"The workshop was not a typical ''educational workshop'' that focuses on lectures throughout, it was not only academic based, but it had a social aspect to it, which made learning fun. It was one of the best learning experiences I have ever had and would encourage people apply. It gives a black child an opportunity to get exposed to what is happening in the world of earth science without feeling inferior as we were all treated equally and we were well catered for which made it difficult for one to see who was coming from a disadvantaged background. We got to learn from each other about different disciplines, as the group was made up of planeteers from different fields of study. I also got an opportunity to be on the plane for the very first time without having to pay a cent." 

"HPW is really an awesome initiative that helped me a lot in my personal capacity. Not only did I get to find some direction with regards to my career choices, I got to learn crucial skills that will help me in future. I admire the passion that drives [the ACCESS team] to improve the life of a black child in an unconventional way: they invest more than just financial capital; they invest their personal time and energy, and selflessly impart their knowledge to us. The practicality of how the workshop was run is also inspiring - we had our peers giving lectures and speaking to us at the careers cafe evening. HPW is truly innovative and unique. All I can say is keep on doing the great work!"

"HPW presents Planeteers with science in a fun, interactive, and creative way. This made learning so much easier, especially because we're lectured by our peers. HPW also taught me the importance of viewing science and society together as a whole as opposed to two separate entities. Apart from academic development, HPW emphasises personal development. HPW truly improved my public speaking and communication skills. It gave me the confidence to take on tasks that I never thought possible. I was also incredibly fortunate to be able to see places and do things I've never seen or done before, including my first conference - the Global Change Conference in Polokwane in 2018. Throughout it all I made lifelong friends from all over the country."

"It offerred development, not only in a scientific, but in a personal and critical thinking capacity. I like that the workshop didnt try to force us to adopt a certain view or ideaology about how we address problems like Climate Change etc but rather enforces the idea of critically engaging with the subject matter and considering the different questions to be asked and solved, and the limitations of the approaches we use e.g. using science to answer philosophical questions. I appreaciate how interdisciplinary the workshop was, and how I was able to piece together the relationships between different disciplines. Overall, HPW really helped me develop the way I thought about things for which I will always be grateful."

"My life has been changed by this experience. I have experienced a paradigm shift that I doubt I would have had otherwise. I am inspired to read and question more. I am grateful for the opportunity to rub shoulders with so many educated people. It was very inspiring for me as an undergrad to pursue higher levels of education. I got all this in a very relaxed and easy going environment which I appreciate; I really felt that I could be myself and take in all the educational nourishment and grow."

Everything was well organised and well thought. I loved ever aspect. Truly. The core lecturers were such an allowing space for our opinions, they gave us the liberty to speak our minds. The ACCESS team are also such wonderful humans, not judgemental as well. I loved everything!!! It has encouraged me to advocate for the environment even deeper. It made me want to root for making our environment habitable. It changed the perspective through which I view climate change, global warming and life as a whole.

There's nowhere I would rather have spend my days other than at the HPW34!!!

The experience was amazing. Making new friends from different provinces, career fields and background was one of the benefits from the workshop. The lectures were easy to understand and different from what I grew up learning. I got to see how this workshop has improved people's confidence and public speaking skills. The information from the lectures was very informative and will make it easy for me to pass on the knowledge to other people.

The experience was amazing. It was my first time in Limpopo and I learnt a lot. The interaction and cross culture blended very well. My public skills improved drastically; im so proud that I joined the program. I don't regret anytime. It was fun and amazing experience, wish to do it more and more. The positive values and respect we had for each other was amazing, we connected very well with other Planeteers.

I know this might seem small but I really liked the fact that it treated everyone with equality. No one that am aware of felt like there were favoritism, when you went to any of the organizing team they will give you that warmth of welcoming and there are ready to help you or listen to you. It's very hard for me to socialize with other people, so this workshop brought a platform for me to do that. Socializing and communicating with people its a skill on its own, that will help me in my career when it comes to doing research or job that requires you to talk to other people.

Wow! I loved every minute of HPW. It inspires me to be better. It motivated me to push further and not give up. I feel like I can achieve anything I put my mind to. HPW really made me believe in myself and helped me believe that I've got the potential to be successful. Everything about HPW is amazing. I wish it never ended :( I am hopeful for the future and I hope I can be part of the team. What a great experience.. Nothing can ever compensate for the experience I had at HPW. 

This is the best program I’ve ever been to, the hospitality, education and knowledge here are unmatched! We weren’t treated as just a set of participants but rather important scientists! Love that we are given autonomy to express ourselves and have fun. I wasn’t thinking of doing Masters but now I’m definitely considering doing them! It was such an experience and an eye opener at the same time🥺♥️ HPW is the future!♥️

"Thank you ACCESS for exposing us to such amazing climate knowledge. Learnt a lot about self discipline, team work, leadership skills, time management/punctuality, presentation skills, respect, adaptation. It was an amazing opportunity to create friends for life and partners, till today we refuse to accept the workshop is over, but still remain engaging. It is because of how we adapted to live together shortly. Thank you once again, I am definitely coming for more 😃"

"Everything was well planned, the HPW31 team was loving and dedicated. I had a chance to visit places I never visited before, for example Clan William. It motivated everyone that, through education and hardwork, you can go to places and everything is possible."

"Well, the program its self its educative and makes people think beyond what they see, I have learnt a lot about other provinces and other countries. I feel like I have been out of my comfort zone like I am so ready for my course and this semester. I feel like a new person, I have never had so much fun and productive sessions or educational sessions in such short period. Meeting new people around other provinces and countries, people with different background, disciplinary and so on has been amazing, we worked so well, the amazing discussions we had, it has been amazing experience, I thank ACCESS for such wonderful opportunity."

