Raina LaGrand

This dispatch is written by Raina LaGrand who is entering her final year at the University of Michigan with a double concentration in Socio-Anthropology and Women’s Studies. Raina is active in organizations which address women’s issues and the problems affecting young people. She will this summer work as an intern in the Harriet Tubman Center for the Recruitment and Development of Community Organizers. Her dispatch is entitled Unconditional Grace: A South African Value. She reflects on the POA stint at the Durban University of Technology and the generosity of Dr. Lavern Samuels the Director of the DUT’s international Office.

-Nesha

Unconditional Grace: A South African Value

At Durban University of Technology we had the pleasure of not only meeting but also befriending Dr. Lavern Samuels, a practicing dental surgeon Director at the International Office. PoA first came to DUT last year by chance, when Dr. Haniff’s sister mentioned the program to him. He eagerly accepted the opportunity to collaborate with an internationally focused group. Dr. Samuels invited us back this year with considerable enthusiasm. He was out of town for business but made sure to make it back in time for our closing ceremony on the last day. As soon as he walked in the room his warm nature radiated from his smile and stature.

He invited us to an impromptu lunch of bunny chow, over which he inquired about our lives, interests, and experiences at U of M. This lunch was just the start of Dr. Samuels’ continued investment in our group. Throughout the remainder of our time in Durban, Dr. Samuels repeatedly made time to squeeze us into his fast-paced schedule for meals and meetings with prestigious University faculty. One of the most impressive collaborations was a meeting with leaders of DUT, including the Chancellor of the University, Ela Gandhi, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, who flattered us by praising our work.

Given the nature of the program, we have found that many people within a university system struggle with the structure and theory behind the module. In this sense, Dr. Samuels’ support is very humbling. He is explicitly supportive of the module, while much more cultivated as a scholar than many of these individuals. People like him affirm our work and remind us of the module’s extensive usefulness. He continues to make time for PoA not simply to advance his business connection, but to nurture its students and work on sustaining similar programs at DUT.

Our time with Dr. Samuels was invaluable. I know I can speak for all of us when I say we will never forget his unconditional grace. His contribution to our trip is uniquely South African and would not be complete had we not spent time at DUT.

Raina LaGrand
Pedagogy of Action 2011 Team Member