CourtneyTom2007

For the last four years, SAEP has included as part of its programs at the schools and for its gap year student the Touchstones Discussion Groups developed at St. John's College, Annapolis. Touchstones uses short, vivid pieces of writing that introduce topics designed to kindle debate. After reading the articles, the students use a set of discussion questions to direct their analysis and connect the writing to their own lives.

In late 2006 and early 2007, Courtney Campbell, a recent graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, continued the Touchstones tradition at SAEP.

Upon Courtney's departure, Tom Burgess, an SAEP volunteer in 2005, returned to Cape Town to work with SAEP and the Touchstones project.

Courtney Campbell

Courtney with a group of learners at Intsebenziswano High School in Philippi

Courtney Campbell, 23, originally hails from Portland, Oregon USA. A graduate of the University of California-Santa Barbara where he earned a B.A. in Global Studies, Courtney came to South Africa from San Francisco, California to volunteer with SAEP for 6 months (Sept 2006 - March 2007).

During his time at SAEP, Courtney worked with High School students in the township of Philippi, via Touchstones Discussion Projects to further develop their English skills. Additionally, he is an active member of SAEP’s Fundraising Sub-Committee, helps out in the pre-schools (Crèches), painting and playing with the children, and serves as a mentor for the Gap Year students.

Following his adventures in South Africa, Courtney plans to earn his Masters Degree in International Development. When not at SAEP, Courtney enjoys seeing live music, braaiing with friends, playing at Cape Town's many beautiful beaches, and attending the occasional cricket match.

Tom Burgess

Tom Burgess was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and, in 2005, completed his last semester of college abroad at the University of Cape Town.

After university, Tom volunteered for three months at SAEP. He taught English to the ’05 Gap Year Interns, edited a newsletter, helped coordinate Inkanyezi workshops, and taught debating at Intsebentsiswano. During his time at SAEP, he worked with some very bright learners and met some wonderful people.

Tom returned to SAEP in March 2007, and has been doing Touchstones with the Gap Year Interns and learners at Intsebentsiswano.

SAEP thanks Courtney and Tom for their contributions to Touchstones and all the other ways in which they have helped SAEP!