One Heart Source

The experience that this organization allowed me to have is indescribable. The relationships I built and the people I met were amazing. I hope that everyone has the chance to expense something like this during their lifetime. One Heart Source goes above and beyond for the students in their program and for their volunteers. I cannot think of a better organization. Thank you OHS for the opportunity of a life time ❤️❤️

The past summer I mentored with OHS and it was one of the best summers I’ve had yet. The organization made sure that each of the mentors mattered and was there for the student, which was why every one of the mentors were there for. Not only did I feel like I made an impact in my mentees lives but they made a huge one on mine. I can’t wait to go back and explore the beautiful, culture rich country and reconnect with the leadership and my fellow mentors.

I volunteered with One Heart Source this summer and it was absolutely life-changing. These kids have touched me in a way I didn’t know possible and taught me so much. I had so much fun getting to have relationships with them! We were able to be apart of their community for a while and were immersed in their culture. The leadership of this program is so amazing! They were kind, helpful, respectful, and did everything with their whole heart. They inspired me to be a better teacher and person. I am taking home with me so many values from the community and with a new perspective. This trip opened my mind and filled my heart. Two weeks weren't enough. I highly recommend applying, it is truly an amazing opportunity. Thank you One Heart Source!

I volunteered with OHS this year. All the leadership of the program were absolutely amazing, knowledgeable, kind, caring and helpful. They were able to teach me so much and guide me to be a better person !! The students were also such an inspiration to be working with. This experience is one of a kind and even sometimes hard to explain in words because it is so incredible. I recommend for anyone to volunteer with OHS if they have the opportunity, you won’t regret it!!

One Heart Source is a phenomenal organization and let me tell you why. As most of us that I have volunteered, we found out via an email! Take a chance on this organization! Let me tell you, it was kinda scary to follow through due to the distance, but the impact and experience is worth it. I recently completed my second year volunteering and it was like I never left. One Heart Source gives you an opportunity to work with people from all over, locals, and of course, the children. The children bring smiles to your faces everyday and teach you life lessons that you could never imagine. The staff that works with you through your journey are incredibly motivation, supportive, and helpful. You not only create a bond with your fellow mentors, the students, but also the staff. The staff helps you have the best experience you could possibly have. I encourage everyone to step outside of their comfort zone and reach out to an organization like this one. I can tell you all right now. I'll be back next year without hesitation.

I am so grateful I came across this nonprofit when I got an email from my school. Truly an amazing experience! Cape Town, South Africa is beautiful and the students you meet will change your life and heart. I recommend this nonprofit to anyone interested in helping change a students life education or health wise. So wonderful!!

I volunteered with One Heart Source this past summer, and I can genuinely say it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! I was nervous at first about having little experience traveling abroad, and about not knowing what to do when I arrived, but OHS was careful and conscientious about providing us resources and teaching us what to do. The leadership ensures that volunteers are safe, well fed, and happy, and the community we work with is incredibly welcoming of us. OHS is structured so that volunteers learn and grow throughout their time in South Africa, and so that you form meaningful and lasting connections with learners, other volunteers, and community members. I absolutely encourage anyone who is interested to apply to One Heart Source and become involved with a life-changing network and experience!

I volunteered with One Heart Source this past summer and had an amazing time. The highlight of the trip getting to know the students at the school. OHS did a wonderful job of supporting us in coming up with lesson plans and figuring out how to best teach our students. We had plenty of opportunities to get to know the community and become immersed in the culture. I had a fantastic time and I can't wait to go back!

One Heart Source is a great nonprofit organization that helps the students in the Imizamo Yethu Community in Cape Town South Africa. They do a great job of exposing mentors to the different parts of Cape Town. Whether it be exposing them to the language, culture, townships, immersions, and citizens of the community. They take great care of the mentors and provide a safe, learning environment that is conducive to success. I would encourage anyone to apply to One Heart Source and become a mentor and have a life changing experience.

If I could I would rate OHS with a billion stars, OHS exceeded my expectations. As a public health professional I recognize it is vital for organizations to have cultural awareness. OHS went above and beyond to ensure all volunteers were immersed in culture. Every detail was planned out and operations always ran smoothly. What really touched me personally was the care each team member and volunteer had for our mentees. Every child deserves to have equal resources to succeed and OHS ensures that each child gets an equal opportunity to achieve their dreams.

My experience with OHS was everything I could have asked for and more. It was such an amazing experience working with the students from the IY community. I was in the Youth Empowerment program for 4 weeks and was able to learn so much about my students. I learned how to teach them in a way that best suited each student. It was a little difficult at first, because I had 3 students, and they all learned differently. However, after taking the time to know/understand them, we were able to work effective and efficiently while learning. These children are some of the best kids you will ever work with. They have so much energy and are always fun to be around. Never a dull moment.
The children were the best part of the program, but OHS took it further to get us engaged with our environment. We were able to walk through the IY community, go for hikes, go to the beautiful Botanical Garden, express/show our talents off, and even go to a winery. If that wasn't enough. On the weekends we had had time to adventure out and do excursions. South Africa has so many things to do. Whether it's going to the Waterfront, Robin Island, Shark Diving, Skydiving, or even the Safari, you'll have a blast!
Not to mention the incredible staff that runs the show. I left South Africa, but I have created bonds with friends that brought us together as family. Volunteering for OHS is a life changing experience. Trust me, you wont want to come back!

Volunteering with One Heart Source was probably the best experiences of my life. Traveling to South Africa was the first time I've been out of the country and the first time I've ever traveled alone. So going to a place so far for two weeks was easily one of the scariest and best things I have ever done. From the moment I landed in Cape Town till the time I landed back in the US two weeks later, I have never felt safer or more loved. The staff and other volunteers welcomed me with open arms. We all went from being strangers to a family. The kids we worked with were amazing. Getting to know the community was an indescribable experience. I felt so involved and learned so much. I hope to get the opportunity to go back next summer. Volunteering with this organization is such a life changing experience!

Becoming a OHS volunteer was probably THE best decision I've made in a long time. The staff, directors and leaders were extremely welcoming and passionate about the mission of OHS. Being a pre-health student, I was exposed extremely valuable learning experiences. This organization has become very dear to my heart in just a short two weeks time. I hope to return next summer and urge college students to apply. Thank you One Heart Source for a life changing opportunity.

It was evident that the spirit of the local people had either rubbed off or remarkably coincided with that of the OHS Team. One Heart Source and our South African hosts certainly helped us all more than we helped them. Nothing was done without love and the efforts of the organization to create an inclusive environment led to what I regard as a second family.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into it, I choose to volunteer for 2 weeks with OHS. Turns out it was one of the best experiences of my life! The leaders and people are all amazing and I have learned so so much!! Working with kids and being immersed in the IY community has been such a blessing. I highly recommend volunteering with one heart source!!

The people of this community, especially the students are some of the most loving, hopeful and kind human beings I have ever met. They have truly inspired me to live my life in a different way. Thank you to One Heart Source for giving all of us room to grow and make this program unique. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything! I would recommend this trip to anyone... great great experience!

Extremely friendly group of volunteers, fellows, and hosts! Experience was definitely enriching and puts views into retrospect. The classroom experience will definitely give you a taste of education outside of the modern American classroom education and program. One Heart Source exceeded my expectations and still has room for improvement!

This was my first time volunteering for One Heart Source and after just a few days into my program I knew I wanted to do it again. All of the One Fellows were so kind and I had so much fun with all the other volunteers. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to expand their horizons and meet a bunch of cool people

I've never had an experience like this. I was timid coming in - not knowing what to expect. A foreign land, a foreign journey. One Heart Source made the process easy and memorable. I can't wait to volunteer again next year!

One Heart Source is a life changing nonprofit! They have a genuine love for the communities they work in, and although it can be nerve racking to hop on a plane to a foreign country and pray that it's all real - it is 1,000% worth the time and money! I have grown immeasurably during my 6 weeks with them, and will be forever transformed by my experience! The volunteers and fellows are kind and smart and supportive, and the children are amazing and brilliant and ready to learn and love! I genuinely can't wait to continue working with this organization, and see them grow to support even more communities!

One Heart Source is an amazing program and I am so glad I had the opportunity to be apart of this journey! Although, I was only here for one week it was an eye opening experience! This program introduced me to something that is bigger than myself. Being granted the opportunity to travel to another country and help other children is a chance that is not an option to many and I'm so thankful for it. Being here surrounded by people who are loving, caring, motivated and goal oriented, definitely pushed me to be a better me! I definitely recommend this program to anyone who seeking to make a positive direct impact in this world!

One Heart Source was not only has a fantastic cause but also has outstanding staff and volunteers who create a welcoming and loving environment for all other participants. One Heart Source gives volunteers the life changing experience of seeing the benefits of their hard work and dedication. I am already looking into the opportunity to work with this non profit again in the future!

My experience with One Heart Source has been a very memorable and rewarding one. During the short two weeks I was volunteering in Cape Town, I was able to not only learn about South Africa's culture, history, and the struggles faced by the community we work with, interact with the students from the community, and teach them skills on math and literacy, and at the same time, learn and have fun with them, I also met many wonderful, beautiful, loving people with different perspectives but a common aim to uplift with humanity. This organisation has not only enabled me to open my eyes to the bigger world out there, it also helped me to grow by learning from all these wonderful people around me, through dialogue sessions and community circles where we get to share our views and perspectives on issues and ted talk videos, or even just talking to each other and learning more about each other's culture during our free time. One of the many things I love about this organisation is that it works closely with the same communities, where they have watched the students in the community grow up, taught them, held house visits to the families of these children and constantly cared for as well as have fun with the students. Another thing I love about OHS is that the fellows, cultural coaches, and mentors there are really friendly and loving people. Volunteering abroad for the first time and alone sounded a little scary at first, but upon arriving, I was welcomed with open arms into the OHS family. OHS also provides us opportunities to learn more about South Africa's history and struggles faced by the community through tours and field trips. Also, we got to play with the children outside of school during excursions such as visiting the Aquarium or hiking. I really miss Cape Town, for the people I was able to meet, the students I taught, as well as the food. You'll definitely not regret signing up for a program under OHS and would definitely have an amazing time there. :)

This organisation has managed to create a programme in which the volunteer work is genuinely effective for the students. The results of their work are shown both statistically and also becomes abundantly clear when meeting both the students and the mentors. I don't think other organisations have managed to capture this complete positive impact in the same way. Their focuses are all on the right things: education and positive attitude about global issues and solutions available. They don't just focus on the mentors teaching the students but also on the mentors leaving about the culture of the country and there are regular talks and debates that everyone can discuss. This is balanced with down time where excursions and trips just solidify bonds between the whole team and their education on that country !! I am so happy that I found this gem of a company to volunteer with. I'm coming back for sure!

