Name: Yente Oosthuysen
Years with GLA: 2
Title: Regional Director of International Programs in Africa
Current City: Johannesburg, South Africa
Favorite South African saying: Hoe klim mens berg? Stappie vir stappie… Hoe ëet mens ‘n olifant? Happie vir happie. (How do you climb a mountain? Step for step. How do you eat an elephant? Bite for bite.)

As a Regional Director of International Programs at Global Leadership Adventures, Yente is responsible for all things Africa: Forming and maintaining relationships with local partners, vetting community service projects, managing the staff who run our programs in the summer months, and monitoring safety all fall under her job description.

She wasn’t always so passionate about community development. In college, she studied human movement (the US equivalent of physical therapy); initially, she had planned to work with high-performance athletes, being a former athlete herself. After breaking her femur in a netball (similar to basketball) accident, Yente found herself in a wheelchair and then crutches for the better part of a year; during this time, she realized that her campus, and her city at large, was not set up to accommodate those with mobility limitations.

“My whole perspective on life changed–I thought, why am I working to make fast people run faster if there’s a whole population in South Africa that can’t walk because they don’t have access to rehabilitation services?” she says.

Soon after, Yente hooked up with Altus Sports, a Pretoria-based NGO, where she worked to set up after school athletics programs in underserved communities. She graduated from the University of Pretoria with a degree in biokinetics. While presenting her thesis on sports as functional therapy in lower economic communities, she was approached by a consultant for UNICEF and professor from the University of Johannesburg about the opportunity to pursue her Master’s Degree in Community Development at the University of Johannesburg. Yente worked with UNICEF for over two years as a project manager reviewing the national curriculum for life orientation in schools, as well as creating a national plan for sport development at grassroots level. Through her work here, Yente worked developed and adapted partnerships with many NGOs and had the chance to see programs in action.

When she happened upon a job posting for GLA on Gumtree (South Africa’s version of Craigs List), she thought it was too good to be true: the company’s values seemed to be in line with hers, and her passion for travel, sustainable volunteerism, and community development made applying for the position a no-brainer. Two years later, she is serving as the Regional Director and excited to see where her work with GLA will take her next!

“Everyone here feels the mission deep in their bones–they are so committed to making it happen. That’s also why I think everyone is open to change: we are always asking ourselves, ‘ Is what we’re doing the most responsible option? The most ethical? If not, what can we do about it?’”

Morocco Love

Part of being a Regional Director is identifying locations and projects that might be a good fit for for GLA students. For Yente, this means a good deal of travel–which is not a problem! Having visited 23 countries in her 27 short years on earth, travel is a big part of her life both with and outside of her professional role. “Travel has always been something I’ve been exceptionally passionate about, taking whatever scraps of money I had to make an adventure for myself. Those experiences always stayed with me and have impacted the way I see things,” she says.

This past summer and fall, Morocco was on the docket. After spending almost two months in country meeting with local partners and planning a program for Summer 2020, Yente returned to her home in South Africa but soon felt the itch to go back.

“It’s one of those places that completely captivates you with all five senses. It really is a magical country, and I needed to get my fix,” she says. “I never felt unsafe there–as long as you are respectful to the culture, the culture will respect you. Listen to locals when they give advice on how to dress appropriately and what areas to stay in.”

Yente arranged to stay with a host family and headed out again, spending four weeks in Marrakesh before heading north to explore Chefchaouen, Fez, and other spots that she didn’t get to see on her first visit. However, she still doesn’t feel like she spent enough time, saying “I’ve never had a spiritual connection to a country before. I’ve never felt so content than when I’m in Morocco.” Sight-seeing, spending time with local partners and new friends, taking a cooking class and getting adventurous with the foods she tried. Her favorite dish? An apricot and lamb tajine, a traditional dish baked in a special clay baking pot.

Who might especially enjoy a program in Morocco? Yente feels that students who are big-picture focused, open minded, and have a passion for education will get the most out of this special country in the context of GLA.

“Our local partner really believes in the holistic development of character to bring about leadership,” she explains. “Our main Home Base is actually a yoga retreat: It’s in the mountains, very open, with flowy chiffon curtains, a peaceful terrace. A cool breeze blows over you, you’re staring into the Atlas Mountains and a peacefulness comes over you. It’s well set up for a lot of introspection.”

