Some of my plans might be changing slightly.
I got an email saying that the program I was going to do in South Africa is not going to be happening past December 2010. Instead, they are starting a different program in Tembisa, which is between Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is at an orphanage instead of a school, although there is a pre-school. I would still get to stay with a host family, which is good. This program is also cheaper than the other one, which is also good.
I have to reply and tell them whether or not I want to do this program for sure. I am pretty sure I still want to do this program, but as with anything, I fear commitment and have to think about it. Really, not that much has changed except for the location.
Other than this, not a lot else has been happening in my preparation for volunteering. I have been preparing letters for my mom to send out (thanks mom!) and writing emails to those awesome businesses that have email addresses available.
I am also working with the fantastic Alexa on making some t-shirts for you to order! Watch for them because they are going to be awesome and made with love by Alexa :)
Showing posts with label South Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Africa. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Making the Decison
I have wanted to volunteer abroad for some time now, and I have finally found the perfect time to do it. About two weeks after arrive back home from Chile, I will be leaving again. This time, I will be going to the great continent of Africa where I will spend 2 months in South Africa and 11 weeks in Tanzania. I am really excited about finally having the opportunity to get involved in this manner.
One of the most challenging aspects of making this decision is the funding. I am going to be doing fund raising to cover costs, and I think it is going to prove to be challenging to do this fund raising from another hemisphere. Costs include program fees, flights, visa/entry/exit fees, etc, and right now I am thinking I am going to need to raise about $7000 (this is a rough estimate) by the middle of January. The organization I am going through, A Broader View, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, which means my expenses and donations made to my trip are tax deductible. I would love to hear about any ideas you have for fund raising or opportunities you hear about for possible funding.
In both South Africa and Tanzania I will mostly be working with children. In South Africa I have signed up to work in the education field, and I would help with teaching, upkeep of the school, and mentoring students. In Tanzania I have chosen to work at an orphanage. At the orphanage I would be involved in helping with every day routines (brushing teeth, getting dressed, eating, etc), and I will have the opportunity to help with teaching the children. I also might get the opportunity to help with construction projects, which I am really excited about.
I am really excited about this new adventure I am going to have because I will be able to encounter first hand the harsh reality that these people live, and I will be able to offer them help. I will be able to see and experience a completely new way of life. I also hope that I will be able to share my experiences through my blog and enrich our understanding of how the world works.
One of the most challenging aspects of making this decision is the funding. I am going to be doing fund raising to cover costs, and I think it is going to prove to be challenging to do this fund raising from another hemisphere. Costs include program fees, flights, visa/entry/exit fees, etc, and right now I am thinking I am going to need to raise about $7000 (this is a rough estimate) by the middle of January. The organization I am going through, A Broader View, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, which means my expenses and donations made to my trip are tax deductible. I would love to hear about any ideas you have for fund raising or opportunities you hear about for possible funding.
In both South Africa and Tanzania I will mostly be working with children. In South Africa I have signed up to work in the education field, and I would help with teaching, upkeep of the school, and mentoring students. In Tanzania I have chosen to work at an orphanage. At the orphanage I would be involved in helping with every day routines (brushing teeth, getting dressed, eating, etc), and I will have the opportunity to help with teaching the children. I also might get the opportunity to help with construction projects, which I am really excited about.
I am really excited about this new adventure I am going to have because I will be able to encounter first hand the harsh reality that these people live, and I will be able to offer them help. I will be able to see and experience a completely new way of life. I also hope that I will be able to share my experiences through my blog and enrich our understanding of how the world works.
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