Introduction to the Project

I am embarking on an important journey and I invite all of you to join me. I have had the very special oppotunity to partner with an incredible service organization, South African Education and Environment Project, to be able to contribute to the progress of South Africa's social supports and the development of future leaders. Thank you so very much for taking the time to learn more about this project and I hope you will join in supporting my efforts toward global progress.

During my five months in Ghana, I learned so much from the people and their experiences. It struck me how much perspective they wer eable to bring to their own challenges and I realized that they are the agents of progress, when given the chance. The process of building public institutions, creating opportunity and ensuring the stability for sustainable development poses so very many challenges but what it needs most is a resilient, resourceful and persevering population. While international aid organizations and governments focus on economic issues, I belive that answers lie in the people and the empowerment of those people. I believe that the focus should be on strengthening a society through universal access to education, better nutrition, civic engagement, and community building. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with an organization that shares my passion for service and I want to do everything I can to support SAEP and the people they are helping.

SAEP demonstrates an impressive commitment to furthering education from early childhood development and continues that nourishment through young adulthood. I am particularly impressed by their resolution to help those schools that will make the effort to build upon the resources given to them. Plus, it’s really wonderful how the Gap Year program presents young leaders with the opportunity to hone their skills and broaden their perspectives.

I have partnered my efforts of service with this organization because I believe they are on the right track to really make a difference on the ground. They are in a place to identify the root causes of poverty, social inequality, HIV/AIDS and a multitude of childhood afflictions. From this grassroots perspective, we can tackle these pressing issues with deeper understanding and a greater likelihood of success.

While I am in Cape Town, I will be helping with all three stages of education. Much of my time will be dedicated to evaluating and improving the conditions of young children, helping to build a stronger educational foundation for them and their dreams. I am currently working on a pen pal program that will target high school students so that South African children and American children can have the opportunity to connect across cultures and share their perspectives. From this program, I hope to get American parents involved in sponsoring the classrooms of their children’s new friends across the Atlantic. Finally, I am orchestrating a one-to-two day leadership and service learning seminar for the Gap Year interns. These aspiring young stars of social justice deserve every opportunity to grow and learn how to better serve their communities.

In an effort to serve these children of South Africa and the organization that faithfully dedicates itself to them, I am fundraising for a goal of $3,000. I have already reached $700 of my goal and am so grateful for the support I am receiving for this important journey. SAEP is a registered 501(c)3 organization through its base in Washington D.C. so if any donors would like to claim their tax exemption they should make their checks directly to SAEP. Otherwise, I am tracking the funds I raise in order to grow the momentum of my fundraising, a portion of which will go toward my trip to deliver supplies and hundreds of service hours. Anything that you can contribute would be greatly appreciated – your support is an inspiration for this ongoing project!

Thank you, again, for your interest and I look forward to your involvement.