My name is Jeanne Kelber and I am lucky enough to be interning with CHOSA for the summer. I am going to be starting my senior year at Claremont McKenna College, where I major in media studies and psychology. I spent the fall semester of my junior year in Cape Town, studying at the University of Cape Town. While there, I had the opportunity to become involved in CHOSA, volunteering two days a week at Emasithandane Children’s Home in the township of Nyanga. I immediately fell in love, which won’t be a shock to anyone that has been to Emasi or any of the other CHOSA projects. Mama Maposela is a truly inspiring woman who has dedicated her life to taking in and nurturing orphaned and vulnerable children.

Seeing the level of poverty that exists in townships was very new to me and completely shocking. It was admittedly hard to see the difficult situation these amazing children were growing up in, but I was so impressed with their spirit and loving attitudes. I loved helping them learn and watching them succeed at what they were doing. I miss them all dearly. I gained a newfound appreciation for my life, family, and all the opportunities I have been given. I feel so fortunate to have had this experience and I truly believe I am a better person as a result of the perspective I gained from this (hopefully not) once in a lifetime opportunity. I am really excited to continue working with this organization.

–Jeanne Kelber, CHOSA Alum