Interested in traveling to Morocco? See all the details including service work, activities, and locations here.

OK, we know summer wasn’t THAT long ago, but something about these shorter days and cooler nights really has us missing those carefree, high-energy days gone by! Check out some of our favorite beaches, oceans, jungles, and mountaintops from around the world.

 

Aaaand…on three! Students in the Dominican Republic take the leap on their catamaran excursion in the Caribbean.

(Dominican Republic: Caribbean Service Adventure)

Surf + sun = ultimate summer pastime

(Bali: Global Health Initiative™)

TFW you’re the chosen one on a Ghana monkey sanctuary excursion

(Ghana: Children of Africa™)

Games day on a remote South Pacific beach?! Yes please.

(Fiji: Children of the South Pacific™)

Aaaaah refreshing! Water straight from the coconut is a must on a beach day in the Caribbean.

(Guadeloupe: French Caribbean Adventure)

Nothing pairs with the Great Wall of China like…a Subway sandwich??

(China: Mandarin Service Adventure)

So, technically NOT summer in Peru, but that’s not stopping these ladies & this alpaca from having the time of their lives!

(Peru: Service in the Sacred Valley)

Adrenaline junkies get their fix on this whitewater rafting trip in Central America.

(Costa Rica: Surf & Ocean Stewardship Adventure)

Dudu Lagoon in the Dominican Republic isn’t just water–it’s a full day of fun in the sun. This group is getting into some v-ball big time!

(Dominican Republic: Caribbean Service Adventure)

Jumping for joy on those pristine Costa Rican beaches!

(Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Initiative)

Ta da! Made it to the waterfall in the Thai jungle.

(Thailand: Elephant Sanctuary Project™)

If a sunset boatride doesn’t make you miss summer, we don’t know what will!

(Bali: Global Health Initiative™)

High school junior Zoe Siegel might be what you’d call a “go getter.” Musical theater, volunteer projects, school committees and advanced classes are just some of what she’s got on her plate currently. Last month, Zoe became the first GLA alum to join the Global Leadership Adventures International Foundation‘s board of directors. GLAIF is a nonprofit leg of GLA which serves as a year-round channel for support the community-led initiatives our students become passionately involved in each spring break and summer.

“It’s something I was really interested in continuing to work with,” she says. “By funding projects that continue the goals of student’s GLA trips, we show that community service doesn’t end after one trip. We continue to empower and inspire students to make a difference and follow their interests.”

After attending the Costa Rica: Animal Rescue Project™ program in 2018, Zoe served as a GLA Global Ambassador, through which program she shared her passion for volunteering with other students; she became interested in exploring barriers to volunteering abroad for other students as well as what happens to the funding of projects once volunteers return home.

Zoe started her own quest to encourage young people in her area find volunteer opportunities that they could be passionate about. Along with a friend, she started How to Help in Maine.org, which pairs wanna-be volunteers with projects that are in need of manpower, and those with items or money to donate with organizations that could put them to good use. They have recently partnered with Martin’s Point Health Care to create three college scholarships for dedicated Maine-based volunteers.

“Growing up today, it can be hard to find one’s own voice. I believe that when students volunteer, they feel empowered. Then, students can be inspired to go out and make a difference in their own community. Even though the problems of our country and world might seem daunting, it is important for youth to lead a new generation of problem solvers and thinkers. With new waves of leaders and activists, I believe students can work together to make a difference,” she says.

Zoe’s organization of choice? She has found a home away from home at her local Boys and Girls Club, where she has volunteered for the past year. She created a student writing program, referred to as Creative Corner, at the Sagamore Village clubhouse in Portland. Her Tuesday afternoons are spent helping kids with their stories and poems. She is also working with the director of the Boys and Girls Club to offer a story night once a month where the kids can invite their parents and read their written pieces coffee-house style.

“While sharing about our lives can be hard, my hope is that writing stories can provide kids a new way of fostering connections and learning about the differences of others,” she says.

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Looking for volunteer opportunities in your own area? Volunteermatch.org might be a good place to start! You can narrow down opportunities based on type of service, location, and duration. 

