By Virginia Rider and Mandia Mdluli,
McGrath Graduate Fellows, University of San Francisco

Guided by the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm and the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus, the McGrath Graduate Fellows from the University of San Francisco (USF) had the opportunity to engage with local communities and Jesuit partners in Cambodia during the summer of 2023.

During a two-week immersion experience, USF students learned about the devastating effects of climate change on Cambodian natural resources and livelihoods. They had meaningful conversations with local Cambodians about the injustices they are currently facing and witnessed the increasing social and geopolitical challenges in the region. One of the main topics was the forced migration in Cambodia due to the depleted fishing industry at Tonle Sap Lake and the harm done to the environment by illegal deforestation.

The McGrath Graduate Fellows were particularly humbled and inspired by the aid already provided by Jesuit institutions in the country. Particular highlights include the Xavier Jesuit School and Jesuit Refugee Service. Students learned a lot from the dedicated leaders of these services and could see their positive impact. The Jesuit services in Cambodia are relentless champions of social and climate justice and models of Jesuit action.

For the McGrath Graduate Fellows, being in fellowship is not limited to being in communion with one another, now they are in fellowship with the Jesuit mission already on the ground in Cambodia. Students are engaged in solidarity with the communities as they continue the push for meaningful reflections, dialogues, and actions towards social and climate justice. Now, they are preparing to take action visiting leaders in Washington, D.C. during the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice, the largest annual social justice conference in the United States.