Volunteering in Jamaica for 4 weeks was such an amazing and wonderful experience. I think this was the best way to visit Jamaica. I experienced the local culture, cuisine, and was not blinded by the tourist culture, though I experienced that as well. Mentoring the kids touched my heart by seeing them progress in literacy and mathematics. I am very thankful for my experience, the logistics and friendly culture of OHS was phenomenal. I highly recommend those that are considering OHS to just do it. They will not regret this amazing experience.

This organization is absolutely amazing! I went to Jamaica for four weeks with OHS and loved my experience. The month was filled with wild adventures, insightful discussions, and remarkable times spent working with kids in school. I cannot word how great this experience was. I am forever grateful for One Heart Source for making it possible.

OHS is a wonderful organization with a powerful purpose: to advance educational opportunities for children around the world. OHS made my two weeks in Jamaica an experience I will never forget. I loved working with the children and experiencing an authentic and cultural Jamaica.

I heard about One Heart Source by email and i decided to join a two week program in Jamaica. It was an amazing experience. The fellows who were looking after us and organizing the planning did a very good job. I felt very welcomed and it was like being in a family. The experience with the kids at school helped me to grow a lot. We also had some free time to discover Jamaica. I strongly recommend volunteering with one heart source. It will definitely be an experience you will remember!

This experience was life changing. I went to South Africa for two weeks with One Heart Source. At first I wondered how two weeks could really make a difference, but after seeing my students willingness to learn and growth in their studies, it really shows how even something small can help to change the future and create a lasting impact. One Heart Source is an amazing organization to work with, and I would recommend them to anyone interesting in volunteering and making a difference.

I volunteered for the academic program in Cape Town, South Africa with an open mind because I was not too sure what to expect when I got there. This open minded mentality was vital for this experience because I was introduced to many people with different backgrounds and personalities and I usually just ignore people but this program, especially the fellows in the program, really helped me be more open to new things but I was still my true self at the same time. I am not an education major so I was concerned that I would not be the best person to help mentor the students but everyone there was so helpful and willing to answer any questions, address concerns, and provide examples and support and all of that made the whole experience so much more meaningful than I could have imagined. I will definitely continue being involved with One Heart Source!

I'm not one to write reviews, but OHS deserves to be recognized as the best nonprofit in the world because it truly has changed the lives of so many people (volunteers included). I'm excited to remain an active member and continue to empower vulnerable communities through education.

One Heart Source has given me the opportunity to share the gift of education to children in need. I did not know much about this organization before applying, and after attending, I strongly recommend participation of any sort. Whether it be volunteering or simply donating. This program has changed my life for the better and I am so grateful for the experience. It's an astounding feeling knowing you're making an impact in someone's life. These children love to learn and it's easily sensed. They appreciate everything we do for them and if given the chance I would definitely return to Jamaica!

I absolutely love OHS!! They're in this for all the right reasons and they stay in the schools all year. I've seen them transform these kids lives and it's amazing to be able to part of it.

A few months ago I decided to take a leap and apply for a teaching/mentoring opportunity with a non-profit in South Africa. I applied expecting not to get in, or if i did, I wasn't expecting to be able to go. However, I got accepted, and rallied up enough money and courage to go, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I was so nervous to fly alone and to travel thousands of miles to an unfamiliar country with unfamiliar people, but the moment I stepped off of the plane and was embraced with a huge smile and hug from Annie, a heart fellow with OHS, I felt at ease. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The entire staff made sure each of the volunteers felt at home, that each day was planned out and filled with opportunities for the volunteers where we were constantly learning from and connecting with each other, the community and our students. I wasn't expecting to be as impacted by my experience as I was, to feel so connected to a place and the people I met there that I felt like I was leaving my home and family when my experience ended. To anyone who is interested in learning more about OHS and may be thinking about applying, I encourage you to do it, to take the leap, because you will not regret it.

When I first heard about one heart source I wanted to be apart of an organization that tries to make a difference in children's lives through no only health but also education. However, when I signed about there was a lot of lack of communication that made me very apprehensive. Despite these feelings I went ahead with the program and it was the best decision that I made. With OHS I was able to work with students in Jamaica one on one, make a difference in their lives, and get embraced in another culture.

When I first heard about One Heart Source, I thought it was great but I didn't know much information about it at first. I was a little nervous arriving and starting out, but I am beyond happy that I decided to volunteer and participate with One Heart Source. It has changed my life and given me a different perspective on life. The kids are wonderful and working with them has been an excellent experience. I wanted to make a difference with them, but they have made a difference with me. They have changed my life, and I am so happy I was able to teach them. I recommend everyone to be involved with OHS. You will not regret it one bit!!

This experience has completely changed how I look at life. I am more grateful, open, understanding, and patient. I got so attached to the kids I was teaching and can't wait to get home and write them letters. I'm hoping to go to South Africa and see what else I can learn from there!

I had the opportunity to volunteer in Jamaica for two weeks and it was a great experience. Jamaica has impacted me in many ways, and no words can express how grateful I am for this opportunity!

Such a great experience. Not only it enables you to help people , but also work with them. I have made several connections from everywhere in the world. So grateful!

No collection of words can really express the effect One Heart Source has had on me. OHS focuses not only on the growth of the communities they work in, but also the individuals they work with, from students to volunteers, and everyone in between. I had the pleasure of spending a month in Cape Town, South Africa, and was constantly in awe of the work that OHS is doing in Imizamo Yethu.

For anyone weary of taking the leap to volunteer with OHS, I would completely recommend it. I will be the first one to admit that I was nervous traveling 8,000 miles from home to volunteer with an organization I had had minimal contact with in the days leading up to my departure, and I know so many others felt the same way. A huge issue with communication was, I'm sure, due to the fact that the staff is a continent away and hard at work. I am so grateful that I made the decision to go, because I was definitely changed for the better. The nerves I had going into the start of my program dissolved as soon as I got off the plane and was greeted with so much love. The fellows, staff, and culture coaches make it their job to constantly be improving the program and are making formative assessments as we go throughout the days and weeks.

Most importantly, the students I worked with through OHS gave me a new perspective. I gained understanding through weekly language lessons, historical immersions, and through first hand experiences with my students. Every day was different, and each day was a challenge, but it was never work.

I have had the pleasure of volunteering with OHS for two summers and always enjoy my experience! There is so much love and respect among everyone and everyone is comfortable with being themselves! The kids are beautiful and help you realize so many amazing things you never expected in life! They will challenge you in ways others don't! And show you a more compassionate side of yourself! It also showd you how to be more selfless! It truly is the experience of a lifetime!

I definitely did not expect the experience I had with One Heart Source. I expected the traditional, same ole, "savior complex" experience, and that is far from what I had. I met great people, like minded people, people who were intentional about doing necessary work to shift and change. I met people who were passionate. I was able to learn more about myself and others via my experiences and stories from others. The children I was so blessed with having the opportunity to mentor changed me. No, they didn't change me in a sense where I am now all of a sudden much more grateful for life because I have better access- but they changed me in a sense where I now have much more appreciation for children. They taught me how to teach them and mentor them. They were extremely vulnerable with me (after some time) and open to showing me that I could be a much better educator than I am. And for that I am grateful. Still South Africa dreamin'

This experience has affected me in ways I did not foresee. As with most experiences in life things do not usually go as planned, but always end up leaving you with something good and often better than what you had anticipated. At first, I had a lot of uncertainly in my ability to teach and also in my ability to affect others. I was worried that my experience working as a personal tutor in Hong Kong for the past two years did not adequately prepare me to work as a teaching volunteer overseas, and I was slightly frustrated that I did not spend more time preparing during the 28 hour flight to Cape Town. But over the last three weeks, my uncertainly has turned into an amazing and unique experience which has opened my eyes to new challenges and opportunities that have positively altered my attitude on facing challenges in the future.

It all started with the township visit in Imizamo Yethu on the first day of this program. Although people who live in the township have a hard time and an uncertainly for their future, people still wear a smile on their face, which really impressed me as a pessimistic person. They are always thankful for what they have, since their attitude towards life is what gives them the hope to face each day. During the township visit, I realized that by being born in a peaceful and stable country like Hong Kong, I was blessed. This experience not only reminded me to treasure everything surrounding me, but also raised my interest in reaching out to less fortunate children by sharing my knowledge through teaching, as a person’s education is the foundation upon which they build their future. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” If we can educate children in the right way our society will go nowhere but up, and I believe creating a better society will be the greatest gift for our next generation.

At school, I experienced many great moments while teaching. I ended my days so happily and enthusiastically that I knew I had selected the right thing to do during my summer. During the program, we had to prepare a lesson plan and materials to teach our students every single day. After each lesson we completed an analysis in order to mark and keep track of their learning progress. Exchanging teaching ideas with other volunteers allowed me to learn more about education systems in the United States and United Kingdom. It turned into a brand new experience for me and has allowed me to have a cultural exchange with others, which became one of my most precious memories of this trip.

I first learned of One Heart Source several years ago when my daughter informed me that she was thinking about volunteering for an organization focused on providing educational enrichment experiences and opportunities for young children from disadvantaged backgrounds. She was especially interested in volunteering at Imizamo Yethu, a township near Cape Town, SA. She is the nomad of the family, however, I was still a little apprehensive. Nevertheless, I thought she should apply for acceptance into the program. She was accepted as a volunteer at the Cape Town location for a four-week session during the summer of 2014. She returned again for a three-month session during the summer of 2015 as a One Fellow in One Heart Source’s leadership series. I visited her on vacation and as a health professional, I spent three wonderful afternoons talking to a group of young school children that had expressed an interest in a career in the health professions. The children were in grade 6 and from the township community. This was one of the more memorable highlights of my trip to South Africa. The children were bright and engaging. They were already thinking about their future. Several wanted to be doctors, a nurse, a physical therapist, and a research scientist. Among the more interesting questions were those about what courses they would need, my age, and what is Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). For me this was a short but very rewarding experience. Volunteers with health profession backgrounds and students pursuing health careers would certainly benefit this One Heart Source program and, in return would derive great personal satisfaction through teaching a group of young children at a critical stage in their development.

