“My experience in South Africa has been unforgettable. At Tshepang I met a young girl named Oriate. She is the most smiley girl I’ve ever met. Every hug was overflowing with love, every moment dancing was full of laughter, and every moment holding hands was priceless. I feel so blessed to have bonded with Oriate and will forever be grateful for the love we shared.”
– Cameron, student
“The work on this trip can be hard but whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself. Simunye isn’t just about helping crèches and schools, it’s about spreading joy and love. The most important work you do on this trip isn’t the physical building, it’s the sense of community that you help build.”
– Mary, student
“This has been a very eye-opening experience and lots of people said it would be difficult, and it was hard work but that didn’t stop the fun we had and the connections we made.”
– Hannah, student
“Simunye – meaning we are one – is not limited in any way shape or form. We are one – whether it be in South Africa, the United States, or anywhere else for that matter. To be able to move to a foreign environment, complete hours of strenuous work, and teach children that did not speak the same language that we did, that is Simunye in action.”
— Kai, student
“One moment that I loved that showed how ever present the oneness could be was while I was playing soccer with the boys at Tshepang. I was talking to an older boy named Sbusiso and he told me to say one when calling for the ball. I asked them why the word was one instead of pass or yeah as I am used to and the answer was brilliant. He said that we are all playing as one. Whether it was mixing cement or painting a playground everything took the same teamwork to get done and by keeping that reminder of Simunye it inspired us to look outside of our own self and look more at the team.”
— Carson, student
