Duke University Students Working to Improve Lives of the Poor in KwaZulu Natal

June 30, 2011

Consul General Jill Derderian with the students from Duke University

On June 30, 2011, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate in Durban hosted eleven Duke University students and staff who are participating in the “DukeEngage” Program.  The eight-week program matches students with non-governmental organizations that are dedicated to improving the educational, economic and environmental conditions of disadvantaged communities.  The students are highly motivated to make a positive contribution by mentoring the youth and help them develop necessary life skills.

Consul General Jill Derderian welcomed the students to the Consulate and spoke about the U.S. government’s engagement in KwaZulu-Natal, current challenges that the province faces, and how the Consulate supports the government and people of KZN in addressing those challenges.  The group was pleased to get an opportunity to learn about the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) program and how the U.S. government, in partnership with groups that support HIV/AIDS ravaged communities, was making a difference.

Students asked questions about how they could help the Consulate in outreach and promoting the Information Resource Center (IRC), and are keen to encourage community workers from the different NGO/CBO organizations they are working with to visit the Consulate and to take advantage of the huge collection of HIV/AIDS materials housed in the IRC.