We’ve been trained to think that our first job out of college will be a not-so-glamorous position with maximum hours and a minimal wage. However, Whitney Johnson did something out of the ordinary. Instead of filling out applications at the end of her senior year, Whitney founded Ubuntu Africa, a nonprofit organization that provides medical and social support to HIV positive children in South Africa. Five years after Ubuntu’s conception, the organization is expanding and Whitney, who moved to Africa to run the organization, serves as a true inspiration for collegiettes™ who want to make a difference in the world—read on to see why!
Studying abroad inspired her
Whitney never thought that she’d be saving the world one child at a time when she started school at Colorado College. “I was really into psychology and medicine,” says Whitney. “I was definitely contemplating going to medical school.” So what inspired her to create a nonprofit organization? Believe it or not, Whitney’s study abroad program changed her life forever. The day before her study abroad application was due, Whitney decided on a whim to apply to her college’s program in Cape Town. “It just suddenly popped in my head,” explains Whitney. “I just felt like I had to do it.”
When Whitney landed in South Africa during her junior year of college, it was clear that she wasn’t in Colorado anymore. “Living in Cape Town, it feels like you’re in a first world country: you have everything at your fingertips and it’s a gorgeous place to be,” says Whitney. “But when you drive 15 minutes outside of the city, you’re in a squatter camp and are surrounded by children who are sick, malnourished, and suffering.” Although the conditions in South Africa are different than those in America, Whitney saw that South Africans aren’t so different than any of us. “I think at the root of it is that people are the same, no matter where you go,” says Whitney.
While she was studying abroad, she volunteered at an orphanage in a nearby township called Khayelitsha. With 60 orphans and four caretakers, Whitney found herself doing many less-than-glamorous tasks. Unlike your typical study abroad program, Whitney’s daily duties included everything from cleaning beds to changing diapers. “It was all in the moment and doing what I could,” she explains.
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As her year abroad in South Africa progressed, it became more and more apparent to Whitney how terrible the conditions were for children diagnosed with HIV. “I saw so many children dying and how young people in this community were dealing with this disease completely alone,” says Whitney. “I knew it didn’t have to be that way; things could change and things could be better. I could see that there was so much love that could be brought into this situation.” And just like that, the seed for Ubuntu Africa was planted.
After graduating from Colorado College with a degree in psychology in 2006, Whitney decided to turn her dreams into a reality. “It was a learning process! I just really had to plunge in and do it,” says Whitney. “I first started researching how to start an organization and all of the legal aspects. Luckily, my mother was very supportive and helped out a lot.” Whitney decided to call the organization Ubuntu Africa, which is usually shortened to UBA, for its powerful meaning. Ubuntu is an African philosophy that translates to “I am because we are,” which promotes mutual support. Since Whitney knew she wanted an organization that provided support to children with HIV, this title was a perfect fit.
Finding her supporters
With a basic foundation for UBA, the next step was fundraising. “I was 21-years-old and was trying to fundraise something that didn’t exist yet. Some people were skeptical, but I was really lucky to have others who did support me and share my vision,” says Whitney. People from her hometown, as well as those around the world, believed in her dream and wanted to support UBA, both financially and through word of mouth. “The kids here are inspiring, but the people from the United States and abroad who have done so much to help are equally inspiring.”
One of those supporters is Nancy Gernert, the secretary of UBA’s Board of Directors. After hearing about Ubuntu Africa from a friend, Gernert and her family went to South Africa and visited the organization. While she was inspired by the center, Gernert realized that she had to be a part of this organization after meeting Whitney. “Meeting Whitney sealed the deal for me,” confesses Gernert. “I wanted to help these kids and how could I not help Whitney?” Unlike many skeptics, Gernert was inspired by Whitney’s dedication at such a young age: “I was very impressed and quite inspired. If a 21-year-old thinks she can do this and is determined, who’s to tell her that she can’t?” Gernert has worked on UBA’s board for several years and continues to be inspired by Whitney. “Whitney’s a very passionate, goal-oriented and driven young woman,” says Gernert.
