Souhegan High School’s very own Class of 2025 alumni participated in a life-changing volunteer program this summer!
Emma Crisman and Darwin Brown-Waters were two of only 11 volunteers who traveled to Africa to take part in this transformative experience. Their time in the Eastern Cape was a beautiful mix of natural wildlife and meaningful volunteer work in Kurland Village.

They contributed to construction projects, helped run a soup kitchen that served lunch to over 50 individuals, and volunteered at the after-school Smile Center with children ranging in age from 3 to 16. One of their projects even included repainting two old playgrounds for preschool children!

 

"I am so grateful for this opportunity because I was able to see that even with so few material goods, the people of Kurland are some of the kindest, smartest, and happiest I have ever met. I formed bonds with people I had only known for two weeks, which I believe speaks to their incredible openness and willingness to welcome volunteers. I would love to return in the future. Although I know my efforts helped in some way, I also saw families of 5 or more living in homes no bigger than my bedroom. It was heartbreaking. One of the most impactful citizens in Kurland could not afford a bus ticket to visit her critically ill sister in the hospital—so I helped cover the cost. The exchange rate was staggering— 18 South African Rand was equal to just $1.

 

The poverty in Kurland is overwhelming. But what shocked me even more was that just 20 minutes down the road was Plettenberg Bay, South Africa—an area comparable to a coastal San Francisco or an affluent Burlington, Vermont. And while the scenery was breathtaking—seeing elephants, baboons, and zebras in Addo—I couldn’t stop thinking about the kids at the Smile Center.

 

So many asked what it’s like to live in America. So many dream of becoming rugby players, teachers, or lawyers. Yet they face staggering rates of unemployment and often don’t continue past secondary school.

 

One moment I will never forget: I was helping a young boy with his math homework and asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. He said, ‘I don’t know, but I just want to make enough money to help my family.’ That broke me. In a town like Amherst, NH, where 16-year-olds drive BMWs and Jeeps, how many have ever had to think like that? That boy, just 11 years old, had more wisdom and maturity than most adults I know.

 

I could go on forever about the people I met. If you ever consider doing this trip, please reach out to me or Sam Fuller (he is THE MAN). We’d both be happy to share our experiences—although Sam knows far more than I do."

-Emma Crisman

Souhegan High School 2025

Providence College 2029