Organization oro/:'ides service toJfardli7g and the communitlJ UJIMA RESTRUCTURES ACTIVITIES; PROVIDES CULTURAL AWARENESS Although most of the organizations on Harding ' s campus promote peace and unity, that is the main goal set forth by Uj ima. Ujima was formed three years ago to promote unity and Chri stian servanthood among all cultures and races of people. They had a difficult time starting off, but with the dawning of this year they began a restructuring process to begin . providingaplacewhere minorities were able to gather together in fellowship. Ujimaworked to express their goal of wanting to grow together as a group, as Christians, and as members of society. "We want to bridge the gap between the various races on campus and create an atmosphere in whi ch minorities can encourage each other," sponsor Terry Davis said. "Just being invo lved is a goal of Ujima. It is something positive to get involved in instead of just hanging around the room, " sophomore Apri l Bailey said. "We help out with major projects in the community and we just try to do different things now and then to try to help," junior Abby Drayton said. This year' s group enjoyed spending time tog ether and sharing each other's fellowship. "It reall y keeps me on my toes ," said Patricia Williams, president. "We have a committee that meets once a month to plan upcoming events." The committee comes upwith an idea and runs it by sponsors, making sure that what they int~d to do meets their final goal. "They decide they want to do something and they give me a call and I say yea or nay and we go from there," Davis said. Creating unity was a major concern of t he group . "The programs are interesting and we justwant to promote unity among all races of people," Drayton said. "Ujima provided positive outlets for students and helped the minorities get more invo lved in the activities around campus and in our community," Bailey said. Ujima is an African word that stands for collective work and responsibility. Living up to their name, the club did several meaningful service projects.These included visiting hospitals and nursing homes and helping with the Kensett Halloween hayride and Searcy Children's Home. Higher Degree, a singing group within Ujima, trave led to many area hospitals and nursing homes , singing for those who needed encouragement. They saw thisasa step they needed to take to encourage both the members and those less fortunate in getting to know Christ. "The members in Ujima met for a devotional every Wednesday night to lea rn and grow as brothers and sisters in Christ," Williams said. "Our goal is to have peace and unity. I see the need for us to have unity because there is a lot oftalent in the group and even though Harding isa Christian school, there are ways for people to fall away. " Members of Uj ima were optimistic about the obstacles that lay in their pathway and they saw what they were doing as a positive thing for everyone on campus. According to Williams, they felt that they were providing an outlet for not only minorities, but for anyone who wished to help, to fellowship together and to get to know each other in a unique and meaningful way. - Diane Grubbs Tracy Sewell and other Sacial Wark Club members comfort a child during a Halloween party for residents of the Searcy Children 's Home. The Social Work Club provided many service projects, including resident of the month for local nursing home residents. Jill Gilmore and Kendra Parker laugh as they play with a baby before taking part in the "Walk for Life, II sponsoredby theStudents for Life organization. Students for Lifewas aprolife organization that worked with several health clinics and homes for women. SERV ICE 245 •
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