The Simunye Project began in 2006 when trip leader Peter Dry met with Susan Rammekwa, in Roodepoort, South Africa. She was running the Tshepang After School Programme for orphaned and vulnerable children out of Princess Crossing, a shantytown. He was struck by two things. One, is the fact that we have the means to make a massive difference in the lives of children in poor communities. Secondly, he was acutely aware of the lessons volunteers could learn from the Princess community. Lessons of joy, resilience, community, resourcefulness, and Ubuntu – a quality that includes the essential human virtues: compassion and humanity.
In 2007, The Simunye Project ran its first trip, a three-week experience during which volunteers did hands-on work in underprivileged communities. Since then, The Simunye Project has sent over 500 volunteers and raised over $1 million. Every cent goes directly to those who need it most, making the Project unique.
In 2015, Peter and Samantha started Simunye Project US, which, partnering with Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, began taking motivated students and volunteers from the USA on an annual life-changing trip that rapidly built skills in persistence, preparation, leadership, and teamwork. In 2020, in spite of COVID-19, Simunye raised $60,000 to build classrooms and provide access to fresh vegetables, education scholarships, and more.
The Simunye Project US is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: 82-4491563
