Reflections from volunteers who came to Eswatini, Africa hoping to help orphaned children and left deeply changed themselves
Kylie Dennis (2018, 2026)
Jordan Greif (2019 & 2022)
Give Hope Fight Poverty gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to connect with so many people in eSwatini. I have never experienced any place or building relationships with anyone like I did there. Getting to spend quality time with children, doing emergency food deliveries, and volunteering in the schools were my highlights. I am an educator in the States now and I find myself thinking of my time in eSwatini regularly. Seeing the challenges that these children are facing every day, but persevering through anyway, was incredible. I even have a few art pieces from local artisans hung in my classroom that I get to chat with students about. eSwatini truly changed the way I view and move in the world. If you ever have the chance to go, DO IT! I've gone twice and can't wait for a third.
Megan Kaser (2016)
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Angie Brier (2015 and 2008)
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I have had the opportunity to travel to Swaziland twice. Words can't do this amazing experience justice. It's very humbling to be a part of something so honest and to see the difference we can make in these kids lives. Both of these trips helped me put things back in perspective and opened my heart to something I hadn't experienced before. The joy that I felt spending time at the schools or with the kiddos in their homes was amazing. It's very eye-opening to see that kind of poverty up close but even more so to see the difference it makes to when someone gives them hope. This organization has literally changed the lives of these kids and the lives of every volunteer involved in the process. If you haven't been yet, you don't know what you're missing. I assure you, this experience will last a lifetime!
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Casey Hughes, Purdue University (2014)When I first learned of the possibility to travel to Swaziland, I was filled with joy and excitement. While there, I was able to see the reality of poverty, and how we can all easily make a difference. I was amazed by how generous the Swazi people were, and by their undying perseverance for life. Although we were only a small group of people, it was evident how much hope we brought to everyone we met. Because I have had this experience, I feel forever changed by their kindness, and I will continue to advocate for GHFP to help the people who deserve the most.
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Katy Schueller, Chicago Public Schools Elementary Education Teacher (2013, 2011 and 2019)
Having had the opportunity to travel to Swaziland (three times since 2011 with GHFP) truly changed my life. Being an Elementary Education teacher, I was naturally drawn to the thought of being able to work with children, especially in such a unique culture. What shocked me more than the unimaginable struggles these orphans and vulnerable children have faced was their unwavering perseverance and lust for life. The children I was lucky enough to encounter taught me more about life than any teacher or textbook ever could. I now have an even greater appreciation for the life I am lucky enough to lead as well as a growing desire to do all I can for these children. I am forever grateful for this experience and everything it has done for me and now I am excited to share that passion with future GHFP Service-Learning participants as their Team Leader! Contact: [email protected]
Danielle Ostrowski, Purdue University (2012)
As a student in the medical field, my greatest passion is helping others and receiving that sense of joy when I look at their happy faces. I can honestly say that going to Swaziland was the best decision of my entire life. These children are so full of happiness and have a thirst for knowledge. They are brought up with nothing and yet contain so much kindness and selflessness. One boy, Samkelo, is an absolute inspiration to me. As a teenager he dropped out of school to take care of his younger siblings and is completely mature beyond his years. I consider him a hero. In those couple of weeks I spent in Swaziland I thought I was going to help these kids and help change their lives through this organization. Coming back I realized that it was the other way around; they completely changed my life. Because of them I know I am a better person and they taught me that life is all about the people you’re surrounded by and the happiness you share. I am so incredibly grateful to have been a part of this organization and this experience. I hope to return to Swaziland very soon to see these kids I miss and love so much!
Kristen Busenbark, Art With a Heart educator (2011)
I traveled to Swaziland excited to learn about a new culture and do what I love, which is working with children. What I got was an incredible experience that changed my life. Working with under-served youth in my everyday life is extremely rewarding but nothing can compare to the experience and life lessons I learned in Swaziland. The children that I was so fortunate to meet had so many challenges and struggles to overcome every day, things that I couldn’t even dream about overcoming if I was their age, but the desire and attitude they have about life is truly unbelievable. Listening to them talk about their aspirations and goals they have for themselves was an unbelievable experience, it made me take a look at myself in a way that I never have before. I have a greater appreciation for the life I am able to lead because of Swaziland and now have an overwhelming desire to help out Give Hope Fight Poverty in any way possible. I find myself thinking about Swaziland everyday and I know it will be a part of me forever.
Riyona Abraham, Purdue University (2010)
"Swaziland has impacted my life in a tremendous way. I am more aware of what blessings I have and the opportunities that I am fortunate to be a part of. The people of Swaziland are inspiring to me because of what they have to go through on a daily basis. If there is anything that I have learned from the trip is that you should never give up on faith and to always have hope."
Ashley Burton, Nurse Practitioner (2009)
I traveled to Swaziland as a public health student. This trip provided me the opportunity to experience another culture and further develop my interest in global health issues. The time spent with Swazi orphans was an incredible experience I will never forget. Their dreams and zest for life, despite their circumstances, were truly amazing. After spending time with families in the village, we were also able to visit orphanages and hospitals. The hospital visit solidified my desire to pursue a second degree in nursing to allow me to pursue my passion in reaching out to vulnerable families worldwide. I look forward to upcoming trips in the near future! "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."