From the Field: Greenheart Explores South Africa

The opportunity to travel to South Africa began with an invitation. In August 2008, Andrea Dennis and Allison Havens accepted the South African Consulate's request for Greenheart Shop's attendance at the Fair Trade Conference. But this journey would be more than a stop in Johannesburg, their travels would lead them through the striking landscape of South Africa, a visit to a Fair Trade winery and a stop at Greenheart Travel's volunteer project in Capetown.
Andrea, project manager of Greenheart and Greenheart Shop's assistant manager, Allison wanted to take full advantage of this opportunity.
"I was excited, because it's such a diverse country that has experienced so much in the last 15 years," Andrea says. "I knew this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Despite their busy schedule, they arranged to visit the Shaster Foundation community project outside of Capetown. The township suffers poverty, with no running water, but through the efforts of volunteers, this community is moving toward environmentally sound developments.
The project gives volunteers a variety of opportunities to help the Capetown settlement. Helping at the soup kitchen, tutoring at the activity center, and working in the sustainable building projects and organic garden are just a few of the ways to lend a hand.
"I thought it was a labor of love," Andrea says. "It's a community project that supports a lot of people with a small staff. It's a very holistic, organized project that inspires people living in the informal settlement."
This team effort was met with tragedy in November, when a fire nearly destroyed the township. The resilience of the South African community and support of the many volunteers have helped start the rebuilding process that needs support more than ever.
The medical clinic and a temporary structure for the day care center have been rebuilt, but funds are still needed to start building the soup kitchen and teen center.
This setback hasn't hindered the enthusiasm for the project, and Greenheart Travel continues to partner with the Shaster Foundation's efforts, giving volunteers a chance to learn about a culture while helping a great cause.