into their desire to understand complex issues.”
Despite the hard work of navigating tough conversations, Cedrick and his team have seen the benefits of these student-led forums. They have witnessed their own and other students’ maturing as together they begin to engage the different perspectives of their peers.
“We want to invite students’ curiosity and feed into their desire to understand complex issues.”
Better prepared for future careers
In fact, Cedrick believes that the skills learned through this club could even benefit students with their future careers.
“We can learn how to deal [with situations] better in the future, because we’ve seen how others present on various issues,” he said.
The convergence of difference, with respect and compassion, also strengthens the community. As Cedrick reflects, “You can help shape a better TWU.”
Global Educo is looking forward to continuing the discussions and pursuing more interdisciplinary and relevant topics. The club leaders have dreams of creating a book to voice different perspectives. Cedrick reflects on how the club began with “no agenda to gain” except to listen, and yet through listening, the group gained so much more.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.