Salesperson, waiter, hotel staff, bodegero, or public utility vehicle dispatcher. These are some of the jobs Ateneo de Zamboanga (AdZU) students will take on in various establishments around the city under the University’s The Exchange Program.
Some 400 students of the AdZU enrolled in the Philosophy of Man class will be deployed next month to different business establishments and offices for an immersion program known as The Exchange as part of their course requirements.
The Exchange is a social formation program designed for students of Philosophy 102 and selected employees of its partner institutions. Under the Program, students experience the life of a laborer and in the process, become aware of social realities of the workplace. In “Exchange”, employees of partner institutions are provided enhancement training programs.
“This is the 8th year of the program,” says Joel Porras, a faculty member of the Philosophy Department. “In the years that The Exchange had been running, many alumni of the program have shared experiences of undergoing transformation or change in their views about workers in the community after their immersion,” he adds.
Launched in 2009, the program also seeks to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of the various philosophical theories on the human person including the essential elements of the person and his/her role in society as a conscientious and engaged citizen – traits vital in the social development and transformation process of nation-building.
The program will culminate with an exhibit in March showcasing the journals, reflections and synthesis papers, and other output of the students.
