Download a PDF of the 2013 Interim Semester Handbook.

Service in the KalahariS08North Cape,South AfricaSERVICESponsorPatrick HopkinsTomo TanabePriceS$4,000Course Length7 daysDescriptionThis course will provide students with an understanding of South Africa’shistory, focusing on the Apartheid regime and the persistence of poverty inits townships. Students will also have the opportunity to gain insight intothis history and South Africa today, by participating in community serviceprojects that allow them to assist the country’s least fortunate citizens ina vital way. We will begin our look at South Africa’s past by visiting theSoweto township, where we will learn how and why townships developed.In Soweto, students will see the eye-opening effects of Apartheid on thepeople of South Africa’s townships. Then we will head due west to theNorth Cape/Kalahari region where the people live in bleak conditionsrelated to the harsh physical environment of the area. It is in the Kalahari thatwe will embark on the community service aspect of this trip. Our service willinclude helping to refurbish a local school, as well as buying and deliveringfood to local families. Our time in South Africa concludes with our returnto Johannesburg, but not before two game viewing opportunities with achance to see Africa’s Big Five.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectivesThe successful student will be able to address each of these questions bythe end of the course:• What are some of the important characteristics of South African cultureand how are they manifested in the North Cape (Kalahari)?• How does the geography of the Kalahari affect the lives of the peoplewho live there?• How do the townships in the Kalahari differ from other areas of SouthAfrica?• What is the impact of tourism on South Africa and South Africans?Requirements• Students will participate fully in all scheduled activities.• Students will provide an assignment related to the challenges of thepeople living in the Kalahari and townships such as Soweto.• Students will submit all forms and paperwork.• Students will research an approved topic for presentation to the group.This will take place at the appropriate time during the course.• Students will take an active role in Parents’ Night and/or online blog.• Students will secure their own visas if necessary.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 73