Oupa's organization focuses on education and environmental issues, photo courtesy of Deborah Terhune
I just want to say thank you for everything, being part of your project my life has change completely. … I do have an organization which I have started, the aim of this organization is based on education and environmental issues. I want youth to know that knowledge is power so without education you won’t survive on this planet earth.
- Oupa, friend and CUSD volunteer from Justicia, Limpopo, South Africa; founder of Swakoteka* youth development program
* “Swakoteka” is a Shanghani word meaning “it is possible”.
A dear friend and fellow CUSD volunteer, Oupa, teaches at a small school in Justicia: Happy Home School, a preschool founded in 2001 with a passion for educating local children. Last summer, he lived and worked side-by-side with student volunteers for 6 weeks. This homestay and skills exchange opportunity was arranged and encouraged by one of our project advisors, Deborah Terhune who is also Founder of Growing Up Africa, a USA based nonprofit, responsible for enhancing, developing and supporting Happy Home School. Upon returning to Justicia, Oupa founded Swakoteka youth development program.
This is Oupa! Photo courtesy of Deborah Terhune
Recently, Deborah shared more updates about Oupa and what he has been doing in his village, since returning to Justicia. See her email below:
… I want to share with you the impact you and your project has made on one young man’s life.
Oupa, returned to Justicia filled with hope and inspiration. Just recently he started a YOUTH GROUP (not the same as his church’s youth group). The mission: to instill the spirit of community, to learn ways to support one another in the community and to teach volunteerism. The first project on their agenda: keeping the community clean.
Every two weeks this small group walks Justicia clearing any and all debris. Well, as much as they can manage with the plastic bags that Oupa buys with his meager teacher’s pay. The lack of regular refuse removal makes it difficult but they are managing.
He has also been acknowledged as the point person, “shadowing” those involved with the land planning process for our next projects in Justicia and Huntington. He may not have the academic background but he surely has the desire and works very hard.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you (while keeping things in perspective) and to honor you for the positive influence you made on one boy’s life. Because you inspired one, you have changed the lives of many… making a difference one village at a time. That’s our true mission, isn’t it? All very exciting AND rewarding.
While we are focused on so many aspects of the project, let’s try to remember the enormous impact on the lives you have touched and the changes that have manifested from all of your efforts.
A wonderful tribute to Oupa, the people of Justicia and especially to the Cornell students!
What a marvelous story. Oupa is inspirational to not only those he meets but for those of us who read about him.
We take so much for granted, but people can make a difference in a community when they are inspired and have good leaders to follow. Well done Oupa and Deborah!