"My experience was one of the best things that happened in my life I don't regret any moment."

"The HPW is one of the best experience that one should be exposed to in life because it outlines how the earth operates and how life can into be on the earth. It contributed a lot into my understanding of science and how science is important in our daily lives. I have enjoyed every moment of the workshop and I do not regret it. All special thanks to the HPW managers."

"It was very informative and I got to improve my skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, communication as well as people skills. I got to build up my confidence to speak loud and proud and voice out my opinions without being afraid or shy. Got to learn scientific concepts while having fun, visit places I have never been to and meet new people. It was an awesome experience."

"HPW made me realise that there's still a lot for me to accomplish in terms of upgrading my knowledge of science, I realised that I like to travel and because of the workshop I decided to be a researcher the rest of my life. It also left me with the Idea that keeps on coming in my mind, I am inspired and I wanna see myself being the Dr Carl around the rural high schools of Eastern Cape I feel like if I can initiate the programme a lot would change."

"I enjoy traveling and now I understand that you can travel with science. Science can take you places and help the world. I'd like to thank everyone who was made this experience possible. And whoever has that much money to spare. Quite a great gift. Many of us have never been on a plane, been out the province. Was so exhilarating. Really amazing that initiatives such as this are out there. I would really like to be apart of more like this, and give back to HPW and other iniatives. I wish HPW could reach a wider audience. Even if smaller iniatives were available to reach more students to develop skills."

"It helped me in research work. It was an amazing workshop I will never forget in my life and appreciate all those that organised it especially NRF."

"I had an amazing experience. I'm even so emotional right now. I miss everyone so much that I don't even know how to deal with it anymore. I really love ACCESS so much. Please keep up the great job." 

"HPW the best educative workshop which is FREE, plenty of FUN and FOOD. An equal chance to attend the workshop for all students from different races and fields makes the opportunity great. Team spirit and friendliness flows yet from the top management (Dr Carl), core lectures and students. HPW helps students achieve one common goal"exploring why the planet earth is habitable" in a relaxed environment. Integration of field trips, educative session, entertainment by VULA and social event is a unique and important feature that makes HPW fun. HPW is the best!!!!!!"

"I’m really glad that I learned about this workshop and applied for it. I had an amazing time and learned so much, not just about the scientific parts, but also about Zimbabwe and the other planeteers. I really appreciate that you gave me the opportunity to participate and I will definitely think back about this time with a smile on my face." 

"I thought I would be landlocked in just developing within the geology field eg. mineral prospecting etc., but now am thinking to the way of enviromental geology focusing more on climate change as initially I never believed in climate change, but now am.fully convinced and its something to continously look at.

Overall , its the best workshop I have attended so far. I would urge all those in the science fiels not to miss it for anything as it also give ideas on researches that can be done."

"The experience was awesome. I got to meet from different universities with a range of skills. The HPW enhanced my knowledge and taught me things I thought are not useful. I am very proud to be part of HPW26 and I hope to be involved in the coming workshops. I would like to thank Dr Carl and his team for making it possible for learners to gain knowledge that is useful in their studies. KEEP IT UP!"

"Overall, my experience at HPW was amazing and fantastic. I can even go far as to say, life changing. The lectures (core) were done in a very fun, innovative and interactive way. I got to meet many amazing people from all walks of life, different universities and doing different courses apart from my own and across the country and from over the boarders of South Africa. There was a tremendous amount of knowledge gained. Thank very much at ACCESS for HPW."

"AWESOME is just one word to explain what HPW is. I'm thankful for the opportunity. The HPW experience is something that will live in me forever. I learnt so much that Is also applicable to life. To Dr Carl and the HPW elves thank you for this wonderful opportunity. "

"I cannot utter a word of negativity about my experience! I have learned so much not only about earth science systems but also about other cultures! I am a true believer in the programme and what it aims to achieve not only for young scientists, the economy, the environment of South Africa but also on a global scale! I reluctantly walked away from HPW because I was booked on a flight, however I left with a boiling pot of knowledge and excitement about earth science systems and cannot wait to apply it to future studies and daily work!"

"HPW25 was...I would say amazing but even amazing is an understatement. I would definitely want to come back. We've learnt so much, met so many new people who we became pretty close to and it's really been fun. Saying goodbye made me really emotional and I'm hoping to cross paths with all of the awesome planeteers again and that includes the very special Dr Carl Palmer. I would recommend HPW as it's a really good way of helping people learn about our planet and giving them all the reason to appreciate it and create awareness about climate change. I look forward to my future involvement in HPW aswell as keeping in contact with the wonderful people I have met and spent the past 8 days with."

"This has to my favorite experience, it fulfilled all my expectations and exceeded them. I am not the same person I was Before the program. I can't even find words to explain everything, that's how blown away I am, I am definitely a learned individual."

"My experience was amazing, I got the chance to fly for the first time, I got the chance to meet new people and experience different types of people and the fact that I was also part of the workshop through the special time special place series made it even more exciting. Above all I managed to deepen my understanding about climate change and how it affects us and our habitable planet. And over all a big thank you to Dr C Palmer for a warm, feel at home experience."

"This was the best experienced of my life, it was very educative and informative, I have leaned a lot of things and I actually got see in practical the things that I have studied about as well. Being around people from different provinces, countries and university was very exciting … it is a life changing experience"