President of Responsible Solidarity Missions International says students can help

Victor Bourdeau is the president of Responsible Solidarity Missions International also known as MSR, a non profit volunteer organization. Wednesday night Bourdeau spoke at Unicef Concordia’s first Humanity Talk about his organization and the work that they do.

MSR sends students and recent graduates to work locally in Montreal and abroad in Haiti, Laos and Ghana. Depending on the country, volunteers can work in a variety of fields including art therapy, medicine and education. He says volunteering abroad can help students decide their career paths. After gaining practical experience, some students change their minds, others become more devoted.

"For those who stick to it we have seen, it’s been proven in our work that as they come back to university their dedication to the cause is even greater and you see their grades double up so that’s very gratifying."

Bourdeau has participated in four MSR missions to Haiti. He said that he’s had many gratifying experiences. But one that stands out was teaching martial arts workhops to children living in the slums shortly following the 2010 earthquake. When he came back this year, out of 30 children he trained, only three or four returned. Bourdeau said he learned to become more aware of the difference between what you’re trying to do and the impact you’re really having.

"Someone going for a couple of weeks can have the impression he’s a hero, he’s changing the world, he’s putting smiles on the face of children, but you need to comply to the rules of Haitian society first. You need to understand the social economic context, you need to know the rules of sustainable development and in that sense it’s very important to be properly educated before leaving."

"MSR is currently recruiting for their 2012 summer mission. For more information or to apply, check out their Facebook page MSR international or their website at www.msr-intl.com. For CJLO, I’m Fatima Arkin."