I can honestly say that by the time the Rosetta Stone software was loaded on the computers, I was exhausted. I was also unsure of how the language-learning project would be received, and was anxious when it was finally time to teach the program.

One night after returning from a long day of construction, I returned to Tshulu Camp where I was staying and where the computers were. The first computer was up and running with the program and I was anxious for someone to try it. It turned out that many people were also anxious to use it. That…

I’d like to express my thanks to the countless individuals—both locally hired and volunteers—who provided invaluable help in designing and constructing the Makuya Empowered Voices Resource Center. In particular, appreciation goes out to:

Paul Marias, eco-architect and know-everything man who aided in designing the center; provided construction guidance; transported me on multiple days to pick up 10 computers from customs in Joburg, provided Linux software and essential computer knowledge, and had a general personal investment in the project that pushed me through the rough spots.

Fhatuwani Makuya, the local Tshulu Trust volunteer manager who provided moral support and local knowledge, without…