Words of Thanks

We wanted to thank all of the generous supporters who sent 75 children living with HIV in Malawi to Camp Hope. Camp Hope is one of World Camp's most recent projects that offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for children trying to live positively.

"This is the happiest I've ever been in my entire life!"
                            Alex, 12 years old and living positive

At Camp Hope we respect the privacy of our campers and therefore celebrate their experiences at camp in words. On behalf of all the campers and everyone at World Camp we cherish the experiences that you made possible. Your support does change lives and we have the words to prove it.

Blessings is 17 years old, deaf, and HIV positive. He came to the first session of camp with the 12-14 year olds because he is developmentally stunted due to his HIV, and he looks like he is 13 or 14. Blessings received constant support during his time at camp. He always had a staff member next to him repeating what the facilitators were saying so that he could read their lips to understand. Blessings truly flourished at camp, culminating in an address that he signed to Camp Hope during Stage Night. While we can never fully share the power of this performance (picture the entire camp silent as Blessings beautifully and emotionally signed this address), we share his words:

Feel welcomed my fellow campers
By our Mentors, Leaders and Doctors

Let us all feel honored
To have made it to Camp Hope
So little do we know
That others wish they were here

Like our elders say
Let us all hold hands
Let us all have one goal
With love, respect and safety
In all our endeavors
As we begin this journey
Until we touch the sky

Let us not forget my friends
To take our medication
And supplement it with proper nutrition
As directed by our Doctors at Baylor

Let us have hope my friends
We are in safe hands

To our leaders
Keep on the good work
And don’t forget to always be our role models
We look up to you for support, encouragement
And above all, LOVE.

Where are they now? - Recognizing WC alumni past and present!

Molly Cohen, Alumni  2010

Molly,
Where are you and what are you doing now?
I am currently working in NYC for Alicia Key's nonprofit, Keep a Child Alive, which shares a similar mission to World Camp.  I work on securing sponsorships for our annual events and maintain the database of volunteers and donors.  This fall, however, I will be moving to Chicago to begin my master's in Urban Education.

Did WC influence the education or career path you chose - if so how?

Yes.  Prior to visiting Africa, I had just received my degree in business and had very different career prospects.  My trip to Africa helped me realize that I wanted to focus my career on giving back -- whether it be to those in need abroad or within our own country (hopefully a combination of both each year!).  After my five weeks with World Camp in Malawi were up, I told Jesse I wasn't ready to leave.  I met up with a friend from college and we returned to Malawi a few months later to live in Mchezi and work forming the foundations of the professional program through teaching CBO members basic business skills.  I never expected to enjoy the teaching aspect so much.  I recently finished a fellowship at a charter school in Harlem and look forward to starting my graduate studies as well! 

What inspired you to go to Africa in the first place?

Ahhh...I always had this desire to travel to Africa, but if we're being totally honest, I came across Madonna's documentary on Hulu and found out through World Camp after doing some research.  I don't like saying Madonna brought me to Africa but unfortunately, it is kind of true!

What color most reminds you of Malawi - why?

 The turquoise color of MCBO's building reminds me of my time in Malawi.  It was always in such contrast to the musty, dry surroundings and represented a glimmer of hope, just like MCBO did for the community.

What is your favorite experience from Malawi to tell your friends about?

I probably told them enough stories that they would never want to hear another one again!  If I had to think of one experience in particular, it would definitely be the relationship I formed with a young girl from Mchezi, Maggie.  Maggie was an HIV+ orphan who immediately latched on to me during my first day living in Mchezi.  She would wait for me to wake up outside my window, be there when I finished class, and hang on my lap until the sun went down.  I know, I know, I am guilty of favoritism with Maggie, but I really felt like she needed the support.  Even with the language barrier, we shared plenty of laughs and smiles.  Just recently, Chris Goma, the director of MCBO, sent me a picture of Maggie with a sign saying she missed me.  It was really important for me to see that she is looking healthy and happy! 