One Heart Source (OHS) stands out because it is run by great people. The emphasis is on the children and finding long term solutions to the day-to-day struggles they are facing. Until volunteering with OHS I haven't seen such a transparent and adaptable organization. While they are far from perfect, OHS continues to learn and grow, all in benefit to the communities which they support.

This was one of the best two weeks of my life. Working with the kids was amazing. But even more amazing than volunteering with great children was working alongside volunteers and One Heart Source staff who are passionate about helping underprivileged youth receive quality education. When you work with One Heart Source you truly become part of a family.

Volunteering with One Heart Source will change yout life. It will stretch you, challenge you, make you cry with effort AND love. I went for four weeks and recommend you go for that long-more time with the kids, for learning, and seeing all of Cape Town. You become a family will the other volunteers and with the students. The leadership team is still growing & developing so you may feel it lacking at times. But they work hard to hear every concern and make themselves available to individuals and groups at all times. They have a strong philosophy and work ethic, and it will rub off on you♡!

One Heart Source was one of the best volunteer opportunities I have taken to date. I had never traveled alone internationally, but OHS made me feel safe, comfortable, and welcome from the first moment I was picked up at the airport. This feeling carried on into our discussions and time of teaching. OHS has a beautiful passion for helping others. Before OHS, I had a passion to serve others, but after my experience I would say that my passion has grown exponentially. Being a part of an organization that cares so much changed my thinking about people and the world. My time in Jamaica pushed me to be a better individual. I am so proud to be a part of an organization that is taking action to change the situations of education and health worldwide. My time teaching will be cherished throughout my life. It is an honor to be a part of the OHS family.

My involvement in OHS is as a donor for the past 5 years. I became aware of the group through my daughter's involvement. I have watched as she and other members of the group have grown in their awareness and dedication to the dire situation faced by some because of the lack of basic education. This group has exceeded any expectations that I had. Their commitment to the children and their families that they serve should serve as an example to NGO's worldwide. As a parent, I am impressed and confident with OHS' commitment to their volunteers to ensure that they are safe and encouraged to learn, grow, and flourish in their time spent with the organization.

Before starting my two weeks in Cape Town I was anxious as I had no idea what to expect from this experience. But by the end of the two weeks I was wishing that I had volunteered for 4. This is because when you volunteer with OHS you become part of a global family that is focused on enriching the lives of children via education, care, happiness and love. I cannot stress how welcoming the OHS family is and as a naturally shy person I found myself able to take part in meaningful conversations that in other circumstances I probably wouldn’t. So when asked whether I would go back I always reply with, “in a heartbeat.” Purity runs through the veins of OHS from the staff right through to the students. This is why I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering with OHS. Not only do you create change but you change too.

Deciding to travel to Cape Town, South Africa to volunteer as a part of One Heart Source was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. My experience with this non-profit has caused me to positively grow as a person in a countless number of ways. It allowed me to meet people from around the world and establish friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime. I went in thinking I would just be teaching young students basic subjects like Math and Reading, and came out of it learning so much more about life from my students. Being welcomed into the community of Imizamo Yethu like we were family is something I've never experienced before, and the people of the community will always hold a special place in my heart. If someone were to ask me if they should volunteer with One Heart Source, I would say, without a doubt, ABSOLUTELY YES.

I got an email in the spring about an opportunity to volunteer in either Capetown. South Africa or Jamaica from One Heart Source with the 2 week program. None of my friends had heard of the organization but I was very interested so I did my research and decide this looks like something I am very interested in little did I know in June and July I would be making a profound experience. It has changed my life in so many ways! Being a mentor to kids brings inspiration and getting to experience a different culture on a personal level was truly an experience I would encourage any one to do. I can't say enough good things and how much you get out of the program but believe me its priceless!

I saw a flyer on my campus for One Heart Source and immediately started the application process that day. After being accepted and filling out all of my paperwork, I was finally able to arrive in country and meet the people I had been communicating with up until this point. Everyone was so loving and we all had common goals and aspirations holding us together as a family and a collective. We all made immediate connections that really helped us when it came to discussing the larger issues that we had come to South Africa to address.

Working in the school with the kids was absolutely amazing, and there is no other feeling like it (the main reason I am going back!) The support One Heart Source offers to the children and the community as a whole is unmatched by anything I have seen before. The connections we have with the locals and the experience and insight we gain by hearing stories from the people we met truly changed my life. One Heart Source helped me feel like a friend to the people of the community instead of a tourist, and this was something that was very important to me. Destroying the hierarchal themes so often present in nonprofits that I have worked with before, they truly work WITH the community and not FOR the community.

Every aspect of this nonprofit is so authentic and passionate. I cannot wait to go back with One Heart Source!

I remember getting an email about One Heart Source from my Psychology department. I thought nothing of it, until I realized that this could be a potential opportunity to travel back to a continent that is near and dear to my heart. So I took a leap of faith and signed up for the 2-week South Africa program. They kept in contact with me up until travel day with various meetings, and I also got to meet the founders and main heads of the organization. The moment I stepped into the arrival room, Annie and David gave me the most homeliest welcome ever. That's when I knew I would have one of the best experiences of my life here.
My cohort varied with teachers, graduate students, and undergraduate students. I have never been in such a loving and caring group such as my cohort and we all really lived up to what One Heart Source is all about. Within days, I couldn't believe how close I grew with them, and how much we helped each other with lesson planning. I could not have been any luckier with the students I ended up teaching and I hope that they still continue to achieve their dream goals. Besides teaching students, we had daily cultural discussions which tested our opinions and made us critically think. That's what I love best about One Heart Source. We were not there just to implement our power of education over the students and other people. We came as people who simply wanted to learn from others as they learned from us. One Heart Source is one of the greatest if not greatest organizations I have ever volunteered with and I believe in their mission because it also has been mine.

I had no idea what to expect when I committed to volunteering with One Heart Source, but I can whole heartedly say it was one of the best decisions I've made in my life thus far. The 4 weeks I spent in South Africa were filled with adventure, laughter, tears, meaningful conversations, learning, growing, and love. OHS quickly became my family and I'm so grateful for the new and diverse relationships I gained from this experience. Working as a collaborative, passionate team to teach and help in the communities of Cape Town was eye-opening and rewarding in so many ways. OHS is a very special organization and I can't wait to continue my journey with them!

I can't say enough amazing things about One Heart Source, and it deserves more. My time in Cape Town was one of the best times of my life, and it completely changed the way I see the world for the better. I was volunteering to teach, but wound up learning more in those four weeks than I have in my entire life. One Heart Source is the reason I'm pursuing a path toward educational reform; I wholeheartedly believe that every organization in the world should have the outlook towards service, people, and life that OHS does. I grew so much and found something that I'm truly passionate about, which is something I've been looking for my entire life.

This April, I discovered One Heart Source (OHS) after coincidentally opening an email that I never usually open. A couple of months before I learned about OHS, I was being drawn to travel to South Africa. Thus, when I saw that OHS was active in Cape Town, I was driven to delve into researching the organization. I examined the website, and read OHS's purpose and mission for social justice, which strongly aligned with my own personal values. Through this realization, I made the decision to apply to their program.
However, when I applied as a prospective volunteer, I felt like I was stepping into unknown territories. I never extensively tutored elementary school students, so I knew my 4 week trip to Cape Town would be saturated with new experiences and learning. After being accepted as a volunteer, my anticipation for this experience was finally satisfied when I arrived in Cape Town. I instantly connected with the other volunteers; we all had a collective mindset and openly appreciated each other's qualities without judgement. It was such a beautiful feeling to join the OHS family.
Tutoring was not as intimidating as I expected. Mentoring the Moravian primary school children during the post apartheid era actually opened my eyes to blatant disparities that are residues of apartheid. All in all, my one month trip to Cape Town was humbling, rewarding and transformative. My eyes were also opened to the needs of my own backyard, the Cleveland community. As a result, I am currently tutoring underprivileged Cleveland elementary students as a response to OHS's convicting call to remain active wherever I may find myself in life.

My experience with One Heart Source completely widened and molded the lens through which I see the world. I will never forget my experience working as a volunteer in Cape Town. I feel that I grew as much in those six weeks as a volunteer than in a year spent at home or at school. One Heart Source fully lives their mission statement, seeking to improve the world as a whole with the ever-present ultimate gaol of communal uplift. This program enhanced my education through experience and allowed me to grow into a stronger and more authentic individual. I would recommend it to anyone! I thank OHS for exposing me to diverse and wonderful world views and for seeking justice at every turn!

This experience helped me find my voice. I have never been the first to share my opinion, but I found myself jumping in and even sharing first during group discussions. This all happened because the environment OHS creates is so comfortable and loving.
I also cannot say enough about how amazing the students were, everyday was special. Whether it was challenging, successful, or a bit of both, I never stopped loving it. This experience informed so much of what I want to do with my future. I can't wait to go back!

An experience that connected me emotionally, physically and mentally to the small town of Imizamo Yethu; a local impoverished township on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa.
Throughout my one month volunteering project, I personally mentored 3 different students with completely different skills and learning abilities. The students ranged from 3rd to 6th grade and we focused on mathematics and reading.
A beautiful and life changing experience.
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men" - Frederick Douglass

I can truly say that One Heart Source is probably one of the best things that has ever happened to me. When I decided to volunteer with OHS, I did not know what I was getting into. My main reason for volunteering with OHS was to see for myself what life is truly like in Africa. As an African American female I wanted to gain a better understanding of where my ancestors came from. What I left with was that plus more.
Volunteering with OHS helped me break down barriers and peel back layers of myself so that I could better understand who I was and am as a person. The leadership and staff are phenomenal. They are extremely supportive and make it their priority to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe.
OHS make its their duty to not only treat their volunteers with respect, but the students we teach as well. They live by the golden rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated. I love that we taught our students the meaning of respect and the power of uplifting one another; nothing but positivity.
I feel extremely privileged and honored to have been able to be a part of such a positive and uplifting organization. Volunteering with OHS has helped me grow into a better me and confirm my love of not only teaching, but serving others.