 

 

What ISN’T Morocco famous for? Flavorful food, colorful marketplaces, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural tradition are all markers of this north African country.

As is the case in many developing areas, most cities in Morocco have large stray animal populations–specifically, cats. There are several reasons for this, including lack of financial resources and access to veterinary care.

These furry roamers often live in harmony with the local residents and mostly keep to themselves, lounging in doorways and in alleys within the souks and residential areas.

 

Cats will grab shade where they can–and under a table displaying wares is some prime real estate when trying to beat the Moroccan midday heat. When you need sleep 16 hours per day, a comfy spot is essential. (Marrakesh medina)

Welcome mats, doorways, and sidewalks are all fair game. (Marrakesh, Rabat)

A shaded alleyway will also do the trick: Mama and her teenaged babies catch some zzzs in a blue-washed alleyway in a rural mountain village. (Chefchouene)

In their waking hours, Moroccan cats stay occupied in a variety of ways: searching for food, caring for their young, and finding the ultimate sunny grooming spot. Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy a good view–this little tabby is camped out at Kasbah des Oudayas, watching the fishermen in the river below. (Kasbah des Oudayas, Rabat)

For most strays, living off the land and handouts from humans make up the majority of their diets. This tuxedoed gentleman on a rural mountain path is no exception–he is no stranger to the tourists that frequent this valley, and knows that if he asks just right he may get a snack. (Atlas Mountains)

Many riads, or guesthouses, either keep cats as pets or welcome local community cats. Bonbon is one of the lucky cats that enjoys a pampered indoor courtyard existence, complete with an adorned water fountain fit for the fanciest of cats. (Marrakesh)

Heading to Morocco? Not to worry, this cafe cat will keep your seat warm until you get here!

 

See below for a list of organizations dedicated to serving Moroccan street cats; they are taking donations!

Morocco Animal Aid – emergency medical attention

SPANA – spaying & neutering and adoption programs

Or, volunteer your time at your local Humane Society to make an impact in your own community! Most branches have opportunities for volunteers 15+ years of age.

 

 

 

Día de los Muertos has both indigenous origins from the Aztec, and Catholic origins from the Spanish conquistadors’ All Saints and All Souls Day. The holiday started out as an indigenous celebration of life, in a culture which believes to this day that death should be marked with festivities because the person who dies simply passes on to a better existence and should be accompanied by friends, family, food and spirit on that journey.

While Mexico is perhaps most well known for its celebrations, many other countries throughout Central & South America and the Caribbean celebrate their version of the holiday(s) as well–each with its own special components unique to place.

Peru

Like many countries in Central and South America, Peruvians celebrate the dead over a span of two days: Dia de Todos los Santos Vivos (All Saints Day) and Dia de los Santos Difuntos (All Souls Day). In Peru, November 1st is dedicated to food and feasting, while the second brings visits to loved ones’ graves. Friends and family feast at home on their departed loved ones’ favorite dishes on the first; on the second,  families move the celebration to their cemeteries to continue the party with food, drinks and music–some communities will even spend a night of revelry in the cemetery. November 2nd is dedicated to sharing memories of or legends about the departed and honoring their spirits.

Ecuador

Ecuadorians’ special spin on the holiday is that they adorn the graves of their ancestors with colada morada, a spiced berry and purple corn flour drink popular in the region, as well as sweet bread shaped like babies and decorated with icing and colourful toppings. They are filled with dulce de leche and are reportedly to DIE for (pun intended). Sound delicious? You can find some recipes on our Pinterest page.

Guatemala

In Santiago Sacatepéquez, just outside of Antigua, a huge celebration is held each year. Here the cemetery fills to the brim as visitors bring flowers, typically marigolds, to the graves of their loved ones. Barriletes Gigantes (giant kites) are flown on site and can be seen for miles around. They can be almost 50 feet in diameter and are hand-painted or embroidered throughout the year in preparation.

Brazil

Brazil’s take is a bit more somber. Called “Dia de Finados” this day is reserved for introspection and contemplation of life and those lost. It is tradition to visit cemeteries early in the day; some even give up meat or alcohol as a show of respect.

 

Interest in the customs of these countries piqued? Check out our 14- or 21-day programs in Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, Brazil, or other countries in Central America & the Caribbean!