What is Ubuntu?

UBUNTU: is an African word (and proverb) meaning "I am human because you are human".

Ubuntu psychology says, "sharing ouselves and our gifts with others optimizes our collective and individual humanity. Even in the sharing and the giving, the individual or 'other' group receives the gifts and glories of humanity."

An Ubuntu eXplorer has a unique faith and mission opportunity:

• to witness love and struggle, to share challenges and opportunities,
• to enhance cultural awareness, to exchange ideas and skills,
• to learn where Undesignated Giving and pledges support 400 programs in 110 countries
• to understand daily life with international Methodist/United Methodist, grassroots and ecumenical sisters.

Ubuntu* eXplorers, travel, visit, hear and experience mission with international sisters who will host and share their journey of faith and life.

The Ubuntu eXplorers program began in April 2006, the Women's Division and United Methodist Women through partnership with Mission Volunteers and United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) will offer pilot Ubuntu Journeys to many different countries.

Particpants are hosted by women's organizations that UMW supports through prayers, advocacy, financial gifts and material resources. You will learn about the cultures of the area live, travel, pray, sing, cry, teach, work, listen and tell stories and engage as Christian sisters. You will visit and have a mission experience at institutions such as schools, clinics, women's training centers, hospitals, nurseries. You might teach at a workshop where local women exchange tips on Bible Study and devotions, basic health and nutrition, artisan crafts, singing and liturgical dance.

As an Ubuntu eXplorer, in covenant, you are asked upon your return to share your mission and faith experience at your local church, UMW unit, district, conference, schools of Christian mission, work location and other organizations.

Team leaders and team members are needed for mission teams of 10-12 women to come from various churches across districts, conferences and jurisdictions. At least one member should be a young adult.

An Ubuntu Journey will be either one or two weeks based on the host organization's request and distance from the United States. Costs will be below $2,500 (inclusive of airfare, local transfer and immigration fees, room and board, local host arrangements and local workshop expenses, and a $200 registration fee towards a pooled fund for Ubuntu scholarships). Additionally, team member must be prepared to provide one suitcase of resource materials suggested by the host organization.

For more Information and registration forms, please check http://abam-umc.ora/umw/ubuntu or http://abam-umc.ora/vim/ubuntu.htm . You may also call Mission Volunteers at 212-870-3825 or the Women's Division at 212-870-3911.