One Heart Source was such an amazing experience. I honestly didn't know what to expect and it was definitely a life changing experience for me. We were able to work with 3rd through 6th grade elementary school students. Even though I was teaching them, I felt like they were teaching me and it was so inspiring to see how much people really value each other in this world no matter where you are. It was nice to break away from my normal routine and try something new and I'm so happy I took that chance.

OHS provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to engage and share my passion of teaching children around the globe. Uniquely formed, OHS provides a community of diverse and innovative individuals. The rarity in experience is what makes OHS a nonprofit that will transcend and trailblaze the global community. I am grateful to be a part of such a dynamic and ever growing community.

When I signed up for One Heart Source I was not certain what I was getting into.Honestly, my decision had a lot to do with getting a good grade in my African History class. I constantly asked myself what is new about Africa that I could learn after spending my first nineteen years in my mother country Kenya and only immigrating to the United States only recently (6 years ago).

After starting the program the answers did not wait too long to come. I was amazed to see how fast my fellow volunteers from the U.S. could gain such a deep understanding about people they have never met before and develop such warmth and passion to impact other peoples' lives. This was inspiring.

With OHS, you make bonds that no words can explain. I have never enjoyed working for any organization as I did for OHS. In my opinion two individuals stand out when you look at everything OHS has been able to achieve. It is easy to see why OHS is where it is when you meet John and Callan. John with his brilliance and affinity for languages, and Callan with her brilliance and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed! I found myself guilty of working first for the two leaders and second for the noble cause.

Choose OHS, it does not matter how much you think you know about the world. You will learn lots!

The time I spent with One Heart Source in Hout Bay was nothing short of a blessing. Looking to expand my world view, I did just that and so much more as I became apart of the most loving and accepting family of people I have ever met. The experience forever changed my perception of the world, as well as my place in our global community, and I would encourage every person to join this family without any hesitation.

Honestly, before Cape Town, I was lost. Two short weeks and not only did I find the kind of person I wanted to be, I also found more love, support, and kindness than I have ever found anywhere else. I can only hope my students learned 1/8th of the things I learned from them. If you truly want to become a conscious human being, One Heart Source is the place to go.

There aren't enough words in the English dictionary that could help me describe my experience in Hout Bay. For two weeks, I stepped outside of myself and my normal comfort zone to help serve underpriviledged students that provided me with the most comfortable position and rewarding experience I've ever seen. Coming from a background of mentoring and tutoring on a regular basis helped me to form an idea of what my experience would be like, but little did I know that I would want to give so much of myself for my OHS and GIFTED Community family FOREVER. I've grown such a mental strength and an emotional endurance to seek progression for any and everyone. OHS has given me a purpose and a reason to do what makes me happy, serve others. I am looking forward to continuing my journey with OHS and helping our students in every way possible.

The short two weeks I was privileged enough to spend in Hout Bay with the OHS family introduced me to a newfound purpose. The compassion demonstrated by the leadership results in a group of volunteers who become committed to the mission, connected to one another, and conscientious of their position while they strive towards communal uplift. It was the most difficult, most rewarding and most purposeful two weeks I've had in my young life.

This past summer, in the quaint South African area of Hout Bay, I began my adventure to change the world, or at least a small community, through the One Heart Source Organization. While I knew this experience would be unique, I had no idea how it would change my life and my choices. The program includes working with primary school children from the Cape Town Township Imizamo Yethu. On the first day the group leaders wanted to introduce us to the area we would be serving. As I roamed Imizamo Yethu, a cascading myriad of emotions overwhelmed me. I was reminded of the long journey that had brought me to this point. Flashes of the summers I spent in Puerto Rico and staying in family members' shacks not much bigger than the shacks I witnessed, doing homework by candle light when my family couldn't afford the bills, and people that told me I would never have the opportunities I humbly worked to obtain

During the next two weeks of the program I met three girls and my students: Wamanda, Meta, and Zanelle. Three girls, much like myself, that wanted to practice medicine and heal the people in their community. Facing more adversity than I could imagine, I realized the rigor of their journeys will be far greater than my own. While I only spent my summers in tin-roof homes, did candle-light homework as an inconvenient moment of struggle, and had several teachers snicker at thought of my medical ambitions, this was their everyday reality. I couldn't help but see myself in each of them. Therefore, I attempted to teach them as much as I could about the diseases plaguing their community and achieving your dreams despite the obstacles. Only by meeting Meta, Wamanda, and Zanelle did I realize medicine is not the only way to give hope. A healthy community is created by more than just medicine. It takes equal opportunities, unique innovation, and activities that spark enthusiasm to care for each other. I have unknowingly been obtaining the skills to heal a community from the inside. I no longer want to treat the symptoms and become part of an imperfect system. I want to fix that system. This organization provides you the tools to make a the difference you strive to create. Whether it is only for a two week program or the Fellowship route, you will provide hope. Even if you don't make the change you want to see in the world, you will help kindle change within a small community and ignite passion in yourself.

Summer 2014 2-week Volunteer :) I could not recommend this incredible organization enough! I was very nervous about traveling abroad by myself, and the people were so amazing at helping to organize my travels and making me feel so comfortable. Once in Africa, I quickly realized just how passionate everyone in this program is. I made life-long friends and memories. The children I mentored and taught will forever hold a very special place in my heart. As cliche as it may sound, these kids taught me as much as I taught them. I would suggest participating in at least 4-weeks. I am still so happy I at least did two weeks. However, the weeks went by wayyyy too fast. I would have loved much more time to bond with my kids and get to be a big part of the education. LOVE LOVE LOVE ONE HEART SOURCE!

Volunteered with OHS Summer of 2014 primarily looking for an adventure. I soon found that I was working with a very passionate organization dedicated to educating the township of Imizamo Yethu and its youth.

The experience I got far exceeded what I was expecting. I met people from around the country that became fast friends.

An amazing organization where you are not only empowering children but also it also encouraged to think outside of the box. You are exposed to different cultures and issues all around the world. You are able to see how our small choices have a bigger impact on the world. A very humbling and experience, like none I have ever had before.

The mission of OHS is to empower children through education. The students they reach out to are often living in very difficult circumstances, and it is very obvious to see the need that they have to 1. a better education, and 2. the lack of any other adequate help provided by their society. Thus, the work OHS does is essential.

I found the work very gratifying as well as relevant. I did not think at any point this was a "feel good" organization- where people can just go back and say "I volunteered in AFRICA!" No. This was serious work with real education agendas. But it was not only the education that was important for the students, but also the connection to their teachers (us, the volunteers). Often at their homes, stability is not a common element- so having someone at school who is there for them makes them WANT to come to school, even when they don't feel like it.

My experience with them has changed my entire perspective on so many issues, especially the cycle of poverty that can trap groups of people, not just in countries like South Africa where there are townships, but even in the US- something I had never thought about before. Honestly, I can say OHS will make you reevaluate many things, but it will open up something deep in your soul- a kind of happy, empathetic connection to humanity you may not have known was there; at least it did for me, and I am forever thankful

My 4-week volunteer experience with One Heart Source in Cape Town, South Africa this past summer was an incredible, fulfilling, and eye-opening experience. Volunteers form such a close, special bond with their students that by the end of the program, it is incredibly hard to say goodbye. My students taught me patience, gratitude, diligence, and compassion, and I certainly learned just as much from them as they did from me. Not only do volunteers engage closely with students at Moravian Primary School, but the directors of OHS also offer various tours and educational outings in order for us to understand the history of South Africa and the context in which our students are living. I walked away with enhanced knowledge about apartheid, HIV/AIDS, living conditions in townships, and social inequity in modern South Africa. My experience with One Heart Source has motivated me to pursue non-profit and public health work in the future, and I am inspired to continue participating in volunteer programs. I also made some amazing friends in my volunteer group that I still communicate with frequently and miss dearly. I highly recommend volunteering with OHS; it is a challenging, rewarding opportunity that causes you to realize that you CAN make a huge difference in the lives of very special, vulnerable children. Never underestimate your potential as a volunteer! These students need you as their mentors and will appreciate your help more than you can imagine.

One Heart Source has forever changed my life for the best! The staff is amazing, the excursions were immeasurably beneficial to my growth, and the students were a pleasure to work with. I really appreciated the balance between working at the school and learning about the greater context through trips and meetings. I struggled at times but I always felt supported. I can honestly say I would do it all over again if I could!

A huge leap of faith is what brought me to Cape Town, South Africa during the summer of 2014. Being accepted to volunteer abroad with One Heart Source (OHS), a non-profit/grassroots program, was the the life affirming moment that I had been in search of. For four weeks, OHS provided me with the opportunity to educate and empower vulnerable youth of sub-Saharan Africa as a mentor through social and academic support. In an effort to address and close the achievement gap in the classroom I first had to gain an understanding of just how connected we all are through our humanity. Living in the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, a leader who believed in the healing power of love and reconciliation, rejuvenated my activism and pushed my consciousness to new depths. To be humbled by kindness, loved and cared for by strangers (who quickly became family), to learn and live within a culture unlike my own, and be an agent for social change halfway across the world has caused me to question what work still needs to be done so that we may achieve a non-racial society and show that we are reflections of not only ourselves but of each other.

I volunteered with One Heart Source during the summer of 2014. It was one of this most incredible experiences I have ever had. While volunteering in Cape Town, South Africa I met the most inspiring and beautiful people. Everyday was focused on experiencing the culture, people and environment. It was nothing short of a life changing experience! It is a memory I will forever cherish! Thanks One Heart Source.

I applied to One Heart Source in summer 2013 hoping to get some international experience. However, nothing could have prepared me for the life changing experience that I had in Cape Town that summer. We were a group 10-15 volunteers and for one month we lived together in Hout Bay and taught everyday at the elementary school in the township nearby. The connections that I made with my student and all the other students was beyond amazing. It was for the first time that I realized my passion for working with kids and this experience prompted me to pursue applying for school psychology programs back at home. Furthermore, through One Heart Source's amazing staff and partnership with the community, I got to experience the different side of South Africa that is rarely seen in the media. I got to talk interact and make connections with the local, talk to the activities, gain a different perspective, and above challenge myself to be a better human being.
I was offered to go back in the summer 2014 to help out with the managing of the volunteer programs. The second time was even much more better than first time. I got to rebuild my relationship with the students, gain leadership skills, learn about problem resolutions, and even more importantly immerse myself more in the South African culture. I could see how One Heart Source has developed a lot more in the course of only one year. Their partnership with the local community, growth of their staff , and their program had gotten even more amazing than first year. The months I spend in Cape Town compose of some of the best days of my life and I can't wait to go back!

