The Afar Foundation is the philanthropic affiliate of Afar Media. Its mission is to promote cross-cultural exchange by sponsoring international travel and study for students who cannot otherwise afford to experience another part of the world. Greg Sullivan, Afar Media’s founder, has made the foundation a primary beneficiary of his estate. “At Afar Media we believe that travel can change lives for the better,” Sullivan says. “Not only does travel expand your understanding of the world, it also can increase your understanding of your place in the world.” The foundation is launching a pilot program called Learning AFAR with Global Explorers, a nonprofit organization that teaches students through immersion in international travel. In July 2010, Learning AFAR is sending 24 high school students from Oakland, California and Yonkers, New York to Costa Rica. Each of the students has demonstrated significant financial need, a high level of merit and a compelling argument for why they would benefit from this experience. The program starts with a yearlong classroom program designed to prepare students for the trip. Teachers take students through a structured curriculum that focuses on leadership, service, cultural tolerance, and environmental conservation. Students will be encouraged to document their travels through writing, photography, and videography, and to enter those materials in a contest sponsored by Afar Media.
The Afar Foundation's guiding principles:
· Help underserved students experience cultural diversity and understanding through travel.
· Prepare students to become responsible global citizens.
· Give back to all communities visited through service and exchange activities.
AFAR donates at least 1% of its revenues to the non-profit AFAR foundation. If you are interested in helping to expand this program, please contact us at foundation [at] afar [dot] com