Describe the people of Malawi in 5 words?

I've never felt so popular.

If you could go back to Malawi what would you want to do there?

 First stop off the plane, I would need to go visit John and Ngoni and have a nice bowl of nsima (somehow I miss it!).  After, I definitely want to spend time living in Mchezi and revisiting all the adults I taught and the children I played with.  I loved watching the church choir practice in the early afternoon and soccer, netball, and laughs with the children pre-dinner was always a blast as well..... finish the night off with a flashlight (headband, of course) game of competitive Scrabble.

What do you miss most about Malawi today?

Of course, Maggie (see picture)

What is one thing you learned from your experience?

In Malawi, there is a unique, almost innate, sense of unity embedded within the community. Children do not belong to their parents alone, but are the entire village’s responsibility. People look for help from one another, unlike my suburban childhood where cutthroat competition, soccer Moms, and fenced property lines were the norm. By reaching out to others, I reached inward – a mutually rewarding relationship.

What would you tell others who are thinking of traveling to Malawi w/ WC?

Just do it. No hesitations!

It's Getting Crowded

The United Nations reported last fall that the global population had reached the seven billion mark and would continue to expand rapidly for decades.  Almost all of the increase can be attributed to sub-Saharan Africa, where women average more than five children and population boom far outstrips economic expansion. Experts estimate Malawi's population to be between fifteen and sixteen million people. HIV has fractured the distribution of the population with 45.1% of Malawians being under the age of 14.


In other parts of the developing world, such as Latin America and Asia, fertility rates have fallen drastically over the past few generations.  This transformation has been driven by a mix of educational and employment opportunities for women, access to contraception, urbanization and an evolving middle class.  While governments in sub-Saharan Africa have begun to act by reversing long-standing policies encouraging large families, the challenges are many and the problem daunting.  “‘Population is key,’ said Peter Ogunjuyibe, a demographer at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.  ‘If you don’t take care of population, schools can’t cope, hospitals can’t cope, there’s not enough housing - there’s nothing you can do to have economic development.’”

The most obvious example of the devastating effects of unchecked population growth is Nigeria - a nation that is projected in the next generation to have a population roughly the size of the present-day United States living in a country the size of Arizona and New Mexico combined.  In commercial hub of Lagos, living standards for most are deplorable with as many as 50 residents of one apartment block sharing the same sink, toilet, and kitchen facilities, although running water is a luxury they are rarely able to access.  At primary schools in the city, most classrooms average 100 students and the unemployment rate for people ages 15 to 24 is roughly 50%.  

To get the problem under control, the Nigerian government recently made contraceptives free; however, free birth control cannot undermine cultural beliefs that have been around for centuries.  “The number [of children] you have depends on your strength and capacity,” said a Nigerian laborer and father of four, who hopes to have at least two more children.  Many African cultures are patriarchal and even polygamist, leading the belief that the larger the family, the more prosperous and powerful.  Still, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund Babtunde Osotimehin says he is optimistic for a turnaround if contraception and women’s education are emphasized as solutions.  “We can see rapid changes, but that’s up in the air, because you have to be aggressive and constant.”  Experts are also hoping that the changing economics and lifestyles of middle-class Africans will help shift the emphasis from quantity to quality, holding up quality of life and financial gains in nations like Thailand as inspiration.  


To read the whole New York Times article, please visit:FULL ARTICLE

Where are they now? - Recognizing WC alumni past and present!

Megan McInturff alumni 2009

Megan:

Where are you and what are you doing now?    

