Cost: $995 per person plus airfare

 

Register by: March 15, 2012

 

Entry Requirements: USA passport only

 

Why Go? IWC is excited to follow-up last summer’s project in George with another joint mission effort with South African student believers. Americans will partner with national students from across the country to tackle the challenge of reaching impoverished teenagers and young adults in local townships. Ministries will include drama, sports, direct evangelism, music, and more. 

 

About Oudtshoorn: Not far from George and off the Indian Ocean coast in the southern part of the country, Oudtshoorn is located in the beautiful Klein Karoo (semi-desert region) between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. It is the ostrich capital of the world where the world's biggest bird is raised on farms in great numbers. It is also home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa's largest cave system. The area is also not far from rich vineyards and farmlands. Keep in mind that it will be winter in South Africa during this project. Not all South Africans in this area speak English, but their friendliness and willingness to make new friends makes it easier to bridge the gap.

 

Cultural Information: Not many years ago the South African population had official racial designations of black, white, and coloured, with the white minority in control of nearly all aspects of the country. Emerging from the throes of apartheid in the early 1990's, South Africa took huge steps toward justice, healing, and reconciliation. Post-apartheid governments have made remarkable progress in transitioning to democracy, increasing the delivery of essential social services, and improving opportunities in education and business. Nevertheless, extreme poverty remains a blight for many and corruption in government is commplace. Transformation from the legacy of apartheid will be a long-term process. Like in many other sub-Saharan nations, AIDS is prevalent here and exacts a terrible toll, especially among those in poverty. The abandonment of babies among the poor is also widespread.

 

Total capacity for this project: 50