I applied to be a OHS volunteer for four weeks during summer 2013. I thought it would just be an interesting learning experience and I had no idea how much it would completely change me as a person. I thought I would be traveling to South Africa to volunteer and give my time and knowledge to those who needed it and I did not realize how much I would receive in return. I taught the students I worked with math and English skills and in return they taught me how to be a more patient, kind, and understanding student. By the end of my time in South Africa I felt like there was no way I couldn't return and continue working with One Heart Source. I then returned for a second summer in 2014 and am planning another return in 2015, I strongly urge everyone to give One Heart Source a chance and I promise you will not be let down!

Volunteering with One Heart Source was and continues to be the most life-changing, empowering and absolutely incredible experiences of my life. I first volunteered with OHS in Zanzibar, Tanzania in 2013. I felt the need to volunteer because I had been so fortunate to have amazing educational opportunities that had prepared me for success and welcomed many opportunities for personal and career growth. I can remember spending an afternoon on one of Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches with one of my fellow volunteers, contemplating the innumerable career opportunities available to us at that point in our lives--and then reflecting on the lack of great education in Tanzania, thus the lack of opportunity, freedom, justice, equality and health. I had many of these kinds of thoughtful discussions during my volunteer program, and I was challenged to think critically about the world around me. I felt awakened by the community I served in and empowered by the students I taught and mentored every day. I came back to the States a more responsible, compassionate human, and jumped at the opportunity to work as a part of the One Heart Source team in their Cape Town location the following year. I highly recommend applying to volunteer with One Heart Source! I learned so much from my volunteer experience, and I truly feel that anyone can similarly benefit from the programs that OHS offers.

I applied to One Heart Source for the summer after I graduated looking for a way to give back to a community and perform some service work abroad post-graduation. While I had high expectations, never would I have expected my experience with One Heart Source to be so pivotal and life-shaping. Their one-on-one mentorship model with the students allows your relationship with the students to far surpass one based purely on academics. I left South Africa feeling personally invested in and committed to the lives of my students. They changed and inspired me as much as I hope I did them. This continues to serve as a motivator in working for greater equality for all, especially among youth in education, everyday. I recommend strongly that everyone apply to work in South Africa with One Heart Source--I have been back two years in a row now and have loved, learned from and grown immensely from both experiences!

Originally, I wasn't sure what to make of my application to One Heart Source. I was looking for an adventure, a chance to grow as an individual, and an opportunity to give back to a community less fortunate than my own. Something about the program resonated with me that I couldn't initially describe. So I took the chance and volunteered in their Cape Town program.

The experience was one of a lifetime. The people I met, the experiences I had, and the community I worked with was phenomenal. The 4 weeks I spent there flew by in an instant, but the lessons I learned there will last for the rest of my life.

Take a chance and volunteer with One Heart Source. You will never realize the impact just a few volunteers can have on the outlook of an entire community. The kids I worked with changed my life forever, and I know the time our program spent with them changed their lives as well.

One Heart Source is also extremely flexible, and offers several programs with varying length to help ensure that anyone who wants to make a difference can apply. Additionally, the program allows for free time outside of the classroom, so that volunteers can immerse themselves in the culture of South Africa as well.

One Heart Source was without a doubt one of the best things I have every done with my time, and I highly encourage anyone interested in helping amazing communities across the world to seriously consider working with this program.

I originally applied to One Heart Source because I wanted to help others outside of my community. But OHS is so much more than helping out in South Africa. The experience was so life changing because it was raw and real. You get to do hands-on work and interact with students as a teacher, no previous experience necessary. It challenged me to become a better mentor and leader everyday, and I hold the bonds that I made with those students close to my heart. During those 4-weeks, you learn how to become the best teacher you can be in order to help students learn not only Math and English, but also how to be confident, driven, and embrace individuality. While mentoring, I learned so much more about myself from students and staff than it felt like I was giving. I fell in love with the meaning behind OHS and its movement, and I was blessed enough to return for 2 months as a fellow this past summer. I encourage everyone I know to become part of this community and volunteer because it goes above and beyond general non-profits. It is so fulfilling to connect cross-culturally with students in South Africa and volunteers from around the globe to address and discuss the issues of social injustice. Apply today and join the family; I promise it will be the best decision of your life!

My experience volunteering for One Heart Source marks a pivotal change in my life that I will never forget. It opened my eyes to issues of social justice, equality, and what it means to be human. Every day working with the students is so much fun and enriching, and every moment spent with the One Heart Source family is sure to change your perspectives and make you want to become the best version of yourself. Deciding to apply to volunteer with One Heart Source was definitely one of the best decisions of my life.

One Heart Source gave me such an eye-opening experience, which I have referred to time and time again since I've returned to the US from Cape Town. Probably the most important idea I learned from this trip is that I understand very little about the world. Going on this trip and working closely with some of the most taboo problems of society opened my eyes and deepened my understanding of what was really going on. Unlike most other NGOs, One Heart Source gives their volunteers the responsibilities to communicate and work closely with the advisors and the founders of the organization. I felt like my opinions on what we could do were received and discussed by the coordinators of the organization. In fact, communication during the program was fantastic. There would be a meeting every morning to discuss our goals for that particular day, and there would be a debriefing after dinner to discuss what we learned and how we can better work. In addition, I felt that the advisors of the programs not only stressed the importance in the quality and effort of our work, but also the importance of understanding the backgrounds of the people we were working with. It didn't feel at all like I was doing menial work. Rather, I felt like I was learning more and more about the culture every day and using what I learned to help those in need.

Although I was a little worried before I left for the trip - there was a lot of ambiguity of what we would actually be working on and what our accommodations would be. It was very unclear what the daily schedule would look like. However, once I settled in, I felt like I was so welcomed and so taken care of. I realized that our work was ambiguous because it was so conditional to what we wanted to work on. The program, I found, was dynamic to the needs to the people and the suggestions of the volunteers, and I think that's really important for an NGO to both be effective and to grow as an organization. Our voices were heard, and because of that, I felt like I was making a difference.

One Heart source was an unforgettable experience and the things I learned on my trip, I still use everyday! I came out a more effective leader, a better learner, and an independent. It was truly an opportunity that opened more doors than I could have imagined.

Volunteering with One Heart Source was the most enriching, nourishing, thought-provoking, experiences of my life. The program allowed me to interact closely with the community I was working in. One Heart Source created a family within its volunteers. I have never felt so close to another group of people outside of my own family, and that closeness along with the fulfilling work is what brought me back to volunteer for a second summer. Volunteering with One Heart Source was the best decision I have made in my life and I suggest it to anyone looking for a hands-on, empowering, fulfilling experience with a group of amazing people.

One Heart Source is by far one of the BEST decisions I've ever made in life! My friend told me all about her experience and how it changed her life, so of course I had to see for myself! I did some research, applied, and the rest was history!! OHS has truly opened my eyes and heart to people, places, and experiences that I could not have imagined before. Teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students was incredible, but being taught by my students, community members, and OHS family was something I didn't expect! I learned so much about other people, cultures, communities, etc. and more about myself. I came into OHS wanting to go into law enforcement and left certain, that I want to go into primary education. And of course, I will be going back for 2 months next summer, because it is that AWESOME! I WISH EVERYBODY COULD EXPERIENCE THIS!! I LOVE OHS AND OHS LOVES ME!!!

My involvement in One Heart Source began the moment I happened to read an invitation in one of my 1,500 emails. It then proceeded as a leap of faith as I decided to spend my first time out of the U.S. volunteering in Cape Town, South Africa with a group of people I did not know. Volunteering abroad was always something I wanted to do but I had no idea that the 4-weeks I had spent so much time preparing for would so profoundly change my life. “Life changing experience,” is the cliché everyone hears when someone speaks of his or her time abroad. But what do I mean by life changing? I say that because I realized my worth through my capability to exponentially impact others. I am indefinitely grateful for my experience with One Heart Source. I now carry a newfound consciousness to not only strive to make change in Sub Saharan Africa and other unjust parts of the world, but in my community, my life, and myself.
What sets OHS apart from other organizations is that it is a very personal experience. My time working one on one with my student Anele was my favorite part of my experience. In my efforts to teach her she inadvertently taught me more than I could have ever imagined and the bond we developed truly opened my heart. As we had all come together for a common goal, I grew incredibly close to the diverse group of individuals I worked with in Cape Town. OHS is a team and a family that radiates positivity and genuineness in their efforts to right existing global injustices and to create volunteers part in that. Along with our time in the classroom we also learned a lot about the history and culture of Cape Town that really put further meaning to our purpose there.
This is an experience I would recommend to everyone and in the case of facing any uncertainty or fear I urge you to take a leap of faith. Although my knowledge of OHS and Africa was very limited preceding my trip, I now have not only more knowledge of that but also a newfound understanding of myself and the world around me.

One Heart Source is a family that is committed to changing the world by inspiring, empowering and educating one child at a time. During the summer of 2014 I spent four weeks in Cape Town, South Africa with my OHS family. While in CP I mentored and tutored three primary school children (each in third, fourth, and fifth grade respectfully) in mathematics and literacy.

When I first decided to volunteer my main purpose was to experience another part of the world -- in this case, Cape Town. I knew that as a volunteer I would be doing good work helping underserved children in Hoat Bay. However, what I did not expect was to be inspired to view the world differently. I did not expect to understand my community different. And I most certainly did not expect that this trip ignite a longterm interest in non-profit work. Well, everything that I did not expect became a reality.

Firstly, I experienced the inextricable human linkage between people around the world. This was demonstrated through a deep connection with and love that develop between the students and I. These children are extremely intelligent, absorb knowledge like fresh sponges, and only desire to learn more. As a volunteer I was able to assist teachers at their school by alleviating some of the pressure to teach and provide attention to 50+ students in one class.