I am living in Virginia Beach, VA working for the Council on International Educational Exchange.  CIEE was created to increase public diplomacy around the world by offering high school students , university students and recent graduates opportunities for exchange programs.  I work as an area coordinator in the South East for inbound international university students, helping to find exchange opportunities and facilitate the program while they are in country.  I travel to countries all over the globe to interview students to participate in the program.  Outside of my work, I have run multiple shoe drives for Soles4Souls, donating shoes to Uganda, Haiti and Malawi.  I also am a volunteer with Artist for Advocacy, working on fundraising projects for aid work in Uganda.  I went back to Africa last summer, to work on the Uganda Water Project and Kampala Street Kids Soccer Program.  

Did WC influence the education or career path you chose - if so how?

Yes!  World Camp inspired me to be a part of an international organization that allows students and recent graduates to have cross cultural experiences and gain independence by traveling/living abroad.  My eyes were opened to the World once I arrived in Malawi and I learned a lot about global issues and about myself.  I knew I wanted to be a part of something that would inspire young people to open their minds to global issues and help bring cultures together.

What inspired you to go to Africa in the first place?

I don’t remember a time ever not wanting to go to Africa.  Ever since I was very young and used to see pictures in magazines or specials on TV, I always knew I wanted to go Africa and help children.  After getting a health education degree from my university, I was looking for a chance to teach and make a lasting effect on someone.  That’s when everything started to come together and I discovered World Camp.

What color most reminds you of Malawi - why?

This is a tough call between red and green.  When I think of driving in the Land Rovers to go to villages, I remember nothing but red clay roads and green vegetation.  Red and green are both in the Malawian flag.  All of the World Camp shirts I still have are green… so maybe I’ll go with green J

What is your favorite experience from Malawi to tell your friends about?

I will never forget getting out of the truck at the very first school and being a little intimidated.  All the students were staring at us and we just stared right back at them.  We walked out to the field and did our morning songs and games.  I remember watching all the other volunteers and everyone was a little shy, including myself.  I didn’t feel like any of us were fully present in the experience.  We were just trying to take everything in.  Within a few hours, after we worked with our classes, all the volunteers and students came back to the field for closing songs and activities.  The energy had completely changed and everyone had completely let go of inhibitions and we were so present in the moment.  We were all dancing with the kids, singing and having the best time.  It was amazing how quickly the dynamic changed and how we all connected so well to one another.

Describe the people of Malawi in 5 words?

Passionate, compassionate, loving, hopeful and welcoming.

If you could go back to Malawi what would you want to do there?

Locate and meet with the girls from the very last empowerment circle during my first Summer session.  That was the most memorable, open, and powerful session of both of my 5 week programs in Malawi.  I would love to sit down with all of them and see how they are doing today, see if they continued on to secondary schools and ask if they remembered the things we talked about during our empowerment talk.  I would love to know if they thought it made a difference, or they were too scared to ask a question then and they can ask it now.  I would ask them if there is anything they wanted to tell me about our talk, maybe I didn’t give them the best advice or maybe something made a lasting effect.  I would love to just show all the girls from every single empowerment circle I ever did, that I still think about them and I hope that I was able to help them in some way.

What do you miss most about Malawi today?

A full day of camp.  Getting ready in the morning, the car rides out to camp, morning songs, being in the classroom and sharing ideas (with students, teachers and translators.)  I haven’t had many experiences since World Camp that can measure up to the energy I felt then when I was at Camp for a day. 

What is one thing you learned from your experience?

I learned to focus on making and individual difference.  Anytime I am overwhelmed by all of the issues and question the impact I am making, it helps to center my thoughts on a single girl or boy.  I have to remind myself that I am not going to heal the entire continent, country, or classroom, but I will make (have made) a difference in the life of a child.  The more I learn about the state of the issues facing young kids in Africa, it’s hard not to get frustrated and lose hope.  So, it’s easier to focus on each child and how they are today.  That can apply to anything in life…. Focus on the small things you can do to make a difference in someone’s day or life.  Whether it be giving a compliment and a smile, donating some change in line at 7-11, reading a book to a child … it’s the small things that add up to make a big difference.

What would you tell others who are thinking of traveling to Malawi w/ WC?

