Universal Promise

I just got back from a volunteer trip with Universal Promise in South Africa and I cannot speak more highly about this organization and it’s leadership. Universal Promise is so clearly committed to making sustainable change in education systems. It was incredible to see how many close relationships Martha has and how so many people in this community trust her whole heartedly. UP is the best nonprofit I have ever worked with and I am excited to continue to do so!

First off, words can’t describe how incredibly lucky and grateful I feel to have been given the opportunity to volunteer with Universal Promise. Having traveled to Addo, South Africa twice, I have witnessed how Universal Promise is actively transforming the lives of so many. From providing students with an extra meal each day to installing a brand new academic centre, Universal Promise has not come short of fulfilling its mission. Not only has Universal Promise provided individuals and institutions in Addo with essential academic resources, but the nonprofit has also helped establish justice, civility, and hope. Ultimately, Universal Promise is an incredible organization, and I greatly accredit who I am today because of it.

It was my first time on the volunteer trip with Universal Promise this summer, and it was also my first time in Africa. The trip was truly so rewarding and incredible that I have found I don’t even have words. Instead, I will share a story. I was the yoga instructor on the trip and taught the students various stretches, poses, breathing exercises, and meditations that they could all use as coping skills during difficult times. At the end of each class, I would ask the students if they liked the yoga and if they could see themselves doing it outside of the workshop. The responses were always extremely positive. One day, the Founder and Executive Director of Universal Promise came into the classroom right as I was asking these questions. She asked the students, “Why do you like the yoga?” Five or six hands shot up. Seeing that participation was always so rewarding as well, just knowing that they are engaged and interested. They each shared exactly what any yoga instructor would want to hear, and these students were only doing yoga for the very first time! One said that it made their body feel less tense. Another said that they can forget about their distractions for a little while. Another said that they can ignore all of their worries for just a moment. Lastly, another student said, “It makes me feel strong.” I think that response, especially with a language barrier, cultural differences, and the fact that they were trying something new for the very first time shows how rewarding these trips can be. Not only was it so rewarding for me, but it was rewarding for these students as well. They are some of the most passionate, talented, curious people I have ever met, and I will never forget my experience with Universal Promise.

I have been involved with Universal Promise for 10 years and have been honored to serve on the UP Board of Directors since 2015. It is an extraordinary organization, deeply committed to its values of inclusivity, accountability and sustainability and dedicated to its mission to insure educational opportunities for underserved communities in South Africa. My commitment of time and money to Universal Promise had been rewarded with the deepest satisfaction and pleasure at seeing real-time results-literally watching as schools and communities were transformed, and students, families and teachers developed as learners, community members and leaders. This experience has transformed my sense of the impact we can all have in this world.

I have had the honor and joy of volunteering with Universal Promise on two different trips to South Africa. I was a faculty chaperone traveling with a group of high school students from my school over our spring break in March 2018 and March 2019. Both of these trips had an enduring impact on me -- and on my students. The folks we met in Addo and worked with at Vusumzi Primary School were generous, inspiring, and committed; they shared their vision of improving academic and wellness resources within their community, and we worked with them, always keeping their own goals at the heart of our work, to transform those dreams into reality. One of the things I value most about UP is its commitment sustainable equity; UP volunteers are always working in collaboration with local educators, administrators, and students to enact change. UP understands that true and lasting volunteer work must respect and uplift the local community and its needs, hopes, and goals. UP's values of inclusivity, accountability, and sustainability are at the center of all that the organization does.

Universal Promise is an organization that has been near and dear to my heart for the past 10 years. Prior to having traveled to South Africa, I always dreamt of visiting the Addo community as I had heard so many stories of the beautiful people and experiences there. After having traveled to South Africa two (will be three) times, I can wholeheartedly say that each volunteer trip has been a life-changing experience for me. I fully support UP’s mission to provide quality academic and wellness resources to underprivileged communities. Each opportunity to volunteer with UP, both in the United States and abroad, is something I value tremendously.

My experience with Universal Promise has shaped who I am today. During the spring of 2018 I went to South Africa with Universal Promise to help teach and volunteer at the Vusumzi Primary School and I will never forget the experience I had, and the people I met during this time. Universal Promise has shaped the way I see the world through their continued support of the communities, schools, and people within South Africa. They strive to make a positive and long lasting impact, which is clearly felt throughout each of the communities they have helped throughout the years. The memories I've made, and continue to make, with the help of Universal Promise are truly some of the most impactful and amazing memories within my life. I truly do not have words to describe my love for Universal Promise and the people of South Africa.

It has been an honor and a privilege to volunteer with Universal Promise. There are many wonderful aspects of the organization's work, but it is the empowerment of the people of the Addo community that is most impressive and impactful. To witness teachers, students, parents, and so many other members of the community gain the tools and confidence they need to pursue their dreams is heart-warming and affirming. I can say with certainty that the time and money I have shared with Universal Promise has made a difference in this world.

I have known and worked closely with Universal Promise for nine years and I can confidently say that every experience I have had, every person I have met, and each project I have worked on has changed my life for the better. Universal Promise's relationship with the community members in South Africa is indescribable. Universal Promise has made lasting change in under-resourced and and underserved communities and continues to do so embracing warmth, collaboration, and hope.