Profile of the Week: Olivia Kloster

Photo Courtesy: Olivia Kloster

Olivia Kloster is a sophomore softball player at Ottawa University. However, after May 18, she takes off her cleats and packs her bag for a three-month trip to Africa. 

Kloster is an active participant of the organization, Musana, that sends people to Africa to help assist students in their studies. Musana’s vision is “To see rural communities in Uganda develop using sustainable solutions that give HOPE and DIGNITY to the most vulnerable.” The overall goal of Musana is to provide empowerment to the community around it. Musana provides jobs for 337 Ugandans, educates over 3,300 students all while being 93% sustainable. 

During her trip, she will be able to experience the culture of Uganda and further her education. In Africa, she will help assist teachers with their primary (elementary) students. During this time, she will teach English, read books, run errands and ensure that they are understanding the content due to COVID-19 virtual learning.

This will be Kloster’s second time visiting Africa. Her first visit was to Uganda in March of 2019. During this time, she was able to learn about all of the programs Musana has to offer. Some experiences include going on home visits and playing football at the high school, as well as being able to tour the women groups learning skills to be able to provide for their families. She got to visit and learn about the hospital that Musana runs as well.  

Kloster says, “I am looking forward to being able to go and check up on the students in their homes.” 

While in Africa, Kloster will spend her afternoons teaching pottery making to  high school students. 

“I am most excited to work with kids from all ages again. Being in college and not being an education major, I don’t get to work with kids as much, so this is very exciting for me,” she says.

During her time in Africa, she will be living with a host family. She explains that having this opportunity allows her to see the culture firsthand and experience it as if she were a resident there. 

Be sure to check out Mulana’s Website and learn more about what you can do to help and join Kloster on her journey: https://musana.org/our-model/