There is no reason not to go.  It seems like a big jump before you take it, but once you take the chance… you will look back and wish you had done it sooner.

Before you go will you share your favorite photo from Malawi?

I have to say I have two favorites - the first one is self-explanatory:

My second favorite picture is of Scott one of World Camp's Program Coordinators - the picture inside of the frame was taken one day  when he was serving nsima.  I have no clue where that face came from, but its priceless!  His mom was on her way to Malawi for a visit, so we had the great idea of framing this picture and putting it by her bedside table.  Writing “Welcome to Africa, Mommy” went so well with the picture… and we knew Scott would be a tad bit embarrassed by it.  Scott had no clue that this was going on, and boy did he feel awkward!


Well we're sure after all these years he'll love to see this photo presented to the world - Scott, this one is on Megan - love you both!

Women Leaders Working for Change

staff/reuters

This weekend Malawi become the first country in southern Africa to swear in a female president. Former President Mutharika passed away last week from cardiac arrest. As Vice President Joyce Banda was officially sworn in on Saturday. We stand with the nation of Malawi during their time of mourning, and look forward to celebrating this fresh opportunity for Malawi. Joyce Banda was last year named by Forbes Magazine as Africa's most powerful female politician after Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Nigerian Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

We believe that women from all walks of life - whether as nurturers, business or community leaders, mothers or grandmothers - have an integral role in addressing the issues that threaten our global society. As we welcome a new strong female leader in Malawi we thought we'd share a feature from VERVE magazine of World Camp co-founder, Laura Ivey, who recently graced their cover. Thanks ladies for all you do!

photo by Matt rose

"No doubt about it: Laura Ivey is a bit of a do-gooder. She’s currently the volunteer services manager for the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, coordinating shifts at Habitat’s ReStore, just south of downtown, for some 1,800 volunteers each year. She also assists volunteers who construct, and deconstruct, around a dozen homes each year for needy families.

Before Habitat, Ivey spent a total of five years living in Malawi, in southern Africa, helping to educate residents there about AIDS and HIV. While she was a student at both University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, she co-founded a program, World Camp, which is now based in Asheville and has educated more than 40,000 students in Malawi. One of her favorite parts? She helped scores of young women and teachers in the program, who were looking to empower themselves through classwork and learning critical life skills."

-VERVE article by Mick Kelly

Preservice Teacher Gains Experience Teaching in Malawi

Elizabeth Smith is a 5th grade teacher at Ira B. Jones Elementary School in Asheville, NC.

"World Camp has transformed who I am as a teacher because I understand and value the need for global education." 

Studies show that preservice teachers who have exposure to diversity are better equipped to teach in diverse classrooms - Elizabeth shares how Malawi influences her teaching.

"As I walked into my colorful, resource-rich classroom on the first day of school as nervous as I was I couldn’t help but remember that I had already stood in front of a group of children thousands of miles away and taught them life-sustaining knowledge. That classroom setting was different from my own classroom: dirt floors, broken mud walls, sometimes nonexistent roofs, sparse resources. I didn’t teach students the relevance of division in their everyday lives as I currently do with my fifth-grade students.  Instead, in working as a World Camp intern teaching at rural primary schools, I taught Malawian students powerful life-saving skills and knowledge of HIV/AIDS and health education, gender empowerment and environmental sustainability. Although I had never taught this curriculum and was in an extremely different environment than I had ever experienced I realized that what I was seeing in my Malawian students was the same thing that I saw in the eyes of my students here in Asheville. Children all around the world want to be set up for success in their lives. More specifically, students want to learn; they want to be captivated; they want to be inspired.

