Overview
Cape Town is famous for its magnificent natural setting—making it an ideal location to explore leadership and perform community service work. While it has been over 15 years since the end of apartheid, the program of state-sponsored racial segregation, the lasting affects can still be seen in this racially divided city and in the stark contrast between the extreme poverty and wealth. It is truly two worlds existing within one city.
During this high school summer program, teens will volunteer with children of the townships, helping to re-build communities in the aftermath of apartheid. We will volunteer in orphanages, schools, and community centers to give hope to the youth of the city.
Come and discover why students say that this is a transformational experience and that Africa will change you forever.
Highlights include:
- Volunteering with inspirational grassroots organizations in the townships
- Visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for fighting apartheid
- Visiting a colony of African penguins
- Climbing the famous Table Mountain
- Discussing issues with dynamic leaders who are working on issues relating to HIV/AIDS, public health, education, and racial reconciliation
Community Service
The townships can be intense places to visit due to the extreme levels of poverty. Homes in South Africa are often one-room shacks housing entire families that stretch as far as the eye can see. Despite the harsh living conditions, within the walls of shacks you will meet the warmest, most genuine people, eager to get to know you.
As a teen volunteer in South Africa, you’ll be part of projects that are transforming communities. You’ll work alongside township students to develop murals displaying messages of hope on the walls of local community centers. You’ll provide nurturing care and much needed loving attention to infants and toddlers affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. You will also teach high school students critical computer skills. Regardless of your community service project, you’ll see how your smile, spirit, and hope can have a positive and lasting effect.
Learning
Cape Town is a living classroom for teens studying abroad. It is a city with a rich and inspirational history, full of examples of dynamic leaders creating positive change. By participating in thought-provoking discussions and hearing from inspirational local leaders, students gain a deeper understanding of the country and its culture.
Students will learn about the history of South Africa and the legacy of apartheid as a way to better understand the current social situation in the townships of Cape Town. We will visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and District Six, where thousands of black and colored inhabitants were forcibly removed during apartheid.
We’ll also learn about the local culture through African drumming workshops and lessons on the basic phrases in the Xhosa and Afrikaans languages.
Excursions
You will embark on exciting excursions to key landmarks, historical sites, and innovative organizations around the Western Cape. We will ride bikes around the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern most point of the African continent. You’ll also hike up Table Mountain, South Africa’s most famous natural landmark with one of the most breathtaking views of the city and its beaches.
Lodging
Students and staff live together on the GLA campus. The GLA campus is located in a quiet, safe part of Cape Town. After a day of volunteering abroad, students can look forward to returning to their clean, comfortable rooms to relax and spend time with their friends.
Students share a room with 2 to 3 other students in gender segregated rooms. All meals are provided as well as laundry service. The campus is a secure facility with 24-hour supervision.
