We know it is no small thing to send your child to Africa for a few weeks. While we can’t shrink the ocean to lessen the distance, we hope to set your heart at ease. We strive for excellence in all we do, including the care we will give your child.

Here are a few things you’re probably wondering. If you still have questions, please contact us anytime.

Does my child fly to Africa all alone?
We have a couple of seasonal staff who live in the U.S. and serve as the Team Leaders for these trips. For the Student Trip: Your child will fly to Washington, D.C., where the Team Leaders will meet her flight. Together with the rest of her team, she will spend a night in Washington to start getting to know each other and training for ministry in Africa. The next day, the Team Leaders will fly with them on the international flight to South Africa. Our staff will meet the team at the airport in Johannesburg and drive them to our mission base in Harrismith. They’ll finish training and jump right into ministry as a team. At the end of the trip, the Team Leaders will fly the team back to Washington, D.C., where your child will board her flight back to her hometown.

For the Adult Trip: Team members will meet up at an international airport in the USA, where they’ll hook up with their Team Leaders. Together they’ll fly to Johannesburg where they’ll be met by our staff and taken to our mission base.

Who makes the travel arrangements?
We will book all the flights for your child’s entire trip. We arrange the tickets so that the entire team joins up in the States and then flies together on the international flight to Johannesburg.

Who will be overseeing my child?
The Team Leaders, along with our team of dedicated staff, provide oversight over the mission team members. All interns and staff are under the leadership of the Ministry Director.

Is it safe there?
Safety is a high priority for us. Our mission base is completely fenced, with an entry gate screening all visitors. When we are out in the villages for ministry, staff members are always present. If at any point, we deem the situation or area to be unsafe, all precautions will be made to leave and ensure the safety of our entire team.

Should I be concerned about malaria?
We are in a malaria-free zone, so your child will not need anti-malaria medication.

Is the water safe?
Yes. The water on our base comes from a spring in the mountains.

What is your denomination?
We’re a non-denominational organization. For more information on our beliefs and core values, check out our philosophy of ministry.

Are all donations tax deductible?
Yes. Donations made to Thrive Africa are tax-deductible, and tax receipts are sent for each donation.

How can I contact my child?
Thrive Trip members will have access to the internet as well as a phone they can use to call home (with an international calling card). There will also be a phone number number you can call to reach your child.

Can I talk to the parent of a past Thrive Tripper?
Yes! There are some parents that would love to speak with you and answer your questions. Let us know if you’d like to avail yourself of this.