Shaker Travels to South Africa
Be a part of a life-changing experience for Shaker students!
An Amazing Cultural Exchange Opportunity
The South African Cultural Exchange (SACE) team, an initiative of Shaker Heights City School District’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Engagement, offers students an immersive global learning experience centered on cultural exchange and historical understanding. The program’s first trip took place in March 2024 and marked the beginning of an ongoing opportunity for students to engage deeply with the people, history, and culture of South Africa.
SACE is led by a dedicated group of educators and administrators committed to creating meaningful and transformative learning experiences. As a result of this intentional leadership and design, students who participate in the exchange have the opportunity to explore South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance while developing global awareness and empathy. Students gain a deeper understanding of the struggle for freedom and the parallels between Apartheid in South Africa and the Civil Rights movement in the United States, empowering them to become informed global citizens and advocates for positive change and social justice.
Cape Town, South Africa, Spring 2024
Our Commitment:
To make the South African Cultural Exchange (SACE) to be a sustained part of international study options for Shaker students that advances our strategic commitment to achieve inclusive excellence and equity for all members of the Shaker City School District.
This trip should not be taken lightly. Each person who went experienced and learned so much, and interpreted it in their own unique way. This is the exact kind of trip that so many Shaker students need to experience, and I am so grateful to the Shaker Schools Foundation for helping make it possible for me!
It was a once in a lifetime experience that I hope to have again. I find myself ironically saying that I wish I was back in Africa. I hope to go back again.
My favorite part of the trip was visiting the South African school. I went into it thinking we would struggle to connect; but in the two days we spent there, I feel we formed a family. We ate some delicious food, explored some amazing markets, visited museums and played sports. As a dancer, my favorite part was being able to learn some South African line dances and see many cultural dances of Soweto and Johannesburg (surprisingly some dances were very similar to American line dances). If anything, that part of the trip made me realize that no matter where we come from, we can always find ways to relate to one another. And I am so happy I am still in contact with many of the students I met.
It was a once in a lifetime experience that I hope to have again. I find myself ironically saying that I wish I was back in Africa. I hope to go back again.
Your Generous Donations
By contributing to this journey, you will directly impact these young individuals’ lives, instilling in them a sense of purpose, self-confidence, and a deeper understanding of a world beyond their own.
Your support of the Shaker Schools Foundation’s Travel Assistance Fund will provide scholarships for deserving students who might otherwise miss this incredible opportunity.
Please join us in supporting this incredible opportunity for Shaker students. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these bright young minds and contribute to a better world. Thank you for your consideration!
Shaker Student Travel Savings Fund
The Shaker Schools Foundation is proud to partner with Huntington Bank to help our families plan for the experience of a lifetime by opening a Shaker Student Travel Savings Fund. The time to start saving is NOW! Our partnership with Huntington will allow you to start a student travel savings fund now–with ZERO cost to you to set up. It is completely free. Your savings today will give your student the experience of a lifetime in high school. Learn more here.
