Help Christina Care for Kids in South Africa

Christina Dou Start Date: Oct 20, 2016 - End Date: Dec 18, 2016
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

My Travel Story

by: Christina Dou Start Date: Oct 20, 2016 - End Date: Dec 18, 2016
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
As one of the founding members of the United Nations, South Africa is known as the “Rainbow Nation” for its multicultural diversity. It contains some of the oldest archaeological and human fossil sites in the world, and is a multiethnic society with 11 languages and various religions. It also houses a wide variety of animals and more than 20,000 different plants. I am very interested in different cultures, and am eager to spend my winter learning more about South Africa. As an international relations major, I have always wanted to make an impact on social development. Hearts for Orphans is an inspiring program that would allow me to give love and care to township children and orphans, while exploring the beautiful city of Cape Town.

Additionally, I would love to learn how South Africa has developed as Africa’s second largest economy after decades of colonization. I hope to do so by visiting various historical sites, NGO institutions, local community centers, and so on. I would love to chat with different people about how they think about their development, what developmental programs they are/are not satisfied with, and what changes they would like to see in the future. I also hope to expand my horizons regarding how people in different cultures and developmental stages think and view the world.

Moreover, I hope to make a difference through caring and helping the kids in South Africa. They grow up in a completely different world than I do, and I hope to experience their life through the lens of both a college student and someone who live with them everyday. I think I can only help them the best when I experience the way they live and understand the way they think. I hope my presence will bring cheers and happiness to them.

I have previously volunteered for the earthquake survivors in Sichuan, China. It was a life-changing experience for me because it helped me realize how vulnerable but strong people are, and how unpredictable life is. Besides teaching and helping my students, I also enhanced myself tremendously through learning their local cultures and their optimism. I really enjoyed this type of interaction, feeling fulfilled while contributing to society and learning from different people. South Africa would be a completely new sphere for me. However, I cannot express how excited and eager I am to be part of the community, helping and caring the kids everyday.

What is more, I would like to make friends through this program. I love hanging out with different people, and I look forward to being friends with my peer volunteers, the kids, the programs fellows, and the locals. I hope to learn about their perspectives, experiences, and passions, and possibly change how I look at things by interacting with various people.

Furthermore, I have dreamed about visiting this “mysterious” nation since I was a kid. However, I never really got a chance. Now I am in my last year of college, so it would be my last chance to do it, and I cannot wait to have this eye-opening experience. I believe the best way to learn about this country is to visit, discovering everything personally and interacting with the local people, immersing myself into its diverse cultures, beautiful sceneries, and friendly community.

Finally, I think having this experience would always remind me that there are so many people in the world who need our help. And no matter what I do in the future, I would always remember to give out to society, and make the world a loving family.

I would really appreciate your help in making my South Africa journey possible. To thank you for your generosity, I would send you a post card of Williamsburg, Virginia. Thank you all again!
  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

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