My Volunteer Trip for South Africa
Donation protected
My name is Champagne Polanco. I'm 17 years old and a senior in Science and Math Charter High in New Orleans, LA. Entering my senior year I've realized I'm still not sure what I want to do with my life but what I do know is: I want to help people.
*DISCLAIMER: In order for me to continue this GoFundMe, it needed to be under an 18+ yr. old's name. For this reason it says "on behalf of Ismaru Paredes-Reyes", my aunt. This will only be until January 5th when I turn 18 and I can officially hold the account under my name. Thank you for understanding.
The Program
Hillsong Africa Foundation is a non-profit organization and a branch off from the Hillsong International Church. They focus significantly on community outreach programs in Cape Town and are involved in many community projects including feeding programs, orphan care, women’s shelters, disaster relief, wheelchair distribution, substance abuse programs, job skills training centers, prison programs, and the Tembaletu School.
About Me
In the early stages of my life, I grew up in an abusive home and spent some time in the foster system until I was able to live with my father. From the moment I was taking responsibility of caring for my siblings I realized I've always wanted to help those in distress. I then participated in an internship my sophomore year on urban agriculture and fell in love with the purpose of the program. Through the meaningful work of growing organic and wholesome food, Grow Dat Youth Farm was able to really spread healthy living throughout the city and help locally develop the community into a vibrant ecosystem little by little. As a current senior, I've realized that I want to keep forward with this purpose. I've always wanted to go past the state of Louisiana and attempt at studying/volunteering abroad.
Searching online, I discovered a program with the Hillsong Africa Foundation in South Africa that provides a very educational and spiritually enlightening adventure for people who perhaps are trying to explore career options or just looking to volunteer for communities in need. In the program, I'll be able to immerse myself into the local culture, strengthen my spiritual bond with God, and be part of an overall great community outreach organization.
My Goal
Any money I am lucky to receive on gofundme will go straight to the programs price of $3400 for a 12 week excursion that includes everything and the $1100 flight ticket to go. If I could attend this trip and participate in this program for 12 weeks, I know that it will have a big impact on my determining what to do with my life. I also know that I will be taught essential life lessons that I will be able able to apply to everyday life as a young adult afterwards and that this will be a once in a lifetime transformative experience for the better.
*DISCLAIMER: In order for me to continue this GoFundMe, it needed to be under an 18+ yr. old's name. For this reason it says "on behalf of Ismaru Paredes-Reyes", my aunt. This will only be until January 5th when I turn 18 and I can officially hold the account under my name. Thank you for understanding.
The Program
Hillsong Africa Foundation is a non-profit organization and a branch off from the Hillsong International Church. They focus significantly on community outreach programs in Cape Town and are involved in many community projects including feeding programs, orphan care, women’s shelters, disaster relief, wheelchair distribution, substance abuse programs, job skills training centers, prison programs, and the Tembaletu School.
About Me
In the early stages of my life, I grew up in an abusive home and spent some time in the foster system until I was able to live with my father. From the moment I was taking responsibility of caring for my siblings I realized I've always wanted to help those in distress. I then participated in an internship my sophomore year on urban agriculture and fell in love with the purpose of the program. Through the meaningful work of growing organic and wholesome food, Grow Dat Youth Farm was able to really spread healthy living throughout the city and help locally develop the community into a vibrant ecosystem little by little. As a current senior, I've realized that I want to keep forward with this purpose. I've always wanted to go past the state of Louisiana and attempt at studying/volunteering abroad.
Searching online, I discovered a program with the Hillsong Africa Foundation in South Africa that provides a very educational and spiritually enlightening adventure for people who perhaps are trying to explore career options or just looking to volunteer for communities in need. In the program, I'll be able to immerse myself into the local culture, strengthen my spiritual bond with God, and be part of an overall great community outreach organization.
My Goal
Any money I am lucky to receive on gofundme will go straight to the programs price of $3400 for a 12 week excursion that includes everything and the $1100 flight ticket to go. If I could attend this trip and participate in this program for 12 weeks, I know that it will have a big impact on my determining what to do with my life. I also know that I will be taught essential life lessons that I will be able able to apply to everyday life as a young adult afterwards and that this will be a once in a lifetime transformative experience for the better.
Organizer and beneficiary
Champagne Polanco
Organizer
Terrytown, LA
Ismaru Paredes-Reyes
Beneficiary