ABOVE: Isobel Stanger, back left, University of Buffalo, Mechanical Engineering. Rachel Williams, front center, University of Buffalo, Structural Engineering, United States Navy.

At Love Must Act we believe relationships change lives, and not just the lives of those we’re helping to educate.

Our lives are changed for the better, too. That’s the whole idea, That’s why creating partnerships between differently resourced communities is at the heart of what we do.  

Everything we do is intended to build relationships between people who have something to offer each other. For some, the relationship is primarily founded on the giving of resources, and those gifts are greatly appreciated by those they help. But we also believe that giving opens the door for some to engage with others even more deeply in a way that transforms the lives of everyone involved. We’ve seen it happen over and over. The deeper the relationships, the more our lives are changed in teaching us about life in profoundly important ways through calling for an investment not only of money, but of hearts.

That’s why we’ve built three programs at Holy Cross School to invite you to transform your life in ways you might not have expected. Our goal is to offer something that might work for you at whatever stage of life you find yourself—students, young adults, working adults, and retired persons. We’d be very happy to work with you to create just the experience you’re looking for.

Reading camp

Reading Camp began in the mountains of Appalachia as a way to get third and fourth graders caught up to grade level in reading skills through a fun week of camp with lots of individual attention and fun. It has been adapted by the faculty of Holy Cross School to teach English (the South African language for economic success) for comprehension to students who do not speak it at home. They have made remarkable progress, as recent standardized testing has shown.

Reading camp pairs American volunteers with South African students, teachers, and volunteers to change lives, not the least of which are those of the volunteers. We welcome teachers to come and volunteer, but it isn’t necessary to be a professional educator.  It’s just necessary to jump in and read to the children, play games, and work on projects. 

The 2024 camp was held August 4-8 at Assegai Trails camp thanks to the generosity of a faithful donor. Where else can you change your lives where giraffes come up to the fence to watch?

STEM Camp!

The Holy Cross School STEM Camp opens up the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to our students. In some ways it is the epitome of the life-changing experience we’re talking about. STEM camp was founded and is organized and led by two American young adults who got started by coming to support Holy Cross teachers and play with our learners. That led them to found, organize, lead, and raise the funds for STEM Camp.

Our STEM program offers hands-on experiments, challenging projects, and interactive learning experiences to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Led by experienced educators, graduate students, and post-graduate students from across the US, Holy Cross learners explore cutting-edge concepts and gain insight into potential career paths in STEM fields.

The 2025 STEM Camp will be Jan 9-22. STEM Camp ran from Jan 10-23 in 2024.

The Betty Alverson Fellowship Program

In many ways, the whole idea of Love Must Act was born of Betty Alverson. She created a volunteer service program at Furman University that involved well over a thousand Furman students in weekly volunteer opportunities each year. Bishop Sauls and some of our board members were among them.

The Betty Alverson Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for volunteers to immerse themselves in South Africa and Holy Cross School. We offer three-month, six-month, and one-year placements as well as individually tailored time periods at the Holy Cross School.

 Generally, the volunteer will possess a certain skill set or gift that will be put to use at Holy Cross School. A retired teacher might be used as a tutor for students needing help or might work with a Holy Cross teacher to help learners with special needs.  A young adult might hone teaching skills, explore an interest in teaching, or serve as a recreational leader or coach. Clergy might serve as chaplains. Nurses could be a big help to our school nurse.

What we’re after is an opportunity to enrich everyone involved, not the least of whom are the volunteers.

In short, each Volunteer Program is designed with the volunteer and HCS to provide individuals with meaningful opportunities to develop relationships at HCS.

If you're passionate about creating a better world and are eager to contribute your time and skills, our volunteer program offers a platform for you to make a difference.