Our volunteer trips invite participants to engage with Universal Promise and those we serve before, during, and after the period of volunteerism. In February 2024, volunteers Anna and Tyler Burnley and their daughter Dottie embraced that engagement by raising funds to renovate numerous classrooms at St. Ignatius Primary School, a school of 550 children in rural South Africa.

Why classroom renovations? They were on the school’s Top 10 Wish List: a set of dreams each of our partner-schools provides to guide our agenda.

Then the Burnleys got on it. They reached out across their family, friend, and business circles to ask people to give what they could, and they sure did. Together, and in short order, they raised 50% of the funds required to renovate 11 classrooms, and other Universal Promise donors raised the rest.

A special element of their fundraising came from the creative minds of Mist Fitness Studio owner Jackie Henderson and Body Pump instructor Monica Burnley, both of whom led workout classes and then donated 100% of the proceeds to this cause. In addition, Mission, a self-described burger joint owned by the Burnleys, hosted a pop-UP shop that raised funds and spread awarenesss. These collaborations allowed so many to be part of this uplifting work, all of which is deeply embedded in Ubuntu: a South African philosophy that means I am because of you, I am because we are, or humanity.

More icing on the cake? Tyler Burnley, experienced in construction work, partnered with Bongani (pictured with his wife and the Burnleys) and his local team to help renovate three of the 11 classrooms. The work carried on in earnest after the volunteers returned home, and we now proudly boast that 100% of the classrooms are finished and earned the Seal of Approval from Nomalizo Johnson, the force-of-nature principal (photo).

All-in-all, this renovation project involved two continents, more than 100 donors, nearly 600 grateful students and educators, and thousands of appreciative parents. Thank you to all for understanding and valuing our roles as global citizens and our universal promise to provide children with the kind of education they deserve and one required to lead more hopeful and independent lives.

Interested in volunteering yourself? Click here to learn more and to do something to shake UP your life in meaningful ways. Thank you.