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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:
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.
click here to view 2009 Proposed Calendar
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 6-8: Cultural Immersion and Service Learning with the Umbuyisa School of Art and Culture in Soweto Township.
Day 9: Travel to Swaziland.
Days 10-15: Service Learning at Nhlangano SOS Red Cross Children's Village in Nhlangano, Swaziland. Lead activities and volunteer with HIV/AIDS orphans in the village. Take a break from work to tour a game preserve.
Days 16-18: Travel to Lesotho. Stop along the way in Kestell. Hike in the Drakensburg Mountains. Take a day to relax and enjoy the scenery. Dress warmly, because your next stop will be chilly!
Days 19-22: Arrive at the Malealea Land Trust 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 23-26: Travel to Durban. Enjoy the amazing beaches, participate in workshops with Clowns Without Borders, and volunteer at the Benevolent Home for Children.
Days 27-29: Cruise the Coast to Cape Town. Stop along the way in Port St. Johns, East London and Nature's Valley.
Days 30-33: Wrap up your time in-country exploring Cape Town, volunteering at The Lagoon, and reflecting on the entire Bridge Southern Africa Experience.
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2009 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 603-369-6092.
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Dates: 7/3-8/3 As with all of our programs, cell phones and personal listening devices (iPods, Discmans, etc.) are not welcome. Students will be able to call home three times: once upon arrival to the starting point, once ten days into the program and once two days before the program’s end date. |
