Is walking alone at night the only concern in the villages and nearby communities? Are there any additional personal safety and/or sexual assault concerns for the female students on the trip?

The program is set up to ensure that no participant ever has to be, or should be, alone, outside of their private quarters. After developing a relationship with the community in Manyeleti for six years, SMRC has great confidence in its local contacts including community members and area businesses that provide premier services if needed. In the cities, all participants will travel in one large group with 4 team members and 2 SMRC staff that will be fully equipped in the case of an incident. Safety precautions are emphasized daily, concerns are responded to immediately by a staff member, and emergency contacts are distributed before the trip departs. Sexual assault and personal safety for both males and females on the trip is an important concern and though we do not anticipate any such emergencies we will provide students necessary information for them to protect themselves and steps to take should any problems arise.