Above: Busi Nzama, a young woman from KwaNyuswa, South Africa,
hand-crafts beaded knights sold in the Xavier Knight Shop. Proceeds
benefit the Companions of St. Francis Xavier service trips.

Xavier Partners with South Africa's Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust

By Billy Malewich ‘12

One of the best qualities of Xavier students and faculty members is their ability to help those who are less fortunate than themselves. We see it through volunteer work, community service, CFX projects, and in their daily lives. The work faculty members do beyond their classrooms has a tremendous impact on who they are as people and why they are beloved by the student body, year in and year out.

Xavier biology teacher Greg Norris has spent several years working with the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust in his native Hillcrest, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. He and his wife, Tierney, have been involved with the program since they met there doing service work. One division of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust is Woza Moya, which helps those in need regain hope and dignity by inspiring them to use their creativity to earn an income and support their families. Currently, Woza Moya acts as an agent for over 300 crafters.

The hand-beaded knights showcased above were crafted by a young woman in KwaNyuswa, South Africa, named Busi Nzama. She is the only breadwinner for her family of eight and the creative hands behind our beaded mascot—and she is very appreciative of the opportunity to provide for her family.

The keychains and pins can be purchased in the Xavier Knight Shop, with proceeds benefiting the CFX program. “In addition to the fundraising that CFX students do outside of school, efforts like these provide us with the funds to purchase supplies, book flights, and make advance payments for lodging and transportation to the service organizations we work with," said Assistant Campus Minister Greg Stelzer '11. "Any amount of additional fundraising allows us to defray the overall cost of service and immersion trips for the participating students, ensuring that we can make these service opportunities available and affordable to all.”

Paul Wendel, Director of Ignatian Service Programs, noted: "Selling hand-beaded Xavier accessories from local artisans aligns with the goal and mission of our Companions of St. Francis Xavier program. By bringing the accessories to Xavier, we have the opportunity to support communities and contribute to the economic and cultural engagement of artisans around the world.” This kind of work affords both faculty members and students the opportunity to live out the mission of Xavier, to be men and women for others.

For more information about the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust and the work they do in South Africa, click here.