High School Immersion Class of 2018

The fourteen student members of the CU Class of 2018 were welcomed with a copy of Shawn’s book Meaningful Work which served as the perfect jump start to build an understanding of the unique philosophy and business models applied at Askinosie Chocolate. Coupled with lessons about the chocolate making process and Askinosie’s Tanzanian origin – Mababu, the class participated in author-led book club style discussion.

Students became familiar with the vision writing process and penned their first personal “vision of greatness” drafts. The group also studied the Vision of Greatness authored in 2014 by the Mababu farmer co-op partners of Askinosie. The farmers envisioned several points related to the education offerings in the vision and since have dreamed to begin a preschool or chekechea (swahili) for their village.

The CU Class of 2018 helped begin to bring the Chekechea to life through a business planning meeting, concepting and hosting a half day chekechea camp for 225 preschoolers (who happen to speak their native Nyakyusa and Swahili languages). The campers participated in songs, dances, sports, chocolate tasting and enjoyed treats of cake and juice. The CU students also helped gather important weight, height and arm circumference measures to help predict the level of malnutrition among the population of area preschoolers. The day was a student-driven success and created excitement and awareness for the future chekechea in the village.

Students also planned a half day session with the five Empowered Girls and Enlightened Boys clubs (covering over 600 members). A reproductive health lesson was shared by a local healthcare worker followed by a peer to peer conversation on personal responsibility and reaching your highest potential. The CU students studied the cultural differences and role played with each other to become prepared to lead these important discussions.

Lastly, the CU class enjoyed the graduation celebration for the Empowered Girls and Enlightened Boys clubs. Each of the five area clubs joined in the large Matema hall to honor their accomplishments and celebrate together with song and dance.

Brendan Fusco, Carla Hamwi, Delaney Cannon, Heath Fusco, Hunter Skornia, Izzy Eiserman, Leigha Kuntz, Lillian Passeri, Marin Billionis, Morgan Pessina, Reagan Wiles, Isabella Sanders, Sara Snelson, Walker Montgomery

Drury Student Representative: Tyler Campbell

Comments from the Class of 2018

Heath Fusco

Observing the trust and camaraderie between the farmers and Shawn was truly eye opening. Often, the western world over-generalizes developing countries like Tanzania. To see the faithful and powerful partnership between Askinosie and the CCF Farmers was very inspiring. The trip showed me that trust and friendship can transcend borders and language alike and build better businesses. Through the trip, I learned that my aspirations to promote human rights and international kinship are well founded. I observed the strong relationship that Mababu farmers have with Askinosie Chocolate and realized that the world needs more people like Shawn to bridge age-old divides through trade, cultural experience and love. I hope to do the same in the future.”

Leigha Kuntz

I loved seeing the excitement the farmers had when they heard that their cocoa beans made a chocolate bar that won an international competition gold medal for best chocolate. They knew then that their hard work had paid off and that the product from their village was being shared with millions of people. This taught me to never give up on my vision because good things come to those who work for it.”

Marin Billionis

The trip has inspired me to seek out meaningful relationships. Shawn shared the Askinosie Chocolate and Mababu CCF farmer relationship with us on this trip. I learned it is possible to build a relationship so true and meaningful that can surpass language and distance barriers. I hope to build relationships like that in the future and share them with others. I also was impacted by the oppression and poverty present in the village. I confirmed that I will include service work and/or volunteerism in my life. I want to mesh my career plans in art and design with service. I have not figured out exactly how to accomplish this yet, but I’m very determined to find a way.”

Hunter Skornia

This trip changed my plans in the future in the sense that if I own my own business when I’m older, I want to build a tight friendship with my business partners. I think that is the most powerful asset a company can possess.”

Walker Montgomery

I think that the time spent playing with the kids in the village had the biggest impact on my life. It made me remember how much I enjoy being around kids. I know now that I want to find a career where I can work with kids.”

Delaney Cannon

My experience with the down syndrome boy at the chekechea camp will forever impact my life. My lifelong dream is to open a Special Education school in a developing country. Meeting this young boy has made my dream more real and will make me try even harder to accomplish my goal.”

Isabella Sanders

My Straight Talk session with the Matema HS Empowered Girls had a very big impact on my life. It changed my perspective and made me realize what simple things I take for granted. Their joy and happiness, despite their oppression, is something I will hold forever.”

More Comments from CU Class of 2018