Visit our BRIDGE SOUTHERN AFRICA BLOGSPOT for photos and news from our 2010 program!
"We do indeed inhabit a moral universe and yes, goodness is powerful" – Desmond Tutu
The landscape of Southern Africa is as diverse as its people: desert plains become rolling hills, mountain ranges reach to rocky coastlines. 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 are on a difficult path. Rebuilding their 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..
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
2011 ITINERARY
Days 1-4: Explore Johannesburg and South Africa's history of apartheid and revolution. Design activities and games that you will share with children during Friendship Camps.
Days 5-9: Cultural Immersion and Service Learning with the Umbuyisa School of Art and Culture in Soweto Township.
Day 10: Travel to Swaziland.
Days 11-16: Service Learning at Nhlangano SOS Red Cross Children's Village in Nhlangano, Swaziland. Lead a Friendship Camp and volunteer with HIV/AIDS orphans in the village. Take a break from work to tour a game preserve.
Days 17-18: Travel to Durban. Stop along the way in Kestell. Hike in the Drakensburg Mountains. Take a day to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Days 19-23: Lead a Friendship Camp for the kids at the Benevolent Home for Children. Enjoy the amazing beaches. Participate in workshops with Clowns Without Borders.
Days 24-25: Return to Johannesburg. Group Closure activities. Wrap up your time in-country reflecting on the entire Bridge Southern Africa Experience. Final Banquet!
Day 26: Fly Home.
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.
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2011 details for this program are subject to change as new developments and opportunities arise. If you would like more information or have specific questions please contact Angus Whyte, Summer Travel Program Director, directly by email or phone at 404-549-9197.