Secondly, visiting the rainbow country where one of the world greatest leaders, Nelson Mandela, demonstrated that love and reconciliation heals all wounds was simply astounding. The land, people, and entire country is beautiful. However, there is still work to be done. People still suffer from not having equal access to a great education that is the impetus for upward mobility. This is why I am returning to Cape Town in the summer of 2015 to continue the great work that the OHS family has started.

I lived in a beautiful apartment in walking distance to the beach with 6 other volunteers. We ate together, laughed together, changed lives together, and together we worked to enhance the reading, writing and math levels of our students. Volunteers come from an array of socioeconomic and faith backgrounds. Also, they have varying interest in their academic studies and they come from around the world (literally!) to volunteer with the OHS family.

We strive to empower! We strive to give children the tools to be successful in any arena. Together, as a family working toward this common good, OHS is making a difference. We invite YOU to join our family and begin changing one life at a time through the power of education and mentorship!

You hear it all the time. "Volunteering changed my life." “It was the most meaningful experience of my life." But what does this really mean? After spending a summer with One Heart Source, I can guarantee you'll be that much closer to figuring it out.

Ever since returning from Zanzibar the summer of 2013 and even more so since returning from Cape Town this past summer, everything has been different. I see things differently. I think differently. I interact and communicate with others differently. I do mundane things like study for a test or call my mom differently. I value everyday experiences differently. I grocery shop differently. I respond to emails differently. I participate in class differently. I take chances differently. I could go on, but I don’t want to use the word “differently” anymore. I guess my point is that when I say “volunteering changed my life” I mean that it awakened a consciousness that I didn’t know existed. The best way for me to describe it is, gaining a greater sense of connectedness to humanity, regardless of boundaries, and embracing the fact that I have a role in creating change.

One Heart Source also provided me the opportunity to see just how powerful of a tool education can be for social transformation. I learned that whether or not my students could reach literacy level x or y, just by being there and interacting, we’ve made mutual impacts on each other. We may never fully know the extent of our impact, but realizing that anybody I come into contact with has the chance to learn or take something away from our encounter is why I continue to volunteer with OHS.

So if you’re into expanding and changing your world view, or just want to have an amazing summer immersing in a new culture and teaching hardworking kids, One Heart Source is the program for you!

One Heart Source (OHS) has literally changed my life. People throw that phrase around casually but my experience with this amazing organization has made me a more humble person and leader and I am grateful everyday for my experience with them.

I volunteered with OHS last summer in Cape Town, South Africa for four weeks. I travelled from DC to Cape Town and although it was incredibly nerve-racking flying not only alone but alone and to a different continent, OHS staff members were at my gate waiting for me when I arrived. Their warmth and welcoming attitude was just the beginning. Not only were the staff members incredibly supportive and inclusive throughout my trip, but the other volunteers were as well. I volunteered with this organization knowing no one and I am in no way an extrovert. Yet by the end of my trip I made real friendships, many of whom I stay in regular contact with.

My desire to volunteer stemmed from the injustice I feel toward the inequality children face. Although I have a background in education, that is not at all needed in order to volunteer with OHS. In fact, the majority of volunteers in my cohort did not have a background in education. The staff members work with you as a group to help you help your students as best as you can. Furthermore although we do teach children, it is much more of a mentorship. In my time there I had three students that I worked with throughout the four weeks. Our mere presence did so much alone, by allowing these students to have one-on-one time with a role-model figure.

Cape Town has an incredibly rich history. It’s culture runs deep and you will see that every day of your trip. Although parts of Cape Town are unsafe, I never once fell unsafe in my time there. Our living quarters were in a very safe area and staffed with security guards 24/7. Furthermore you are always with other volunteers and in the township, at least one staff member and a community leader of the Township as well.

I cannot imagine what my life would be like without this experience. Not only was I a mentor/teacher in my time there, but also a student. I gained tremendous insight about myself, and my future dreams in these four short weeks. I would recommend anyone and everyone to participate in a volunteer program with One Heart Source, and I promise your experience will be nothing short of positive and meaningful.

One Heart Source (OHS) is truly a unique non-profit organization and I am extremely thankful to have volunteered with them. I had originally applied for the program to experience a different culture and to experience traveling, but gained so much more than I could have ever expected. The organization is run by a small group of people who are all very genuine and passionate. The organization started off by building an orphanage home in Tanzania, then went on to teach about HIV/AIDS (which although the epidemic occurred in the 1980's is still very present). Once they began teaching about the disease and its impact (ex: the large percentages of people being affected) they realized something even bigger-- no one knew what percentages were, so there was no meaning in the large numbers being presented. After this the organization adapted to teaching literacy and math, as these subjects are fundamental to any type of learning. Since then programs in Zanzibar were created, as well as programs in Cape Town.

Cape Town is where I volunteered this past summer (2014) and although many would think that this beautiful urbanized city has better conditions than a primitive environment (ex: a rural village in Zanzibar) you come to realize the more traditional ways of life tend to be very community based. This is something that Cape Town lacked as many social/economic problems come along with the 'city life' environment.

Focusing more with the work we did in Cape Town, we worked with students from a township called Imizamo Yethu (aka. Mandela Park). This township has 40 acres of land with 25,000 people living in it. Conditions such as gang violence, molestation, alcoholism, child neglect and of course HIV/AIDS are some of the every day social struggles the township faces. Yet rather than give "gifts" or hugs and "love the children," the organization presented education as our "gift" to the students-- to empower the students through knowledge and ultimately uplift them from their current/future situation. OHS also guided our time volunteering as a two-way learning platform-- not simply for us to teach/empower the students, but for the students to empower us; creating a concept of learning together.

As a 4-week volunteer I was assigned one 3rd grader and three 4th graders. This small ratio is intentional so each student gets the attention they need when learning, as the typical classroom size for primary school students is 1 teacher to approximately 45 students. Keep in mind, all the students are at different levels in academia-- my 3rd grader being tested at a high 1st grade level and all my 4th graders being at Kindergarten level. We, as volunteers, created and documented all of our lesson plans and recorded analysis everyday. This is done so that the next 4-week program of volunteers can take over where we left off with the students.

Although a great majority of my time was dedicated to teaching, we also got the chance to learn about/visit historical sites in South Africa. I learned so much throughout those past 4-weeks and I would once again just like to point out how unique this organization is! The experience was definitely eye-opening and it was truly life changing. Concepts I had previously learned in past classes (such as cultural anthropology, political science, etc.) all seemed to click with this "in-field" experience.
I would HIGHLY recommend this organization to anyone and everyone! I promise you will be moved or touched in some way, by the meaningful purpose/message of OHS.

I spent a month in Cape Town with OHS this past summer. When I met the OHS team and other volunteers, I really felt like part of the family. One Heart Source works in a primary school helping students with math and English while serving as positive role models. Everyone was really engaged and invested in their students, their personal growth, and learning about each other and supporting one another. It was really an aha moment for me, seeing inequality and privilege that blatantly in South Africa, and realizing how I could make a difference. I learned way more than I could have imagined and met some incredibly passionate and empathetic people! I loved seeing my students each day and got to develop relationships with them, their friends, and meet some of their family. I felt like OHS supported who I was and wanted to help me along my personal journey while giving me a really unique opportunity. I can't wait to go back this summer!

The two weeks I spent in South Africa volunteering with One Heart Source made me grow a lot as an individual. We taught English and Math in a township primary school on a one-on-one to three basis. Working with the children let me see success amidst disadvantages and that love speaks louder than fear.

Not only did I learn from the educational work by day, I learned tremendously from the daily discussion session concerning education system and inequality around the world , as well as our individual experiences. What further impressed me were the weekly fields trips in Cape Town, which allowed me to understand the contexts of my volunteering work.

The OHS staff were very supportive of the volunteers and passionate about empowering the youth. Their speech and action raised my awareness of social inequality and cultural diversity, inspiring me to embark on a diversity and integration project on my campus when I returned.

My time with One Heart Source was so powerful that I saw and thought about something I had never seen or thought about before. I'm very grateful for the opportunity and the significant lasting values it has on our lives. These two weeks were so far the best times of my life.

I am going to school to be a physics teacher and during my freshman year my advisor sent me a link to volunteer with One Heart Source. I have always wanted to go to South Africa and I have always wanted to do some kind of mission trip or volunteer work. I held onto the link until my junior year when I applied and got accepted. This trip was one of the most incredible experiences in the world. The organization is run perfectly and you not only get the experience to volunteer but you are immersed in a new culture. I had a wonderful experience teaching elementary school children and I hope to continue teaching there next summer. I honestly cannot find the words to describe how wonderful the One Heart Source program is. They run the program perfectly and it has been a life changing experience.

As a student in my college's African Studies program I had been hoping to travel to Africa for some time. I had been presented with a variety of opportunities to make spending time in East Africa a reality and I found that One Heart Source stood out amongst other study abroad and volunteer opportunities. The combination of living in a homestay and teaching in a local school in Zanzibar made my time volunteering with One Heart Source beyond meaningful. The joy I felt after classes where my students were able to confidently respond in recently taught English phrases or subtract with borrowing correctly was immense. The close relationships I developed with my Zanzibari teaching partner, my mentorship students and my fellow volunteers are relationships I will cherish for the rest of my life. My time spent in Zanzibar with One Heart Source presented an honest depiction of the warmth of Swahili culture and the progress that can be made when you're willing to step outside of your comfort zone. It was exciting to see the progress my mentorship students made in being able to read over the course of the month. I learned a great deal being immersed in a culture different from my own and I was struck by the elements of humanity that do not change even when you are thousands of miles from home. The kindness, warmth and joy the community we lived in expressed without the material wealth many of us have in the US was incredible. The children of Pongwe find joy in simple things such as singing, dancing or playing on the beach. They were truly inspiring and I miss them greatly. They motivate me each day to work towards a career that will enable me to improve the healthcare of underserved populations both in the US and abroad.

I found this program through a student of a teacher and I am certainly glad I did. One Heart Source was perfect in letting me help the community but also give me time to explore the greatness of Cape Town. I was given one of the hardest students in the program to deal with but when she was learning I felt.......... truly alive. The program has been life changing. It is not because it is a new place, I have lived all over the world, it is because the people are truly real and willing to give all for these students. I am just glad to have had my chance.


