The landscape of Southern Africa is as diverse as its people: desert plains become rolling hills, mountain ranges reach to rocky coastlines, while the beautiful faces and voices of the Zulu, Xhosa, Siswati, and Tsonga peoples radiate an exuberance and passion for life that is awe-inspiring. Rising from the State-sanctioned racial segregation and harsh repression of Apartheid, the people of South Africa have chosen a difficult path. Rebuilding their the country upon concepts of kindness and understanding, choosing forgiveness over retribution, preferring truth and reconciliation to revenge and anger, South Africa is bravely attempting to lead the world into the twenty-first century. Can they break the brutal cycles of history? Guided by one of the most progressive constitutions ever written, South Africa copes not only with an oppressive recent past, but also with immediate infrastructure challenges and public health issues of frightening magnitude.

Bridge Southern Africa students will:

• Experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of South Africa, Swaziland, and Lesotho.
• Learn to bring international communities together through leadership and games.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Southern Africa.
• Work with the SOS Red Cross Children’s Village in Swaziland
• Develop and teach fun activities for young children
• Expand language skills, learning phrases in isiZulu, Siswati, Sotho, and more.
• Learn first-hand about grassroots efforts to battle the devastating effects of poverty.
• Work with activists and artists to learn about the ongoing struggle for freedom in Soweto.
• Develop plans to educate friends and family back home about the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
• Make lasting connections and have FUN!