GS Giving Circle Coordinator, Paige Hasson, recently traveled to So’n Africa with her friends, Yvonne and Vicki, on a Global Sojourns Giving Circle trip. The trip combined working side by side with our partner projects, a safari at The Hide in Zimbabwe, and time to unwind in Cape Town.
“What I experienced in Africa was not life as a tourist but life as a fully engaged participant.” Paige Hasson
“Africa was a total unknown to me prior to my recent journey. I found it beautiful and awe inspiring (over 3000 photos taken), of course, but what impressed me most was the spirit of the people. In the three countries I visited (Zambia,Zimbabwe and South Africa) the people were upbeat, positive and most of all hopeful and looking to the future. If you enjoy travel, do not let the long journey to Southern Africa keep you from going. It is indeed the journey of a lifetime,
one that will leave you much richer in spirit for the experience”. Vicki Coles
Some of the special things they experienced:
- seeing Victoria Falls from Zambia and Zimbabwe
- visiting the studio of a local renowned artist and activist
- attending a “Girl Power!” workshop in Victoria Falls funded by the GSGC
- experiencing a braai (b-que) in the home of a GSGC partner in Victoria Falls
- visiting a local primary school
- teaching games and reading to children at a pre-school
- listening to Hugh Masekela at an outdoor concert at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens
- a wine and cheese picnic at a winery while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean
- seeing lions feast on their prey in Hwange National Park
- attending a special sports day for disadvantaged youth
- cooking “shima” with the chef at the B&B in Livingstone
- shopping at the Biscuit Mill in Cape Town
Experiences such as these offer our clients an insight, perspective and respect for local people and culture that other visitors may not be lucky enough to have.
For more on their adventures, check out the GS Giving Circle Blog and FaceBook.
