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* DOCUMENTED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AWARDED
Our 2008 Southern Africa program has begun! Click here to check out our Bridge Southern Africa Blog, and follow the group's adventures. Please check this page again for new updates; or contact Angus Whyte, Student Travel Program Coordinator, for the latest information.
“When you let your own light shine, you unconsciously give others permission to do the same” -Nelson Mandela
The landscape of Southern Africa is as diverse as its people: desert plains become rolling hills, mountain ranges reach to rocky coastlines, while the beautiful faces and voices of the Zulu, Xhosa, Siswati, and Tsonga peoples radiate an exuberance and passion for life that is awe-inspiring. Rising from the State-sanctioned racial segregation and harsh repression of Apartheid, the people of South Africa have chosen a difficult path. Rebuilding their the country upon concepts of kindness and understanding, choosing forgiveness over retribution, preferring truth and reconciliation to revenge and anger, South Africa is bravely attempting to lead the world into the twenty-first century. Can they break the brutal cycles of history? Guided by one of the most progressive constitutions ever written, South Africa copes not only with an oppressive recent past, but also with immediate infrastructure challenges and public health issues of frightening magnitude.
Bridge Southern Africa students will:
- Experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of South Africa, Swaziland, and Lesotho.
- Learn to bring international communities together through leadership and games.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Southern Africa.
- Work with the SOS Red Cross Children’s Village in Swaziland
- Develop and teach fun activities for young children
- Expand language skills, learning phrases in isiZulu, Siswati, Sotho, and more.
- Learn first-hand about grassroots efforts to battle the devastating effects of poverty.
- Work with activists and artists to learn about the ongoing struggle for freedom in Soweto.
- Develop plans to educate friends and family back home about the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
- Make lasting connections and have FUN!
Who Should Participate?
This program is designed for students interested in traveling to an exciting destination to share in cross-cultural experiences, community service learning, language opportunities, and leadership development. Students should join this program eager to experience Southern Africa’s many cultures as they interact with activists, artists, and teachers. We are looking for students who are interested in working with younger children and are eager to share with them new sports, games, theater, dance, arts and crafts, music and other creative activities. Students should be prepared to meet new people, experience new cultures, try new foods, and have an open mind.
Projected 2008 Itinerary:
Days 1-5: Explore Johannesburg and South Africa’s history of apartheid and revolution. Design activities and games that you will share with children in the Southern African region.
Days 6-15: Travel east to the Nhlangano SOS Children’s Village in Nhlangano, Swaziland. Lead activities and volunteer with orphans at the village.
Days 16-18: Return to South Africa to visit a game park and take some time off while traveling the beautiful countryside. Dress warmly, because your next stop, Malealea, Lesotho will be chilly!
Days 19-25: In the mountains of Lesotho, work with another group of children and adults affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Teach, learn and bring smiles.
Days 26-30: Wrap up your time working with an arts collective in Soweto.
Program Details:
Dates: 7/5-8/5
Tuition: $5,195
Group Size: 16 students and 3 professional leaders
Student Grade Level: Finishing Grades 9-12
Starting/Ending Point: Johannesburg (optional group flight out of JFK)
Accommodations: Youth Hostels, Dorms and Camping
Major Equipment Needs: Sleeping bag, multi sport outdoor shoes, day pack, warm clothes
Tuition for this program is due in full by April 1, 2008. Travel expenses to and from the starting and ending points are the responsibility of the participant and are not included in the tuition. Windsor Mountain's travel consultant can help you in securing the most reasonable plan for coordinating your travel itinerary. **Due to the risk of a significant decline in the value of the US dollar, there may be a surcharge of up to $150 based on the Rand/USD exchange rate on May 15th. This surcharge would be due on June 1st
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Bridge Southern Africa
