The Quinnipiac Chronicle Blog

It is always great to hear about fellow students trying to make a difference in the world. Caitlin Dowley, a junior International Business student, took an eight week trip to South Africa with the Student Movement for Real Change. Please read on to find out more about her trip!

Quinnipac Student Helps Educate and Develop South African Community

Washington, DC—This summer, Quinnipac student Caitlin Dowley joined 28 college students in traveling to a South Africa rural community with the flagship Global Development Internship program. Student Movement for Real Change (SMRC), a non-profit organization that supports youth initiated change in developing communities worldwide, sent students from across the United States to Mpumalanga, South Africa in an effort to improve the community through literacy, HIV education, recreational activities, and development projects. The eight-week trip began June 16th in Cape Town, South Africa.

Dowley, an International Business student graduating in 2010, has been heavily involved with the Student Government Association and active in Community Action Project, and has dedicated a significant portion of high school and college years to service. However, the environment of a rural South African community was an entirely new cultural experience.

The interns, Dowley among them, were selectively chosen based on leadership experience, recommendations, and community service involvement. The interns represent sixteen universities from across the country.

“This initiative allows students to become part of the Mpumalanga community and create positive change where it is desperately needed,” said Vanessa Carter, South Africa project director.  “By being immersed in the culture, American students and African community members can better understand one another and work together to improve the community. It is not easy living without luxuries to which we are accustomed, but these interns are motivated and prepared to become part of a foreign society.”

Students spent their first two weeks in Cape Town and Johannesburg for discussion sections to learn about the unique cultures of Mpumalanga. They also underwent training on how to create effective school curriculums. Throughout their stay, students and community members worked together to select development initiatives to benefit the community. The students lived in homestays where many did not have access to running water or electricity.

Prior to the beginning of the African school year, the students held a two-week camp for African children with art projects, theater, and sports training. The students also implemented sessions focusing on health education and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

“We,  young people, underestimate our power to change the world,” said Saul Garlick, the executive director of Student Movement for Real Change. “The Global Development Internship Program provides a vehicle for students to make the substantial change we are capable of.”

After a successful pilot last year, Carter and Garlick have been confident about the positive effects the interns have on the community, as well of the positive effect that the community has on the interns. One 2007 Global Development Intern reflected that by the end of the program, the American students and the African community members were all one community working toward a common goal: a better life.
“Youth helping youth is a powerful and innovative message,” said Garlick. “Everyone can make a change and we are here to show that.”

Student Movement for Real Change (SMRC) provides training and support programs for young leaders to develop health and education solutions in developing communities worldwide. SMRC is working in multiple countries including Kenya, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and the Unites States and has partnered with over 50 organizations worldwide. They develop schools, libraries, sports fields, and water sanitation solutions in developing communities internationally. SMRC is located in Washington DC.

More information about applying for this year’s Global Development Internship Program can be found at http://www.studentmovementusa.org .