Stephen J Castro

The random click on a mass email from my faculty brought me to Cape Town, South Africa. I spent 4 weeks there, doing a lot of education work at a primary school in a township outside Cape Town. We were mentoring and teaching 3rd graders and 4th graders in English and Maths. Seeing my 3rd grader’s smile and my 4th graders’ eagerness to learn simply lighted up my world. The experience was AMAZING!!! I've learnt literally A LOT from the trip and my future directions became clearer.

Most importantly, people there are all welcoming, kind to everyone regardless where you came from. I was spreading love to kids there, but also receiving a lot of support and love from the One Heart Source family. I just can't wait to go back.

Spending a month in South Africa as a One Heart Source volunteer was by far the most eye-opening, powerful, love-filled and inspiring experience I have ever had. From the very beginning of the application process onward, the OHS staff was incredibly helpful, supportive, and approachable. OHS has a wonderful relationship with the community in Hout Bay we serve, and the primary school we worked with was so full of potential and promise. The students brought me endless joy, laughter, and hope for the future of South Africa. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. I loved my experience so much that I joined the UCLA OHS team of ambassadors to help with the recruitment of future volunteers and to spread the word about OHS and its amazing mission and work.

I volunteered with OHS last summer and spent 4 weeks in Cape Town. It was an eye opening experience. I had always heard about apartheid in school, but I had never had the opportunity to witness the lasting effects. Apartheid tore South Africa apart. Even though it has been over for more than 20 years, the country is still very unequal.

OHS started its work in Tanzania, but expanded to South Africa in 2012. The main reason being that many African countries look to South Africa as a model for their own education systems. However, the system in South Africa is not one that should be replicated. It is broken and needs to be fixed.

The work that OHS has done in South Africa is already outstanding even though their presence has not been there for very long. The students that the organization works with have made very large improvements in both their math and english skills.

As a volunteer, I especially loved this program because not only did I spend my days working with the kids, but at night I would learn so much more when we talked about the history of education in Africa, the flawed education systems around the world, and the individual experiences each of us had growing up.

OHS has opened my eyes to the inequalities occurring around the world. It is a really great nonprofit that I look forward to working with more in the future.

oh, well, how do i start? I have being with many volunteering program before, and One Heart Source is like the best i have been to, i consider it the more professional and contributing organisation. 4 weeks in Cape Town i am not expecting to change the world or change Africa kid, which trust me NO ONE can do it, however, i personally experience and learned way more than the lovely kids. Cherish the opportunity you have , use One Heard Source- the best platform for you to demonstrate your love to Africa Children.

This summer I spent 2 weeks in Cape Town, South Africa with One Heart Source. The experience was very challenging, but this is a challenge I enjoyed. We ere not just teaching in school or donating. Our goal was to get to know a disadvantaged township in depth, and understand there real problems and come up with some ideas and create something sustainable so that the people from the township can continue what we created without us. We became friends with people from the township ,we heard their heart touching stories. I was amazed by how much I learnt in 2 weeks.

This summer I spent 4 weeks in Pongwe Pwani with One Heart Source. I have to say that I don't think I could have been more nervous to embark on this trip, but it turned out to be the most amazing experience I've ever had. Working with One Heart Source was incredible, all of the staff were very helpful with the volunteers and were extremely supportive during the program. Our group of volunteers (in my opinion) really became a family, I made friendships that will last a lifetime. This was an experience that I will never forget and has forever changed my outlook and my life overall. Thank you One Heart Source for letting me be a part of your organization!!!

This summer I spent four amazing weeks in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Before setting off it has to be said that there is a lot left to the imagination in terms of what you're going to be doing and where you are going to believing but as soon as we arrived it became clear that it wasn't possible to know. The great thing about OHS is that they mould each program specifically to their location. Even though they had run the program in Zanzibar before, it was the first time in Pongwe and they took their time to make sure they knew what the community needed and how we could help. Each day we taught in school ( as in we planned the lessons and taught them, no professional teachers involved) so be prepared to be creative and energetic! We each mentored a group of kids and in the evening we stared clubs, a first for OHS! A lot of the time we were exhausted but each day we would be reminded of why it was all worth it. OHS introduced me to the most welcoming community I have ever been a part of. To have so little but be so happy and so eager to learn was incredibly refreshing. And to be able to live with a local family and have such a real experience was all down to OHS. An experience I will never forget and will cherish forever.

I spent 4 beautiful weeks in Zanzibar, Tanzania this past summer and the experience I had was remarkable!

I'm sure each volunteer and each program has their own personal story to share but the mission and goals of One Heart Source are quite clear to me. Educating and inspiring self-sustained learning and connection is what we worked towards.

In addition to formal class each morning and an evening extracurricular club/ workshop at night, I was assigned 4 little girls ages 9-12 for after school tutoring called Mentorship. The work I did with these girls were the highlight of my whole experience. They were full of joy, excitement, light and love. We laughed, played, danced and learned from one another. I taught traditional academics like Math and English but also chose to focus our time together on building and maintaining positive relationships through compliments and attention, mental clarity with breathing excercises and meditation, and lastly just having fun and being silly with one another. With their help, I, in turn learned more about generosity, vulnerability, patience, respect, affection, the Swahili language and innocence.

I couldn't be more happy with the One Heart Source organization. All the coordinators I've worked with share a similar perspective on humanity and connection. The OHS mission is very much aligned with my own ideas and feelings about awareness and education so being involved with these ideas put-to-action has been an incredible blessing.

My time in Zanzibar this summer was an experience of a lifetime. Being able to teach in the local school of Ghana was the most challenging but rewarding experience I have ever had. The advances these students made in the time we were there was amazing and I have never met children so eager to learn. I will always remember my walk to school in the morning with all of my students following behind me talking to me in Swahili. While learning the language was an incredible part of the experience, we were able to communicate through hand motions and simple words even in the beginning. These people are some of the most amazing people i have ever met and I think about them everyday. My host family had such an amazing effect on me and I will never forget them. Biwema, my host mom, was one of the most empowering women I have met. Her perseverance to learn about our culture while also being so proud to show me hers was incredible to watch. My dadas and kakas were so excited to have two volunteers in their home and made me feel welcome and loved the entire time. The confidence of these people coupled with their hard work and positive energy, made such an impact on me. I have never been surrounded by such positive, grateful human beings and can't wait to return. I know this experience will stay with me forever and am so glad I decided to volunteer with One Heart Source

My time in Cape Town this past summer was the most challenging, yet the most beautiful experience I have ever had. Walking through the cracked streets of Imizamo Yethu, I felt a sense of community, for there was heart and beauty in every face I saw. While each day was a an absolute challenge, I looked forward to seeing the students of Moravian Primary School, because they are filled with love, vivacity, attitude, and strength. Each day, they were on their toes, hungry for knowledge and attention. They were ready to learn and perhaps even more, ready to teach, for they taught me more about life in these past four weeks than I have learned in my entire life time. They are positive, enduring, and capable of great things, and I wish to be more like them every day. During the summer I spent as a One Heart Source volunteer, I realized the power of education, but even more so, I realized the power of genuine human interaction, whether big or small. I fell in love with the idea of being the best that I can be, if not for my sake, then for the children’s sake. I have learned to be better and do better and for that reason I thank the children of Imizamo Yethu dearly. I hold my experiences with my fellow volunteer and coordinators, students of Moravian Primary School, and the sweet faces of Imizamo Yethu forever in my heart.

My daughter volunteered in Zanzibar this summer and had an incredible time. I contributed to her fundraising even though I was quite worried about her going to Africa. While at first I was nervous about her traveling so far by herself, I was quickly relieved by the thorough, professional, and helpful staff and organization. I emailed the staff multiple times with my questions. We received prompt and comprehensive responses that clearly revealed that One Heart Source was taking all the necessary safety measures.

Upon returning, my daughter has shared her amazing stories with us. She taught kids and adults in a village, and then did art club in the evening with other students. Every time she talks about her experience she lights up with happiness. I am so proud of her. She is already talking about wanting to return. I hope one day I can go back with her.

Volunteering this summer in Capetown has made a massive impact on my life. I learned an awful lot from both the students and volunteers and it was so hard to leave both after the 4 week program! All the kids we taught were incredible and so strong despite the hardships they face each day. It is clear that One Heart Source are 100% dedicated to the welfare of the students they teach and getting them to achieve their full potential. The coordinators were mostly very open and supportive to the volunteers so it was easy to speak about any problems faced with them. I would definitely recommend volunteering in Capetown either in a school or a community project in one of the townships over there as there is such a great need for talented, hard working and willing people to help in any way possible. One Heart Source is a great way to supply this help!

I volunteered with One Heart Source in Zanzibar in summer 2013. It was the best summer of my entire life. I made lifelong friends, now have an amazing second family, and was able to engage with the passionate One Heart Source staff. The homestay family I lived with was so welcoming. I felt like I was part of the family after just a few days of being there. My homestay mother taught me to cook, took me to her farm, and I tutored the children every evening.

One of my favorite experiences was teaching a small group of students every day after school. I was able to connect with the same 3 students for the entire 4 weeks. I helped teach them English and Math. They were always so excited to learn and play together. They taught me so much about the importance of human connection, patience, and perseverance.

I could not have asked for a more positive volunteer experience. I hope to continue volunteering with One Heart Source in the future.

I volunteered with One Heart Source for a month in Zanzibar this summer. It was by far the most amazing, rewarding experience of my life! One Heart Source does an amazing job reaching out to the local communities and providing volunteers with a wonderful way to make connections and make a difference. One Heart Source also gives volunteers a lot of freedom to teach what they are personally passionate about, and what they think will have the most impact. Finally, the staff of One Heart Source consists of the most genuine, sincere, caring people that I have ever met. They all live One Heart Source's mission and take the time out of their extremely busy schedules to discuss world issues with volunteers such as education, the environment, and what it means to be a good person. The whole experience was mentally, emotionally, and spiritually stimulating in the best way possible and I could not recommend One Heart Source more highly.

