Tania Interviews David from Farther Foundation

It’s a safe bet that most people reading this can’t imagine their lives without travel – it is an experience that changes us in ways we never knew possible– and now would never give up. As David Weindling of Farther Foundation says, “Travel is singular in its ability to inspire students to learn, serve, grow, seek opportunities and never settle for anything less than what they deserve.”

Farther Foundation, inspired by the Oakpark-River Forest Community Foundation, awards merit-based scholarships to inner city, low-income high school students.  The scholarships allow students to travel abroad or domestically with a program of their choice.  One student, Lawrence, just returned from Ghana with the Kokrobitey Institute, an organization  dedicated to the “discovery of social, cultural and historical resources of Ghana.” Having the textbook stories of the slave trade come alive was an invaluable learning experience for him, as was interacting with people who survive on much less than in the U.S. As David said, ”Lawrence came back grateful and with an understanding of what real need is.”

The experience not only allows students to travel, but also “allows them to get outside the group of people they are usually surrounded by and challenge themselves in that way. It is more than just touring: this is about really taking an active role in the place they find themselves.” David iterates.  Programs last between two to eight weeks and are chosen by the applicants.

Fifteen students depart to destinations including Japan, Vietnam, Italy, El Salvador, Argentina, and Peru in a month. There are also scholars traveling domestically with programs such as Habitat for Humanity and the National Outdoor Leadership School.   The programs vary, from outdoor adventure, survival skills, and cultural immersion to academic based programs to environmental service projects: there is even a group working with wolves in Colorado. Two students, Myriam and Eddy are heading to the Pacific Northwest to take part in outdoor adventure and documentary arts, including photography, creating videos, and getting the chance to interviewing locals.   This work of this program will be displayed at the Seattle Museum of Art.

David is confident that students return with a clearer view of their place in the world and plans on tracking the students successes through the long term in order to assess the impact and hopefully expand the program.

Learn more about the Farther Foundation and its mission by reading the rest of the interview with David here.  Also be sure to check out their website and blog.

- Tania Segura