World Camp’s interns teach the curriculum through fun, interactive and engaging methods. The students’ eyes light up with interest, excitement and understanding. Teaching in the poverty stricken country of Malawi as a World Camp intern gave me an insightful understanding of education that has changed the way I approach my teaching here in the United States. I realized that I could teach difficult concepts through creative and interactive ways with barely any resources pulled from the destitute Malawian schools.  The students comprehended the content and transformed the knowledge into skills and practices in their daily lives. Surely then, I could easily teach the North Carolina Standard Course of Study through engaging and interactive lessons even if I didn’t have any of the teaching resources on which teachers so often rely.  Our American schools are so lucky to have the resources that we have however, teaching in Malawi opened my eyes to understand that even though a classroom may not have an Interactive SmartBoard, or enough science kits or laptops for every student, meaningful and enriching learning can happen for every child.

I traveled to Malawi almost two years ago while I was still in college to learn how to become a teacher. Now, in my first year of teaching, my experiences from my time in Malawi continue to permeate my classroom on a a weekly basis. World Camp helped me realize that one of my goals for my students is for them to be aware of the world around them and to think globally. My fifth-graders have deep conversations about the differences in their lives and the lives of children in Malawi. They are beginning to open their eyes to the diversity around the world, understanding that there is an incredible world that exists outside of Asheville, North Carolina. World Camp has transformed who I am as a teacher because I understand and value the need for global education.

At eleven years old most of my students have not traveled outside the U.S. Even though they lack international travel experiences they still have intelligent, educated and meaningful conversations about the diverse world in which they live. It is my desire that my class becomes a springboard for my students' global interests. I want my students to leave my classroom at the end of the year equipped with an international awareness, knowledge of an empathy for other's situations around the world and a desire to experience the world around them. My teaching focuses on helping students learn about the world so that they will have a deep passion for helping, serving, and learning about others."

Where are they now? - Recognizing WC alumni past and present!

They’re a big force behind World Camp’s progress and we think it’s time you got to know them - meet our alumni past and present!

We're going to bring you a new series that highlights the dedicated people that help keep World Camp's projects rolling - without them none of our accomplishments would be possible. 

Carolyn Vaughn alumni 2005

CJ Vaughn:
Where are you and what are you doing now?
I'm living in San Francisco and I'm a plastic surgery resident at UCSF.

Did WC influence the education or career path you chose - if so how?
Yes. My experience with World Camp spawned my interest in global health and more specifically in surgical education.

What inspired you to go to Africa in the first place?
I wanted to experience and learn from a country and people that were totally unlike my upbringing in the U.S., and use the resources I have to bring about growth and change in a country that has limited access to those same resources.

What is your favorite experience from Malawi to tell your friends about?

My friend and I have traveled around Malawi as cheaply as possible, which means we often road around in the back of pick up trucks. One afternoon we were getting a ride with probably 15 other people including a baby and a chicken, all crowded in the back of the truck and our driver was apparently not licensed, so we got chased by the police. The driver veered off the road and started driving through the fields. The entire truck full of people did not seem concerned, everyone was laughing and enjoying the excitement of the chase. No one seemed worried about the 2 HOUR detour we took as a result of tearing through the corn fields to avoid the police roadblock! In the end we made it where we wanted to go and in hindsight was well worth the story!

What color most reminds you of Malawi - why?
That reddish tan color of the dirt. When my friend and I returned to Malawi during medical school we walked a few miles to and from the hospital where we worked, and as the cars drove by that red dust is all you could see around you. It coated everything - and I literally brought that home with me!

Describe the people of Malawi in 5 words - ok maybe under 10?
Warm, welcoming, selfless, hands down more rhythm than we have.

If you could go back to Malawi what would want to do there?
My hope is go back and work on setting up a surgical education and training program.

What do you miss most about Malawi today?
Nsima, ha. Probably the whole community gathering together to sing, dance, and share.

What is one thing you learned from your experience?
The most effective projects, that allow for real, sustainable change, are those which are inspired by and carried out by the community.

What would you tell others who are thinking of traveling to Malawi with WC?
Going to Malawi with World Camp changed my perspective on life, and has shaped my career and my personal goals for the future.