An Anything but Average Spring Break

Ordinary spring break activities include lounging in the sun, catching some waves, and letting loose with friends. For those students looking for something out of the ordinary, there are options to be had.

One of the better-known alternative spring breaks offered through SDSU is Alternative Spring Break South Africa. Coordinated through the Department of Africana Studies, and led by department faculty, this spring break immerses students into an entirely different culture, and provides them with the opportunity to promote service on local, regional, national and international levels.

During their time in South Africa, students learn about poverty, educational and cultural literacy, racism, hunger, the environment, homelessness and health related issues. Students live in communities where they perform short-term projects. In past trips students took part in non-governmental efforts to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, helped build small cultural houses, painted buildings, read to children, gave presentations at a youth conference, and provided services at an orphanage.

Although the registration deadline for Alternative Spring Break South Africa 2006 has since passed (November 2005), students may want to research this spring break opportunity for next year’s trip.

Students are encouraged to visit their department of major’s office or visit their department’s Web site, to learn about additional spring break alternative opportunities.

Students can also learn about alternative spring break options by visiting the Web sites of Habitat for Humanity; and Opportunity Rocks.

In 2003 more than 10,000 high school and college students united to build homes for disadvanted families under the coordination of Habitat Humanity. Students built homes in different parts of the United States, and had the opportunity to take their services overseas as well.

Opportunity Rocks aims to end poverty, according to their Web site. Each year Opportunity Rocks visits poverty-stricken areas, to “clean up and rebuild.” In 2006 its student volunteers will visit New Orleans, where they will aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

While many students decide to use their spring break as way to unwind, Alternative Spring Break is a great chance for students looking to make a difference during their time away from SDSU.

For more information about SDSU’s South Africa Alternative Spring Break visit the Department of Africana Studies Web site or call (619) 594-5341.

More information about Habitat for Humanity.

More information about Opportunity Rocks.

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