10th Anniversary GSE South Africa Initiative Returns Home

Jet-lagged but emboldened, this year's South Africa Initiative (SAI) Study Tour participants return home with a special distinction; they are the decennial group.  Although a toddler by anniversary standards, this milestone is indeed something to celebrate.  Over the past 10 years the program has met challenges, been revised, forged partnerships and ultimately grown into the perspective-shifting endeavor that exists today.

"We strive to encourage the development of global citizens," said Dr. Darren Clarke, Senior Director of Strategic Alliances and Outreach at the GSE and co-founder of SAI.  "These educators are ambassadors, bringing home to our children a cross-cultural point of view that will deepen their learning and improve the quality of our community." 

This year the group spent the majority of their time participating in service learning projects working along side South African educators in rural areas near Cape Town, Mamelodi East, Pretoria, and Teboho.  Outside of the schools, the participants also visited a District 6 Museum, Robben Island, the Apartheid Museum, Voortrekker Monument, and the National Zoological Gardens.  

Learn more about SAI and witness the trip through the eyes of the participants by visiting their blogs at gse.rutgers.edu/southafrica

photo taken by SAI 2011 study tour participant Alea Rushmore