Travel is the best form of education. Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve cherished this wisdom from my mom about how travel shapes our perspectives and adds richness to our lives.
Let’s face it: we live in an increasingly polarized world. Modern technology makes it easy to live in an echo chamber. The way we see the world becomes more myopic. Over time, this distorted view makes us fearful and closed off, supporting a zero-sum reality where it’s us versus them.
I believe a different vision of the future is possible – as does AFAR co-founder Greg Sullivan. That’s why we started AFAR Learning in 2009. Because travel is the best form of education, we started a non-profit funded trip abroad for under-resourced high school students with their peers, to ‘help them open their minds and hearts and give them the opportunity to see what is possible.
We have served more than 1,500 students since inception; when these young people return from AFAR learning trips, they are invariably changed individuals. They see opportunities in the world. The confidence they gain from new experiences has a profoundly positive impact on their lives and their communities.
The challenges of today’s divided world, and with education becoming increasingly underfunded, means that students without the resources to travel need these kinds of experiences more than ever—and your help makes a difference. By giving to Learning AFAR, you support the next generation of leaders, children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to travel. Taking these young travelers outside their comfort zones on their first trips overseas, with guides and educators providing support, fosters cultural exchange and helps students learn to live in harmony with their neighbors and the planet. Please help change the lives of these young people by donating to Learning AFAR for Tuesday’s donation. Your generous contribution is a crucial step in giving today’s youth the tools they need to be the change we hope to see in this world.
