Help Summer Volunteer at an Orphanage in South Africa!

Summer Kapanka Start Date: Dec 4, 2018 - End Date: Mar 1, 2019
  • East London, South Africa

My Travel Story

by: Summer Kapanka Start Date: Dec 4, 2018 - End Date: Mar 1, 2019
Hello! My name is Summer Kapanka, and I am a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania studying Psychology and Criminology. As a first generation, low income (FGLI) college student, I have worked my entire life for the opportunity to expand my knowledge and explore our world.


For the past year, I have been working as an intern at the Character Lab, a non-profit run by Dr. Angela Duckworth, author of Grit, working to weave character development and education. I am also a volunteer for the Petey Greene program, tutoring youth who are incarcerated. These experiences have influenced my decision to look more into work in education, specifically of with children from troubled backgrounds.


That’s why I found Greensleeves, a grassroot children’s home and school working to support orphaned children in East London, South Africa. Greensleeves’ mission is to provide a safe place for children and to equip them with skills that will help them make a difference in their own communities.


Luckily, the Greensleeves team accepted my application, and they have asked me to volunteer as a tutor and mentor in June of 2019. I will be volunteering before my study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa from July - December 2019. I hope to use this experience to gain insight into hands-on teaching and to learn from the experiences of the children. 


But, there’s a caveat. As I stated above, I am a FGLI student, and taking a volunteer position halfway across the world can be extremely costly. I would be honored if you could donate as little or as much as you can to help me on this journey to East London. If you have any questions about my trip, or would just like to chat, let me know!


Best wishes,
Summer




  • East London, South Africa

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