Global Outreach South Africa

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We are delighted and excited to inform you that Global Outreach, a student run organization at Fordham University, will embark on a three week cultural exchange and service trip to South Africa, which leaves May 21st and returns June 12th. Fordham University holds true to their Jesuit teachings and by doing so they have a program that is dedicated to serving our fellow brothers and sisters abroad.

A team comprised of 11 students and faculty will be led by Jasmine Velazquez, a senior at Fordham Univeristy. She is ecstatic to create an everlasting experience for her team members. Jasmine will be assisted by the Assistant Dean and Director of Multicultural Affairs, Ms. Nina Longino, who will serve as the team’s chaperon. Through this intense cultural immersion we will travel to three major cities, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town as well as many small towns where we will be learning about South Africa’s history and the complex issues that plague the country, such as: economic and housing injustice, HIV/AIDS, race and issues with teen and women's rights. We have collaborated with the University of Pretoria and will be interacting with fellow students who can provide a unique perspective enabling us to see the connections between our societies. In addition, we will be conducting home-stays and working with local orphanages riddled by HIV/AIDS and non-governmental organizations that focus on women and youth dealing with their societal inequities.

We hope to become educated about these issues and in turn share our experiences with others, realizing that in telling our stories the process of change can take place. We pray that ignorance will cease and it will be substituted with the truth, which we will seek. This experience is one that we have dreamed about, one that is imperative for growth into adulthood. We will be able to broaden our minds and sing and dance with our brothers and sisters in South Africa. We will be able to say that we were apart of the solution, not the problem. However, this will only be possible with your financial support, making you too, a part of change.

We would greatly appreciate your monetary support and/or services. Our estimated operating budget is $30,000 and we have all committed to raising these funds. Your support will help us reach our goal. We are a group of students on fire—ignite the flame of justice with us. Make a tax deductible donation to our trip and help 12 students achieve their dream.

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