My Nonprofit Reviews

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.