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.
