The program started in 2007 and the goal is to empower students to address critical human needs through immersive service. More than 3,000 students have volunteered in 78 nations since the program began.
Africk first learned about the DukeEngage program in his freshman year at Duke University, in Durham, N.C.
“Several upperclassmen friends of mine participated the previous summer and had great stories to tell about their projects and the places they helped,” he said via e-mail. “Their experiences in part galvanized me to apply for this summer’s program.”
About 10 students are participating in the Peru program. Africk is staying with a host family and will be in Peru for nearly eight weeks.
Students receive scholarships for the costs associated to participating in the program, which is sponsored by Duke University. Endowments are provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Africk also volunteered previously as a camp counselor in Cleveland, working with children ages 7n to 14.
“When applying I looked mainly at programs that help kids in some way,” he said. “I now am teaching English and science courses to fifth- and sixth-grade children in a small public school on the outskirts of Cusco. I was also ecstatic to travel to a new place and learn more about new cultures, something DukeEngage in general and my program in Peru in particular offered.”
The application for DukeEngage includes a written application, where students answer six essay questions, respond to hypothetic situations, explain past volunteer work and their personal feelings about volunteering. The written portion is followed by a phone interview, during which Africk had to demonstrate his Spanish language skills.
For Africk, participating in the exchange was a way to improve disadvantaged areas around the world.
“Though I enjoy the sites here in Peru, the real thrill has been meeting and interacting with new and wonderful people,” he said. “By participating in DukeEngage I wanted to serve people who needed help most in a place that doesn’t provide that necessary assistance, which is the case in many facets of Peruvian society.”
Africk’s major is neuroscience. He also has a double minor in biology and history. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school. His goal is to become a neurosurgeon or neurologist.
For more information, visit http://dukeengage.duke.edu/. Go online to Africk's blog at http://sites.duke.edu/dukeengageperu2015/.
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