Global Scholars Program at University of Michigan and Inkululeko celebrate years long partnership
By Sara Gleason
The Global Scholars Program (GSP) at the University of Michigan is passionate about addressing social justice issues and dedicated to improving the world. In light of these goals, the Global Scholars Program decided to reach out to Inkululeko, an organization who shares similar beliefs and values, for a partnership. This is the second cohort of GSP students to intern with Inklululeko and we look forward to continuing our programs’ relationship for the years to come. This academic year we assisted Inkululeko in creating a travel itinerary for an annual volunteer and cultural exchange with the University of Michigan, implemented methods to recruit virtual tutors, and created an orientation guide for cultural exchange students, tutors, and future employees.
While we helped to spread the mission and beliefs of Inkululeko, we also gained many important life skills through this cooperation, as well as a deeper understanding of the importance and value of education. For us, this partnership and cooperation with Inkululeko was an incredibly valuable learning and developmental experience. We were able to have first-hand experience working with an NGO for the first time, as well as learn to appreciate and be thankful for the resources we have to get where we are today. Below are a few words from our members regarding this partnership:
Rachel G.: “Interning with Inkululeko has been an incredible opportunity to make a difference outside of Ann Arbor while still being a college student. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a fantastic way to stay globally connected. I’m also so grateful to gain experience working with an NGO considering my future career will likely include interaction with important NGOs like Inkululeko as well. Thank you to Jason and the rest of Inkululeko for this wonderful experience.”
Sara G.: “Working with Jason and Inkululeko this year has been a light amidst this difficult year. All of our collective work is beneficial to Inkululeko and its students even from a distance. I am excited for the day to participate in the cultural exchange we created to take our relationship with Inkululeko to the next level. Thank you to my GSP group and Jason for an incredible experience.”
Rachel H.: “Having the opportunity to assist Inkululeko in achieving their goals of lifting up the young members of the Makhanda community has been not only fulfilling but educational. I have learned about what it takes to establish and maintain a successful NGO while creating positive impacts on a community. I believe fully in what Inkululeko hopes to accomplish and I am honored to take part in helping it grow. I look forward to hearing about where Inkululeko and its students go in the future.”
Autumn L.: “I feel incredibly grateful to have worked with Inkululeko and Jason. It has opened my eyes to new experiences and a whole new part of the globe (even if just through a screen). The passion that Jason and everyone else on the ground floor of Inkululeko brings to the program is really transparent. I know that Inkululeko is only going to go up from here and I look forward to possibly visiting when I can!”
Kassandra M.: “I am grateful to be able to work with Inkululeko this past school year. The special circumstances surrounding Covid-19 this year made for a unique experience, but we were still able to come collectively as a group and get a lot done with Inkululeko. We admire the work they have done and hope that we will be able to reach out to more people with the tutoring opportunity we have created with Inkululko. We are honored to have been able to work with them this past school year, and hope to continue to foster the relationship with GSP in the near Covid free future with the summer program we were able to create.”
Esther P: “It absolutely has been a pleasure and honor to work with Inkululeko this year. Jason has been a tremendous support system and a gleaming source of information. Inkululeko as an organization, does so much for students in Makhanda and carries such a great energy and poise that is not to be trifled with. The knowledge and integrity that Inkululeko and Jason carry are both things that I will be sure to take with me everywhere I go. I am grateful to have been graced with such an insightful opportunity, thank you Inkululeko!”