I've been delaying the creation of this blog because I was missing by far the most important piece; a good name. After all, this thread is going to be my closest connection with my friends and family for my 12 month internship with GrassrootSoccer; so the name has to have a ring to it. With the help of a couple friends, I have found a name that is worthy.
"Youbuntube" is a hybrid of "YouTube" and the Bantu word "Ubuntu" (ooo-boon-too), an African concept that translates to, "I am who I am because of who we all are." As best as a single word can, it captures a critical philosophy of African life. Ubuntu emphasizes the importance of togetherness - a crucial concept that led to the successful eradication of apartheid in South Africa and a key to the eradication of HIV and AIDS from that very same region.
As I begin my plans to start this journey I'm very excited about the experience that lies ahead of me but also can't help but be slightly nervous about leaving what and who I know to go halfway across the world. But the support of family and friends through donations and friendly words of encouragement remind me that we are all in this together.
Now with a name in place, I will do my best to live up to it. I will do my best to entertain you like only YouTube can and make you feel like you are right there in the red sand with me.
Thank you to everyone who has offered support, it means a lot to me and I am very appreciative.
Friday, April 1, 2011
What will I be doing in Africa?
From August 2011 to August 2012 I will be interning with GrassrootSoccer in southern Africa (exact location TBD). GrassrootSoccer is a non-profit organization that uses the power of soccer in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It was founded by former professional soccer players in 2002, GRS trains African stars, coaches, peer educators, and teachers to deliver an interactive HIV prevention and life skills curriculum to youth. For more information, check out the videos on the right side of this page.
Throughout the year-long internship I will be involved in many aspects of the GRS program:
- Planning youth-targeted HIV prevention programs
- Networking with community organizations to build relationships and promote GRS services
- Coordinating events such as voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) soccer tournaments
- Building capacity of GRS field staff and and local GRS coaches
- Recruiting community-based volunteers
- Assisting in curriculum and business development
Since this is a volunteer role with GRS, in order to cover living expenses for my time in Africa I will need to raise roughly $10,000. If you would like to donate to my experience you can use the checkout buttons on the right side of this blog. The donations through GRS go into a GRS expense account under my name. This will be a tax deductible donation. If you would like to give a personal donation, you can use the Paypal checkout button. These funds will go into my personal bank account and will not be tax deductible - but these funds will serve as a base to pay for my expenses before being reimbursed by GRS.
Thanks to everyone who is helping to make this possible. I greatly appreciate all your support.
Throughout the year-long internship I will be involved in many aspects of the GRS program:
- Planning youth-targeted HIV prevention programs
- Networking with community organizations to build relationships and promote GRS services
- Coordinating events such as voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) soccer tournaments
- Building capacity of GRS field staff and and local GRS coaches
- Recruiting community-based volunteers
- Assisting in curriculum and business development
Since this is a volunteer role with GRS, in order to cover living expenses for my time in Africa I will need to raise roughly $10,000. If you would like to donate to my experience you can use the checkout buttons on the right side of this blog. The donations through GRS go into a GRS expense account under my name. This will be a tax deductible donation. If you would like to give a personal donation, you can use the Paypal checkout button. These funds will go into my personal bank account and will not be tax deductible - but these funds will serve as a base to pay for my expenses before being reimbursed by GRS.
Thanks to everyone who is helping to make this possible. I greatly appreciate all your support.
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