Making the move
With the logistics and fundraising of Ubuntu Africa all settled, Whitney made the big move from America to South Africa. After growing up surrounded by both her immediate family and extended family members, moving to another continent was a great feat. “My parents had mixed feelings about it. Certainly, my dad wasn’t thrilled about his little girl moving so far away. But my family supports me,” says Whitney. Although she’s lived in Africa for five years, it’s still hard for her to be separated from her family. “There are a lot of different challenges, definitely living far away from my family is one of them,” she says. Her mom has visited South Africa several times and Whitney’s dad visited her during her study abroad program.
It’s quite obvious that Whitney is not your typical 20-something-year-old: she doesn’t have a typical nine to five workday. But at 26-years-old, Whitney has no regrets. “Doing this work has been a huge investment and it’s definitely not always easy, but I don’t feel like I’m missing out,” she says. “I feel incredibly grateful to do what I am passionate about- not following my heart would be unbearable.”
But just because she’s living in South Africa doesn’t mean that Whitney isn’t living life to the fullest. “A lot of people assume that to be in this line of work, one has a to struggle and sacrifice,” she says. “I don’t believe in that at all. Enjoying life is important to me. I do have a social life and wonderful friends here in South Africa.”
As the founder of UBA, there is no such thing as a typical day at work. “My days change everyday, there’s no normal or typical day,” admits Whitney. She likes to wake up early and exercise, which leaves her rejuvenated and energized to take on the day: she could be doing anything from attending meetings to spending time with the kids. So what does Whitney do when she isn’t making the world a better place? “I do yoga, a lot of hiking, and surfing. Those are kind of my things that help keep me sane and help give my life some balance,” she says.
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More about Ubuntu Africa
Ubuntu Africa aims to overcome health and social challenges that children and their families with HIV face on a daily basis. As a result, Whitney established Ubuntu Africa’s HIV Care Program, which includes access to health services and education about HIV- to give the children medical support. The medical aspect of UBA also provides nutritional guidance. “Their families also get nutrition training so they know how to best feed their families on a limited budget,” says Whitney.
Another component of Ubuntu Africa is to give the children a chance at a better future. The organization has social workers and counselors that are available to the children. “For most of the children, there’s a stigma surrounding the disease. This is their only real opportunity to talk about their issues,” says Whitney. “There’s a huge emotional component to the disease.” Education and fun activities, like arts and crafts, are also provided to promote the wellbeing of the children. “That’s the really important part,” she says. “Just letting them be kids.”
With five years of success, Ubuntu Africa is only getting bigger. Not only does Whitney have plans to promote her organization through college chapters, but she is also looking to expand Ubuntu Africa by getting a bigger location. With 1.9 million AIDS orphans living in South Africa, Whitney is compelled to do more. “We’re focused on scaling up the program so we can help more children. There are so many children in the country who need our support.”
How to get involved with Ubuntu Africa
Even though Whitney’s all the way in South Africa, you can get involved on your own campus. “They’re dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Ubuntu Africa,” says Whitney. Ubuntu Africa college chapters can promote the organization through fundraisers and parties. Not only is starting a college chapter a great thing to put on your resume, it’s also a way to socialize. “The great thing about it is that it’s a great way to meet new people who are like-minded,” says Whitney.
If Whitney can move to Africa and establish an incredible organization, shouldn’t we follow our dreams too? Whitney shows us that inspiration and drive can go a long, long way. “My biggest advice is to just do it and don’t doubt your ability,” says Whitney. “Everyone has the ability to make a positive impact in the world. Just remember how powerful you are.”
Sources
http://ubafrica.org/get-involved/start-a-uba-chapter/
http://ubafrica.org/our-members/our-founder/
Whitney Johnson, Founder of Ubuntu Africa
Nancy Gernert, Secretary of Ubuntu Africa’s Board of Directors
http://ubafrica.org/hiv-care-program/https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0?ui=2&ik=10978a592a&view=att&th=13280f06c29ef61f&attid=0.2&disp=inline&realattid=f_gsr8ee6q1&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8nmj59NeVdtAZoJ1rQEKCr&sadet=1316744796021&sads=yHKqUKInzm43tXUSGEIbFTZgWFw&sadssc=1
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