For the past few years, the Douglas Foundation has had the pleasure of working with Professor Shirley Weber From San Diego State University’s Department of Africana Studies www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/afras/index.html. Each spring Dr. Weber escorts a group of SDSU students to South Africa, and the Douglas Foundation arranges meaningful community service experiences for them. We make an effort to ensure this experience combines a donation from the students of needed items (such as school supplies) with physical activity. For example, in April 2009, SDSU students painted shacks in Kliptown squatter’s camp, Soweto. In 2008, students washed windows, tables and chairs at our favorite Kliptown crèche. The children at this crèche benefit from the feeding program managed by the Douglas Foundation. Following the 2009 visit to Kliptown, the SDSU students collected enough money to purchase playground equipment for the kids. The Douglas Foundation was pleased to handle details on the South Africa side, arranging the purchase and coordinating delivery and installation.
Dr. Weber reciprocates by coordinating a 2-3 day cultural exchange each summer for South African students traveling to the U.S. to attend the Anthony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit. Each year the Douglas Foundation sponsors students for this life-changing trip, the number of students depending directly on donations.
