Cheyenne Harber, a local student from Blanco High School, will be traveling to South Africa to volunteer with underprivileged families and children.

Cheyenne has been selected to participate in a unique four-week volunteer program in South Africa, working alongside 20 to 50 other indiviuals from around the globe who share her passion to impact our world. Harber will be working under the direction of an organization called International Student Volunteers (ISV).

South Africa has a turbulent history, resulting in a great divide between rich and poor. Many South Africans live in poverty and struggle to meet everyday needs. Over 25% of the population is unemployed and the nation is still suffering an uneven distribution of wealth following the apartid regime. South Africa has the second-highest number of HIV/AIDS patients in the world; around one in seven of its citizens are infected with HIV. Greater infrastructure development is a priority to meet basic human needs of the many South Africans living in townships. Carefully structured volunteer programs provide a means to make a real difference through community development through this experience. Harber will gain a deeper appreciation and greater understanding of the issues facing the South African people.

During her first two weeks in South Africa, she will volunteer in a local South African community on a diverse range of community development projects working with families and children living in poverty, and assisting in local initiatives to develop community infrastructure. Projects include: education and sports programs for children, constructing community gardens, assisting in local schools, community infrastructure development, water sanitation development, painting educational murals and building playground equipment for children.

Following her two weeks if volunteering, she will take an educational two-week adventure tour of Southern Africa. During these two weeks she will travel extensively throughout South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique and be fully immersed in the local culture. Harber will explore some of Southern Africa’s most exciting locations with activities such as: caving in Swaziland, snorkeling with marine life such as whale sharks and manta rays in Mozambique, visiting the Cradle of Mankind and learning local tribe dances. The highlight of the tour will be a wildlife safari in South Africa, staying overnight on the edge of a game reserve filled with lions, giraffes, rhinos, hippos and other African wildlife.

Harber has a chance to experience a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure where she can meet new people, discover new places and travel with a purpose that benefits the community and environment. Her trip is scheduled for the beginning of June 2011.

Harber will be paying for the majority of the Program with her personal funds. She is asking for donations from her local community to help her reach Africa and experience the wonders of the world. If you would like to sponsor Cheyenne Harber by making a donation to support her volunteer efforts, please contact her at mh1642@txstate.edu or 830-832-1044. Donations made by sponsors who file taxes in the USA are tax deductible within the limits of the law.

If you would like to find out more information about International Student Volunteers, visit their website at www.isvonline.org.