“ My summer with the South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP) was probably the most exciting and life changing experience I have ever had. It was a summer filled with personal growth, friendship, passion, and excitement. It was an experience that will never be forgotten. What was most amazing was being able to see the progress that was made by improving the circumstances of the students, teachers, and parents we were working with. My first assignment was at a small pre-school known as Sackhingomso Educare Center. When I arrived it was composed of one small classroom for over 40 kids and another room which was a shared space for both the kitchen and the principal’s office. When I left after 9 weeks with SAEP, they were provided with a brand new kitchen fully stocked with appliances, a new principal’s office, and a brand new classroom. The happiness we brought to the people in these schools was not just new infrastructure but it was the development of relationships. The days I remember most are the days I ate fun snacks with the kids, played a game of basketball, or just had a simple conversation with the principle about what her life was like. My time in Cape Town was again, invaluable, and marks a summer of a number of first time experiences. While there is still more work to be done, I have the fullest confidence that SAEP holds the compassion, motivation, and leadership needed to make a large difference in the lives of young children looking to their futures for success. ”