South Africa: Thirteen years ago South Africa achieved a peaceful transition from a racist, apartheid state to its new identity as the “Rainbow Nation”, where genuine efforts at reconciliation and cooperation have led to a growing economy. Despite South Africa’s recent successes and compelling beauty, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has overwhelmed many areas of the country. Acknowledging the need for action, South Africa has created and supported many different programs that focus on prevention – keeping the estimated 40 million South Africans who are not infected with HIV/AIDS healthy, and creating community programs that replace myths and stereotypes with facts.

Cape Town: The program begins with five days in South Africa’s “Mother City”, Cape Town, which was established as a base for the Dutch East India Company in 1652, but settled by the San and Khoikhoi tribes long before. Our group lives in dormitories at the University of Cape Town, and uses this time to visit Robben Islan (once the prison where Nelson Mandela was held), to learn about South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and meet with HIV/AIDS-focused NGOs as they put together a picture of contemporary South African society, culture, and history.

Amangwe Village: From Cape Town, the group flies to Durban and then drives approximately 200km north to Amangwe Village in KwaZulu-Natal, the South African province with the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection. Amangwe Village is located in the North Coast region, an area that is stricken not only by HIV/AIDS, but also by endemic poverty. This devastating combination has resulted in the continued rise in the number of orphans and households run by children.

These orphaned children are the first to welcome our students to their Amangwe Village home - a comprehensive facility managed by the Zululand Chamber of Business and initiated by Mondi, a South African paper company. In addition to the residential orphanage, the facility also has an on-site day nursery where students volunteer their time and initiate several projects. Amangwe Village also supports community projects designed to teach useful skills and generate income. Students help to create and implement outreach, education, and awareness projects using these facilities. Ethembeni Care Centre, a 45-bed sub-acute facility for the care of HIV/AIDS related illnesses and other conditions, as well as an 18-bed pediatric ward, are located in Amangwe, giving students the opportunity to learn more about HIV/AIDS treatment and enabling them to work alongside health care providers and patients.

Ukhahlamba-Drakensburg Park: Before returning to Yale, students spend a few days on an active in-country “retreat”. With the awe-inspiring Drakensburg range as a backdrop, they go on short wildlife safaris during the day to see giraffe, zebra, and elephants, and other wildlife, and spend evenings discussing all they have done and learned in South Africa, preparing to present their plan for ongoing action and involvement to the other Global Action groups.