Social
Concerns
Summer Fellowship
Bethany Land Institute
Location Details
Description
Inspired by Pope Francis Laudato Si, Bethany Land Institute (BLI) trains and equips young people (Caretakers) as leaders to address poverty, care for creation and promote human dignity in the rural communities in Uganda. BLI realizes this through a program of formation in sustainable agriculture, ecological education and economic opportunities for young people. In addition, BLI runs a number of outreach programs, where BLI caretakers work with schools, communities and various groups in programs of creation care, environmental education and regenerative agriculture.
Student Role
The role of the intern is to be part of BLI’s learning community of integral ecology. The intern will shadow and accompany the caretakers in their programs of formation in integral ecology. The program rotates the caretakers through three learning centers: (a) Mary’s School: training in regenerative and sustainable agriculture; (b) Lazarus Forest: for reforestation and ecological education, and (c) Martha’s Market: economic and business enterprise. We also prefer that the intern spend some time visiting local Parish schools to occasionally teach and provide an American perspective and experience to our local eager students.
Work Schedule
The student will be integrated into the BLI learning community, following the rhythm of the caretakers. The daily rhythm: 6.30-10 rise and morning rotation through the sections; 10.00 Morning tea; 11.00 Classroom learning; 1.00 pm lunch; 2-3.30 afternoon classroom session and activities; 3.30 afternoon section rotations (field); 5.00 pm free time, sports, etc; 7.00 pm evening prayer and 7.30 pm dinner; 8-10 free time, community evenings, etc.
Orientation
Orientation will provide information regarding the site as well as the expectations of the interns. This will be provided by the program director, who will also answer any questions the prospective interns might have. Orientation will also include interaction with a previous student intern, who will give their own experience of living at BLI and answer any questions.
Housing Information
Shared accommodation will be on site, in the “intern house” next to St. Francis House, which is the residence for the administrator. Breakfast, lunch, and evening meals will be shared with the administrator at St. Francis House.
Start And End Dates
Eight consecutive weeks between May 20 and August 8, 2026.