South African Service Trip Teaches Life Lessons in Empathy

A two-week service trip to South Africa became a life-changing experience for 14 students accompanied by Charisse Willis ’89SVC, ’91MS, ’95P.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in The School of Education at St. John’s University.

The students were aware that many elementary schools in South Africa were in desperate need of help. “A group of us had been talking about making the trip there for a long time,” Dean Willis said. “Finally, we said, ‘let’s just do it.’ You know, God works in mysterious ways.”

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Dean Willis and the students were joined by Alexandra Foukalas ’11Ed, Assistant Director of the University’s America Reads * America Serves program, and two faculty members — James Bethea, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Human Services and Counseling; and Aliya Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction.

Excited by this opportunity to live the Vincentian mission, the group landed in Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 15. The students were ready to make a positive difference in the world beyond the walls of St. John’s University.

A Focus on Basic Needs

Reaching out to schools in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the St. John’s contingent was determined to provide what teachers and students there needed most. “Clothes, for one thing,” said Ms. Foukalas. “Money, food — they needed very basic things that we take for granted.”

Students and faculty in The School of Education already had raised more than $4,000 to purchase much-needed supplies for the schoolchildren they would encounter. They — and other members of the University community — donated their own money as well.

The poverty in the region stunned the St. John’s group. Soweto Township — a hotbed of resistance to the government during apartheid — was one of their stops. Today, the district is a cultural melting pot and home to more than 3.5 million people, many living in tin-roofed shanties.

The students began their service work by visiting the Lambano Sanctuary, an orphanage dedicated to caring for children affected by the AIDS virus and HIV. Another destination was Nkosi’s Haven, which assists destitute HIV/AIDS-infected mothers, their children and orphans. “You want to help them understand that there is someone out there who cares,” said Ms. Foukalas.

Smiling Faces, Despite Hardship

Inspiration came to St. John’s students and faculty through the unwavering high spirits of the people they met. Everywhere the group went, they were immediately greeted with the waves and smiles of the children.

The lack of qualified teachers and an absence of structure testified to the dismal education system in the region’s impoverished neighborhoods. In addition to mentoring students in the 10 schools they visited, the St. John’s group helped educators to strengthen their teaching techniques.

They also delivered food, clothing and supplies to the schools. “The principals were beyond amazed,” said Kerry Andreozzi ’14Ed. “I’m so happy I was a part of something that truly helped entire schools.”

“To know that you can change someone’s life is so gratifying,” said Dean Willis. “I compare it to what St. Vincent de Paul did in spreading faith and hope.”

The Work Continues

Above all, the group was impressed by how well the children did in their studies, despite poor learning conditions. “If you gave them something to learn, they would do whatever it took to learn it and perfect it,” Dean Willis said. “They don’t have a lot of options, and they don’t have many distractions either, so when given an opportunity, they make the most of it.”

Though pleased with the trip, Dean Willis plans to return with a new team in 2014. Their mission will be to replace dilapidated tents used as houses of worship with a permanent church. “Despite conditions,” said Dean Willis, “the people are happy just to be praying together.” Ms. Foukalas added, “When they pray, they don’t ask God for material things. They thank Him for what they’ve been given.”

The 2014 South Africa team will focus their efforts on a single school, with the expectation that students and faculty there will share the knowledge they gain with their peers.

Above all, the St. John’s students and faculty want children and teachers to know they will never be forgotten. “We want to bring hope to these communities,” said Dean Willis, “and to show them this [trip] is not the end.”