IFCO-Pastors For Peace 1997/98
Travel To Cuba

Aug 5, 1997

We invite you to join us on our unique trips to Cuba. Investigate recent dramatic changes in Cuba. Meet with political, community and religious leaders. Because there's so much to learn about Cuba's rich cultural tradition and about the on-going changes in the social and economic structure, every participant, from the first time visitor to long time friends and activists, will experience Cuba as never before.

Only 90 miles from our shores, the tropical island of Cuba seems to be shrouded in mystery. Eleven million Cubans suffer under the US embargo, yet creative problem-solving,and determined pride keep spirits high. In the midst of dramatic changes, this historic island is fascinating and unique. There is no place in the world like Cuba, and we guarantee you a very special experience.

On most trips, participants will be hosted and stay at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center in Marianao. Just 10 minutes from the heart of Havana City, Marianao is Havana's first working class neighborhood. The MLK Center is a non-governmental organization directed by Rev. Raul Suarez minister of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Accommodations are very comfortable with double occupancy and a semi-private bath. The Cuban Revolution has many accomplishments in the areas of health care and education. On all trips both general study and specialized interest visits you will visit different levels of education, from day care centers to universities. You'll also learn about Cuba's national health care system by visiting hospitals, clinics and doctors offices to learn about the world acclaimed family doctor program.

For those interested in Biotechnology, Cuba is leading the way in developing biotechnological advances such as vaccines for Hepatitis B and Meningitis B, Interferon for Cancer treatment and Epidermal Growth Factor for wound healing.

But there's much more to see and learn about Cuba. Cuba's architecture dates back to Colonial times. The castles used to defend the port city of Havana from pirates are still standing and serve as museums and cultural information centers. And of course there's the beautiful flora and fauna of the island. From the incredible mountain vistas of Viņales in Pinar del Rio province to the talc-fine sand on the beaches of Varadero the views will fill your senses.

Trip package includes: Cuban visa, round trip air fare from Cancun, Nausau or Mexico City (different for every trip), lodging, home-cooked meals, Cuban guide, ground transportation, program, translation, visits to museums and other extracurricular activities, pre-trip reading material, Pastors for Peace staff person and an unforgettable experience.

October 18-25 or Oct 25-Nov 1, 1997 and March 7-14 or 7-21, 1998 Shelter from the Storm - Housing shortages in Havana

As a direct result of the U.S. embargo of Cuba and the collapse of trade relations with the nations of Eastern Europe, construction of housing in Cuba has come to a near stand still in the past three years. Often three generations are crowded into a single housing unit and overcrowding has become a serious problem, especially in Havana. The MLK Center has developed a housing program to help resolve some of the shortages. This is general study trip and work brigade. You will live and work alongside the same Cubans who will live in the houses you help build or whose children will learn in the schools you help repair.

December 6 - 16, 1997 Latin Jazz Festival and Latin Film Festival

Participants will attend the semi-annual Latin Jazz Festival and Latin Film Festival in Havana and learn how music and the arts in general are nurtured in Cuba. You'll visit and participate in (for those inclined) an Afro-Cuban drum and dance workshop. Learn first hand about le in one of Latin- Americas oldest cities. Participants will get an in-depth look at health care, education, political, religious, social and artistic life in Havana. Dates are subject to change according to festival dates and performances.

February 21 - March 1, 1998 Health Care in Cuba - San Diego de los Baņos

Participants will enjoy this very special trip to learn about and experience the Cuban health care system. The program will include four days in Havana and four days in San Diego de los Baņos, where you will enjoy the benefits of the health spa, hiking in an environmentally protected area, visits with family doctors, polyclinics and hospitals in Pinar del Rio province plus much, much more.

Early March, 1998 Agriculture in Focus/Sowing Sustainable Relations- Farming Co-Ops and sustainable Farming

Cuban agriculture nearly collapsed following the breakup of the Soviet Union, which for years traded Cuban sugar for petroleum and petroleum based pesticides and fertilizers. Forced to develop an organic method of farming, the agricultural system of Cuba is being transformed. Participants will spend part of their time in Havana and the other in the farming region of Pinar del Rio. There you will work, live and with and about the new methods being used in sustainable and organic farming.

Dates subject to change, please confirm exact travel dates before making confirmed travel plans. Alternate dates are available for groups of ten or more. For an application please contact:

Pastors For Peace
P.O. Box 408130
Chicago, IL 60640-8130
(773) 271-4817 tel
(773) 271-5269 fax
Email: p4p@igc.apc.org

"Let us not love in word, neither in tongue: but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:18