Amsara Holly, 16, is a senior at Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School for Public Policy in Northeast Washington, but that isn’t where she’ll be taking classes this semester.
After completing the application process, writing an essay and being interviewed, Amsara was selected with 12 other girls in her group from across the United States to take part in the Traveling School during the next 15 weeks in Africa.
“I’m a little nervous,” Amsara said. “But I’m extremely excited.”
She will be living in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia through Dec. 15 while completing specialized high school courses.
It’s an “overseas travel and outdoor adventure,” Amsara said.
She will be sightseeing, but she won’t view the countries as a tourist. The group also will be camping and living much like the local people in the area.
While taking part in the program, Amsara will be studying ancient tribes, colonial rule and local languages. She also will be performing community service projects during her stay.
“They will travel around the region of southern Africa and really get involved in the community,” said Jennifer Royall, program coordinator of the Traveling School. The school’s Web site describes it as a nonprofit organization dedicated to building self-esteem, increasing tolerance, creating cultural awareness and encouraging academic exploration.
The Traveling School has been offering girls this lifetime opportunity since the spring of 2003.
Amsara’s father, Obie Holly, said she received a scholarship of about $11,000 from an outside agency to help her with her travel expenses. However, the family is still trying to raise $6,000 of an additional $8,000 she needed to make the trip.
Though they were a little late getting started with fundraising, Mr. Holly said Amsara raised money by cutting hair, making jewelry and receiving donations from community members.
“We know we’re going to meet our goal,” he said.
As for the budding traveling journalist, Amsara said, “I can’t wait to visit new people and different tribes. I’m excited for the overall experience and doing the community service projects.”
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