Trip promises South African adventure - July 24, 2003

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2003-08-01

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SUNNY Temp: 71 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Friday, August 1, 2003   SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries   Life   Opinion - Politics   AP News   Weather   Classified   Archives   Site Map   EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone   Wellness Connection   Real Estate   Newspaper in Education   Prime Times   Outdoor Journal   Personals   Movie Times   TV Times   E The People   CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything  E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities   Entertainment   Publications   Recreation   Calendar   ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend July 24, 2003 Trip promises local group adventure in South Africa By WENDY ARDOLINO Mail Tribune When Laurie Prince’s plan fell through for financial aid for her study-abroad trip, she turned to friends, family and even her boss. "I sent a little picture of me, looking cute with my cat, saying, ‘Please send me to Africa,’ " said Prince, a 22-year-old student at Rogue Community College. Her plan worked: She was able to raise enough money to afford the nearly $5,000 trip to South Africa, which will earn her up to 12 college credits. Prince has been abroad before: Israel, Germany, England, Scotland, France. But this will be her first time to Africa. Advertisement "It’s not going to be a trip to Six Flags. It’s going to be better," said Prince. "It’s not going to be a cake-walk, but I know it will be fun. We’re going to be learning new things and helping people." Prince will join three other students, a community member and two professors in the monthlong study that begins Aug. 25. The trip will be led by Kay Aldrich, professor of social science, and Wolfgang McAninch Runzi, professor of humanities. Runzi has led this trip three times through RCC. It alternates every other year with a trip to Europe. "I enjoy the people — I enjoy the heartfelt joy of the people," Runzi said. "I enjoy the nature and ultimately, the wildlife is a big part of the study tour." The group will help expand, clean and repair the Grootberg Primary School in Erwee. "To leave an impact that seems small for us, yet is so big for the people there —that’s very gratifying," Runzi said. The travelers want to bring a new pair of shoes for each of the 150 children at the school, Runzi said. They have been contacting organizations in the valley for donations. The group also will visit museums and landmarks, including Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was a political prisoner. Toward the end of the trip, the travelers will camp and study wildlife in Namibia. They will stay in Etosha National Park, known for its abundance of wildlife. The participants will do the majority of course work before they leave, Runzi said. They also will keep a daily journal and are expected to give a presentation on their experiences upon return. For information about the program, call 245-7570. To donate shoes for the South African schoolchildren, call 779-6600. Printer Friendly Version   Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News  | Sports  | Business  | Obituaries  | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives  |  Site Map   E Southern Oregon  | Classified   Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times