There is no doubt in my mind that this program changed my life. For the better. I spent a month teaching in a township Imizamo Yethu about 20 minutes outside of Cape Town and fell in love with my students, the community, and my fellow volunteers. The program does a great job at making sure all volunteers understand the system we are working in, not just understanding how to teach the ABCs. We watched many documentaries and videos to generate discussion and ideas about possible solutions for the issues we've been faced with; we took various tours of townships, clinics, etc. to help give the volunteers background knowledge as well as a contextual setting for these issues; and the directors were always open and honest with their views, just as they were genuinely interested in our ideas and questions. I felt that my voice was heard and that my actions had an impact.

It is very easy to feel that the work you do in such a situation is pointless. I struggled with a severe sense of hopelessness for the first half of the program and I went to sleep crying more nights than I can count. But after a while you realize that there's only so much any human can do and that this program is an amazing vessel that allows individuals to DO what they can do. I have returned to the US with a fire in my belly to make tangible changes in the way I interact with people on a daily basis so that I can further raise awareness of the injustices still happening in the world. I feel passionate, ready, and supported by this program and I'm ready to continue my journey with One Heart Source in my work as an educator in the States.

The directors and staff of this program all live in Africa and are invested in the program with every ounce of their beings. There is no higher administration making decisions for the volunteers and the program unless the administration has experienced it first-hand themselves. I felt so good supporting a program filled with people who aren't content to simply lay back and enjoy watching other people work; these directors work harder than anyone I've ever met.

The only con I have about this program is the lack of prior communication. It seemed quite obvious to me that the organizers and directors of the program knew very well what was expected of us and them and were great at keeping everything organized.... however, they simply didn't communicate those plans and purposes to the volunteers in a timely manner. This left the volunteers feeling frustrated because we weren't able to most effectively/efficiently utilize our down time.

This program is a very young program, so NATURALLY they don't have all the kinks worked out yet. And having this small frustration made me realize that I have a talent for organized communication and prior training... so I feel incredibly motivated and empowered to join One Heart Source specifically to add my talents and passions to a team of already talented and passionate people. No program will be perfect. Obviously. But you won't find a more genuinely invested staff in any other program, and - to me - that's worth much more frustration than I was ever given.

Where is the COMMUNICATION?????? Have contributed money to a volunteer "My Daughter" who is planning on traveling to Zanzibar next week. When I asked her about the recent security matters and her concerns she had not heard anything from the organization.
If you expect people to contribute to a great cause you need to be a great communicator.

One Heart Source is an incredible organization that allows volunteers to have authentic and meaningful experiences. I volunteered in Cape Town for a month and it was beyond inspirational. The leaders did their best to help us feel the passion and keep it burning throughout the month via various discussions and assignments. As an education major, I felt well-aware of the importance of education, but my time in South Africa showed me a completely new side of the spectrum. Even for non-education majors, volunteering with OHS opens your mind and perspective, which is such a valuable and humbling thing to experience. I felt so blessed to be able to meet and work with the students there. The impact they had on me has changed my life and I am so thankful that OHS could provide me with this opportunity.

One Heart Source provides an incredible volunteering experience. I volunteered with the organisation in 2010 and am still volunteering with them today. The organisation offers a wide range of activities to take part in, depending on where your interests lie. However, the underlying focus is always on education, whether this be at nursery school, primary school, secondary school or the community level. For me, one of the best parts of volunteering with One Heart Source is the opportunity to live with a host family for 4 or 6 weeks (in Zanzibar). This enables you to become part of the community you are working within, and gain a better understanding of the people who live within this community. There are also opportunities to continue working with OHS as a volunteer staff member, which provides useful experience for those looking to work in the NGO sector. One Heart Source is a fantastic organisation and I would recommend it to anybody looking to volunteer in the education sector within sub-Saharan Africa.

The month I spent volunteering with One Heart Source was one of the best months of my life. I felt like my time was well spent, and the work I was doing was meaningful in impacting a change for kids who need it. I will never forget my students. They have changed the way I look at the world and have driven me to want to do more for others. In fact, I hope to return next summer.

I volunteered with One Heart Source the summer of 2012 and I absolutely loved my experience. One Heart Source aids marginalized communities by providing them with health and basic education in the community. One Heart Source sends university volunteers to East and South Africa to educate in the schools and the community. Since day one when I arrived I was immediately emerged into the Zanzibarian culture (I stayed on the island of Zanzibar off of the coast of Tanzania). I lived with a home stay family where they were very friendly and welcoming. By the end of the program I was speaking Swahili quite well and I was very close to my home stay family. I would definitely go again with One Heart Source next summer. The work we did was meaningful, it had results and after I left my kids to return home, more volunteer arrived to take the place I left behind. These kids were not being left alone. Which is why this non-profit is so effective; they go for long-term results rather than short-term results.

My decision to volunteer with One Heart Source was one of the best decisions i've made. My time in Tanzania taught me so much. This rare opportunity allowed me to utilize education in fighting injustice on a global level. It showed me what I want to do with my life. If you are considering doing this, all I can say is you should. I am in love with this organization. It has become such a big part of who I am.

I volunteered with One Heart Source in South Africa this past summer and it ended up being one of the most impactful months of my life. I worked primarily with elementary age students to improve their skills in both math and literacy. Through the education program that OHS has in place I was able to work closely with a small group of students to focus on specific educational challenges that my students were facing. Working in a more intimate learning environment I was able to build a lasting relationships with my students and really get to know them and how they best learned. Through One Heart Source’s close relationship with the school administrators and teachers we were able to maintain a cohesive and consistent teaching force that can be built upon and expanded further as OHS continues to work there.

I volunteered for ohs in the summer of 2011, teaching in a rural village in Tanzania with a team of peers from around the world. It was the most unique experience of my college career, mobilizing with such a diverse group to do something truly meaningful. Education is the future, and the ohs program is full of opportunities to learn and teach. I would highly recommend ohs to anyone interested in finding a unique opportunity abroad.

I decided to volunteer with One Heart Source after months of research about volunteering opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa. My criteria was a grassroots organization focused on education and immersion and creating a meaningful experience. I volunteered in 2012 in Tanzania, and the experience far surpassed my expectations. There is so much to learn from a clash of cultures, and ohs created so many engaging opportunities- at school, at my homestay, in my community. I am truly grateful for the experience to teach and learn.

It is difficult for me to put this experience in words. I never thought that I would feel so at home so far from where I grew up. Living in Musa village for 6 weeks was an experience that changed my outlook on life, on education, and the importance of our youth. There are many organizations to volunteer with, and I came across One Heart Source unexpectedly, but now I can see that it was for a reason. Getting the opportunity to be completely immersed in a culture and to become part of a family is incomparable to anything I have experienced, and something that makes this organization truly unique. You can not make a difference unless you live with the people, speak their language, and share their ideas.

I volunteered with One Heart Source in Tanzania during the summer of 2010. It ended up being two of the most impactful months of my life. I went there to teach students about the dangers of HIV and AIDS, but after living there I realized I was doing so much more than that. I was connecting and sharing with people across the globe. I lived with a host family in a village outside of Arusha and loved every minute of it. While living in a mud hut was far different from any living situation I had ever experienced before, its humble amenities and cozy spaces quickly became home to me. After living with my host family I learned how little material things and the acquisition of wealth actually had to do with happiness. The warmth and generosity that I experienced living with people that have so little was amazing to see.
During the weekdays I was teaching at school in the grade 7 classrooms, and I could not have been more pleased with how well things went. One Heart Source had developed a great relationship with the school we worked at, which allowed us to be incredibly effective as teachers. Through One Heart Source’s close relationship with the school administrators and teachers we were able to maintain a cohesive and consistent teaching force that is able to continue year around. This also made my integration into the school much more seamless.
Volunteering with One Heart Source was an amazing experience. I learned and grew more than I ever could have imagined. For anyone who is looking to work at the grassroots level and experience life in Tanzania, this is the volunteer program for you.

I volunteered with one heart source last summer and it was one of e most amazing experiences of my life. I volunteered in Zanzibar and could not have asked for a more fun and fulfilling experience. I met some of the most amazing peope i have ever met in my time there. I really felt like I became fully integrated with the culture and village life. I lived with a host family in a humble hut made primarily of Mud and thatched palm frowns. While this was much different than my house in America, it became home to me and my host family became an extension of my family back home. When I wasn't teaching or working in the community I was spending time with my host family doing everything from helping my mama cook to spear fishing with my home stay father. It really was an amazing experience.

I came across One Heart Source when looking for an opportunity to undertake meaningful teaching work that would have a real and lasting impact. The organisation's model of homestays, coupled with school and community engagement was particuarly appealing in this regard. I was also given the opportunity to engage in significant pre-field training before arriving in country which was especially useful as this was my first time volunteering. Whist on my programme I spent a month living and teaching in the Arusha area of Tanzania and was afforded more of a cultural insight that I had ever hoped possible. Not only was I teaching in a local school, but also leading community health education efforts and tutoring the children in my homestay. Overall an incredible experience.

My recent experience volunteering with One Heart Source is something that I will never forget. After living in Tanzania for a month, a little piece of the village and the organization will remain forever in my mind and heart. The organization stays true to it's description as grassroots, and is organized and led by young, motivated, and passionate, individuals, unlike many NGO's. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of other people, cultures, education, health, and most importantly, to expand their heart.

This organization is a joke. It's almost non-existent. Students will do all of the work during the application process without any guidance. I would never recommend this organization to anyone, instead meet with an advisor that has experience working with other volunteer organizations. Do not risk it. The feeling is unexplainable and you will feel cheated.

I volunteered with One Heart Source this summer and had an amazing experience. Considering it is a young organization, they are highly ambitious and have a lot going on. My coordinator was amazing at helping us jump into work quickly. One of my favorite aspects of the program was the opportunity to live with a homestay family and really dive into the culture. I also enjoyed meeting other volunteers from other states and countries.

My parents were concern about safety, but I assured them that I felt safe the entire 2 months there. They have a large security staff that works through out the night, securing around the homestays.

This organization spams universities all over the country with fliers trying to lure students into "volunteering". It is really a scam to separate college students from $2500. Yes, the volunteers are expected to pay for their trip. It is not so much a non-profit as a money-sponging charity. A large portion of the student's money goes to keep the administrators in chardonnay and goat's cheese from Whole Foods. The organization refuses to release statistics about how much of every dollar actually goes to Africa. Don't let them pull your heart strings with advertisements showing sad-faced little children. It's not about the children it's about making the people running the non-profit fatter.