BigThink

Letter from Sarah Whitney, Managing Director in South Africa:

As South Africa wrapped up the World Cup last night with a 1-0 victory by Spain over the Netherlands, the Global Development Interns are beginning on a whole new journey. After a relaxing trip to Djuma Game Reserve last week, with sights of Big 5 animals, delicious meals, and refreshing showers, the interns are back at work. They began last week on the second stage of the GDI, either choosing to follow the Fellowship or Advocacy paths that ThinkImpact has developed to showcase their understanding and commitment of poverty reduction, social enterprise, and global development. Those who choose the Fellowship path will be working over the next three weeks to facilitate the development of small businesses under the direction of local community members. Those who take the Advocacy path will be pursuing an interest of their own in conjunction with a community partner to develop a tangible representation of the community in which they live and work. They will use this to advocate to their home communities and universities about challenges and opportunities in poverty reduction and community development in rural South Africa.

The interns have already begun to showcase their talents, understanding, and creativity over the past week. While some are pursuing partnerships with local community members who wish to start social businesses surrounding farming, funeral services, and education, others are building advocacy initiatives focused on HIV/AIDS, marriage, leadership, and daily life in the communities. It is a very exciting time here in Manyeleti and I, along with the rest of the ThinkImpact South Africa staff, cannot wait to see the results of all this hard work. We will be sure to update you again soon on the great progress the interns are making!