Kevin Scott, volunteering in Rochina, the largest slum in Rio de Janeiro, South America, after launching Global LEAD.

Univ. graduates found overseas aid program

By: BRITTANY BINOWSKI

Posted: 9/16/08

Four University alumni leave today for Africa, embarking on a three-month journey to launch a program and link students with international service opportunities.

Garrett Gravesen, 28,of Marrieta; Robbie Reese, 28 of Atlanta; Courtney Doran, 24, of Marietta; and Kevin Scott, 24, of Kennesaw, will begin their trek in Nairobi, Kenya. There, Gravesen will reunite with the HIV-positive orphan, Martin, who inspired him to co-found UGA HEROs five years ago.

"I'm counting down the clock," Gravesen said. "I've always wanted to go back and see this little boy."

The four will be followed by film crews to document the experience as they put into action the four pillars of Global L.E.A.D. - Leadership, Education, Adventure and Diplomacy.

The trip will span eight countries, where they will meet leaders, including the CEO of Google Kenya and the director of community affairs for Microsoft Africa, to get advice on the country's major issues.

They will work with African citizens, first by volunteering at HIV/AIDS orphanages in Nairobi.

"I think we have the idea for what's next," in our generation's need to serve, Gravesen said.

The trip will set the foundation for next year's launch of Global L.E.A.D., involving as many as 500 University students in the six-week program. The organization will allow students to receive credit for studying abroad and participating in service projects.

Global L.E.A.D., which has been deemed the "peace corps for the 21st century" by supporters, is a global non-profit organization for students across the nation.

"We want UGA to lead the way," Scott said. "We want a student from Harvard or Yale to go to www.globallead.com and see that it was sponsored by UGA, the oldest public university in the nation."

The students who participate next summer will start their trip in Cape Town, South Africa.