HDEV 300I: Death and Dying in South Africa
Instructor: Dr. Pamela Roberts
Teaching Assistant: Gabriela Lopez
Travel Agent: Luke Angel
Tour Guides: Arlene Hermanus, Lutendo Lishivha, Ibrahim Rhode, Nellie & Bongani
Students: Tara Beasley, Angela Campos, Sara Frandsen, Kellie Gater, Monica Gonzales, Jody Graham, Felicia Jackson, Geneva Marshall, Sarah Mathew, Eric Matsuno, Courtney Odom, Tammy Rosecrans, Caitlin Stafford, Nicolette Ulrich, Kate Van Dyke, Danielle Wortham & Alison Zimmer
From June 2nd to June 24th 2008, 17 students from the California State University, Long Beach had the amazing opportunity to travel to South Africa, embarking upon a journey that explored the social, cultural and individual aspects of the death experience. Under the instruction of Dr. Pamela Roberts, the study abroad course examined different aspects of death and dying through historical, cultural, biological, legal, religious and ethical perspectives. The course was taught in various locations in South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Soweto, and Dennilton. Students were immersed into township culture from working in programs for orphans and vulnerable children, interacting with hospice and community health workers and visiting historic sites that provided a context for death and dying today in South Africa. Through pictures, activity descriptions, and student reflections, this website provides a documentary of what students experienced throughout the trip.
Everyone in the class was impressed with Youth With A Vision in Dennilton and wanted to stay longer to help but the community is out in the country and there are no accomodations for visitors. Along with Next Aid (their LA-based partner) we are fundraising for a guesthouse for future visitors; with your support, the 2009 class can build the structure. Please donate now.
Donations to NextAid in general (for other building projects in Dennilton) can also be made through We-Care.
Download the NextAid plug-in atWe-care.com, and encourage your friends to do the same. When you shop at a participating retailer, they will automatically donate a percentage of your purchase to NextAid.