Tulsa, OK — On Sunday, August 24, Global Camps Africa and Cultural Exchange Network (Cenet) will co-host an evening of global connection and cultural exchange in Tulsa. The event will introduce two South African youth development leaders—Happiness Mdinyane and Manu Tshabalala—to local community and business leaders as part of an ongoing initiative bringing international voices into American summer camps and communities.

The gathering will be hosted by Michael Thompson, Cenet's Senior Director of Programs, and will take place at the South Shore Condo Club House at 5:00 PM. Members of the press are invited to attend.

This collaboration is part of a partnership between Global Camps Africa, a U.S.-based nonprofit that empowers vulnerable youth in South Africa, and Cenet, a leading sponsor of international exchange programs through the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA Program. Together, they create pathways for South African camp staff—all alumni of Global Camps Africa’s programs—to work at American summer camps each year through the J-1 visa program.

“When young people from vastly different places live, work, and learn together, the world opens up—for everyone involved,” said Emily Crowder, Executive Director of Global Camps Africa. “We’re proud that our South African team members bring not only skills and experience but also powerful stories of resilience, empathy, and leadership to American camps. We believe the connections formed through cultural exchange are key to building a more inclusive and compassionate world.”

“Cultural exchange creates real opportunities—for individuals and for communities,” said Thompson, Senior Director of Programs at Cenet. “By welcoming international leaders like Happiness and Manu, Tulsa has a chance to engage with global perspectives—and to share its own. We want these young leaders to leave inspired by the people and organizations they meet here. At Cenet, we’re proud to connect local nonprofits and companies with international talent through the BridgeUSA Program, and this visit is a way to increase Tulsa’s profile in the global exchange community.”

Global Camps Africa empowers South African youth affected by poverty, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence through transformative camp experiences and ongoing mentoring. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has reached more than 12,000 youth through its flagship camp program, and over 73,000 have participated in its year-round Youth Clubs.

Cenet facilitates cultural exchange programs for international students, professionals, and camp counselors, with a mission to inspire future global leaders, fostering a more prosperous and compassionate world through international education and cultural exploration. Cenet values the unique impact of both professional exchange programs and summer camp exchange programs as powerful platforms for mutual learning and growth.