In the South African Setswana language, "bokamoso" means "future." Through the Bokamoso Youth Centre in Winterveldt, South Africa, Chicago School alumna and faculty member, Dr. Marilee Aronson is helping at-risk youth build positive futures. It's just one of the ways our faculty and alumni impact the world around them.
In an area ravished by poverty, crime, and disease, the center offers hope for youth who might otherwise fall victim to high unemployment and school drop-out rates. Dr. Aronson develops scholarship opportunities, career training workshops, and other valuable programs.
The youth make an annual trip to D.C. where they attend career seminars, visit job sites, and shadow college students. They also perform theatre pieces about their lives throughout the area.
Dr. Aronson says her experiences with the center influence her teaching approach. She brings global themes to the classroom integrating different worldviews and realities, similarities of youth across cultures, and the lasting effects of societal injustices and trauma.
"All of these messages are incorporated into my teaching and training interactions with students."
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