When David Oberst graduated from Georgetown High School in 2008, he knew he was headed to Duke University on a full scholarship.

What he did not know at the time was his continuing education would include a trip to South Africa to conduct a series of computer classes.

For two months starting May 19, Oberst — the son of Michael and Julie Oberst — was part of Projects Abroad, a volunteer organization offering a wide range of service projects.

Oberst said he worked in Lavender Hill, an impoverished suburb of Cape Town where the unemployment rate tops 60 percent and large groups of people are living in makeshift metal shacks.

He said the area where he worked has a history of violence and other crime.

“The crime rates have also soared because of high drug consumption of crystal meth,” he said.

Once arriving in South Africa, Oberst worked at an organization called Philisa Abafazi Bethu (Heal Our Women).

Oberst said the goal of the organization is to give women in that area “the tools they need to stand up to and remove themselves from situations from harmful domestic violence, while supporting the community's children and keeping them off the streets.”

Oberst said he taught computer skills to about 10 women and the same number of children several times a week, focusing on Microsoft Office and the Internet.  

“The Wayne United Methodist Church's children's ministry also provided a generous donation to buy hats and gloves for the children of Philisa Abafazi Bethu,” said Oberst.

Oberst said having the opportunity to travel to South Africa was something he will never forget.

“The most rewarding thing about this trip was gaining a completely new perspective on both life here back home and also in South Africa (my other home).  I noticed that we take so much for granted here. It's shocking how excessive the American lifestyle can be without us realizing it,” he said. “I'd love to go back and visit my host family and friends again. I feel like I've made some lasting relationships there. I'd also love to see the progress my former students have been making in their technological endeavors.”

He also said he learned things about South Africa he never knew before his trip.

“I think the biggest misconception about South Africa is that it's simply an impoverished country with people who need our help.  But it's so much more than that,” he said. “It's filled with genuine, earnest, and passionate people that are sincerely hopeful about changing their lives and the lives around them.  The pure hope I encountered while in South Africa inspires me to take nothing for granted and work harder to bring about change back home in America.”

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com