Students across disciplines from TCS partner universities traveled to South Africa to study cultural identity and saw first-hand how democracy continues to transform the nation.

All countries have defining moments in their history. For the people of South Africa, Freedom Day is one of those moments: April 27 marks the 25^th anniversary of South Africa’s first steps toward democracy. In honor of this holiday, explore the history of its origins and learn more about a recent study abroad course in South Africa.

What is Freedom Day?

This holiday commemorates the first democratic elections held after the Apartheid system was dismantled in South Africa. A history rife with white colonialism and limited rights, this election marked an important first step away from discrimination and poverty for the people of South Africa.

Eighty-seven percent of those eligible to vote in South Africa cast a ballot, ultimately electing Nelson Mandela president. On the first anniversary of the elections, President Mandela talked about the resilience, hope, and opportunity for prosperity South Africa was experiencing:

“As dawn ushered in this day, the 27 of April 1994, few of us could suppress the welling of emotion, as we were reminded of the terrible past from which we come as a nation; the great possibilities that we now have; and the bright future that beckons us…. The birth of our South African nation has, like any other, passed through a long and often painful process. The ultimate goal of a better life has yet to be realized. On this day, you, the people, took your destiny into your own hands. You decided that nothing would prevent you from exercising your hard-won right to elect a government of your choice.”

Most institutional change takes time, and the path to democracy is no different for South Africa. Twenty-five years after their first democratic elections, the people of South Africa have continued their resilience. Today, communities are using innovative ways to ensure a brighter future for younger generations by focusing on education. This past summer, students from TCS Education System’s partner schools contributed to South Africa’s continued progress at the community-driven LEAP School Science & Maths School in Deipsloot.

LEAP Schools continue the democratic promise in 2019

In December 2018, students from across TCS Education System partner colleges traveled to South Africa for the “Identity in context: Examination of South Africa” study abroad course. During this trip, the students were able to visit and serve LEAP Science & Maths Schools.

LEAP Schools focus on the emotional growth of students so that they can overcome the challenges of living in poverty and adversity. The program offers free education to students from high-need areas, developing and transforming South Africa by focusing on opportunities for the youth.

The original school building, built in 2011, was a warehouse and is being replaced by a new facility much more conducive to learning and teaching. Students in the study abroad course assisted with construction while visiting. They saw first-hand how LEAP echoed the power of the past and the future in South African identity. Carlotta Roman, a student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, said, “I was so amazed that they were proud of their heritage and proud to be together.”

Brittney Carey, a student at Pacific Oaks, echoed this impression, “It was beautiful they’re just powerful—their voices, their dancing, you can just see the culture. It is exuding culture.” Learn more about LEAP school and the students’ service by watching the video below.

From Freedom Day to TCS’ Education Beyond Borders

Celebrating Freedom Day and South Africa’s journey to democracy, TCS Education System is committed to opening doors around the globe to shine a light on cultural identity through the Education Beyond Borders program.

“We are ‘The Community Solution in Higher Education’ because everything we do begins and ends with bringing about significant change in our communities through education,” said Vice President of Global Engagement Emily Brinkmoeller Karem. “Part of that comes from bringing global communities together—meeting people from around the world and finding truth, hope, and empowerment in their stories.”

Watch the video below to see more of the trip to South Africa.

Join us for our next study abroad course

Hong Kong is our destination for 2019! Studying the topic of balance during this cross-disciplinary, two-month course that culminates in a 6-day, study abroad experience in a community that is as diverse as it is vibrant. Learn more and apply at the TCS International website.