Support 2025 SOAS Volunteer Trip to Kurland Village

This year will be my fourth consecutive year participating in the Sound of a Smile Program's volunteer trip to Kurland Village, South Africa. The Sound of a Smile Program is a U.S. registered non-profit (501c3) and has been bringing volunteers to Kurland Village for 7 years now.

This journey is not just a simple excursion; it's a chance for us to make a meaningful difference to an incredible village of people. Kurland is truly a home away from home where some of the best people I have ever met are from. They have welcomed us like family every single year, and I can't help but be drawn back to this community.

Kurland Village is a community of about 6,000 residents with immense potential, yet it faces numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, educational barriers, and economic hardships. The Sound of a Smile Program aims to bring the transformative power of change through education, youth development, and community outreach

During our February 2025 volunteer trip, we will be actively involved in various projects, including:

- Housing Program (Building, renovating, painting, and refurbishing homes)

- Feeding Program (assisting in soup kitchens)

- Education Program

- Rehabbing/Painting schools and playgrounds

- Community engagement activities

- Enhancing community garden fences

These experiences will enable me to connect with residents, share knowledge, exchange cultures, and most importantly, foster a sense of family and empowerment among the residents.

I am reaching out to you, my community, to kindly support me in this endeavor. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a tangible impact on the lives of those in Kurland Village. Your support will not only help me participate in this life-changing experience but also contribute to the long-term well-being and development of this community.

I am committed to keeping you updated on my journey and the difference your contributions are making. Your generosity will not go unnoticed, and I will be forever grateful for your belief in this cause. If you have any questions or interest about what we are up to this year in Kurland Village, I am all smiles and happy to share as much as I can.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering supporting me in this meaningful venture.

Tyler