Not only a life-changing experience, but a life-changing relationship…

Partnering purpose with transformational travel, interACT is an innovative cross-cultural e-mentoring program connecting caring New Yorkers with 12th graders living in the Cape Flats of South Africa to inspire and empower them to live productive lives that impact their community.  Upon successful completion of the year-long program, students write a revised purpose statement and are sponsored on a personalized trip to experience New York in a way that aligns with their future plans and meet their mentor.

Based upon their purpose statement and interview, students will be paired with a mentor in New York at the beginning of their 12th grade year.  Communication between each pair occurs by logging into a secure, web-based platform powered by iMentor A curriculum of weekly writing prompts based on our Embrace. Engage. Empower model encourages dialogue and development in various areas, including identity, community involvement and future plans.

interACT will:

  • Inspire and enable students to embrace their life and community by seeing beyond circumstances, thinking creatively, and capitalizing on the resources available to them.
  • Engage students by providing a platform to develop and model a consistent, healthy, and positive relationship in their lives that will spill over into their community.
  • Empower students by developing tangible steps and resources to attain their goals while giving them an opportunity to ‘teach’ from their own lives and experiences to impact the lives of those in New York and at home.

Working together, students will be equipped with tools and social skills to be successful and resilient in life, ready to transform their homes, communities, and country.
Click here to be a mentor.

I really believe that this programme is such an opportunity for our learners to really get empowered through the experience of others.When I looked through the material I was so inspired to know that this organization really values and believes in transforming the lives of people.Through talking to the kids I can really see the excitement and enthusiasm to connect with a mentor outside of there normal environment. They can communicate freely and express their concerns especially about their future careers.At the school we believe that hope transforms and this programme has to potential to be a vehicle of hope to the learners and even beyond.- Christeline Carolus, Educator and Academic Coordinator, School of Hope, South Africa