Here's What I've Been Doing!

Hello Everyone!! Sorry my blog posts have been short, but I haven’t had much time to write. The three week program has a very busy schedule. Today is a National Holiday in South Africa so we had the day off from placements, which are mostly closed. This has given me a chance to fill you in on what I have been doing. We have had a few cultural learning activities which have included speakers on HIV/AIDS and the treatment of workers on farmlands. We have also visited the District 6 museum and an area called Bo Kaap, which is home to most of Cape Town’s muslim community. We also visited the Slave Lodge, where actual slaves were housed years and years ago.

There is so much to see in Cape Town and the history is very complex. The country director gave a talk on the history of South Africa and we talked about the education system, which I found particularly interesting. I definitely want to read more about South Africa when I come home. Several girls here have suggested books they have read. Cape Town’s scenery is also a good reflection of their difficult history. Everywhere you go in the city you can see Table Mountain which is beautiful. Our home base is located in a nice little suburb, but you don’t have to go far to see the townships where millions of people live in shacks. As we drive to placement everyday we pass by the townships and see the mountain in the background. It is such a contrast to see this massive natural made mountain and then these shacks that are a result of man made apartheid.

My placement is a lot of fun. The kids are very excited to see me everyday. The teachers here don’t really play with the kids much so they are all over me when I sit down to play or go outside with them. I have taught them several songs which we sing everyday-multiple times. They even decided to sing a song I taught them for a concert the Educare is putting on. I have posted a few pictures of the kids. The first is Numaan and Logan on the playground and the second is Yanda, Zika, and Jeremiah playing outside. The last is Hlengiwe eating the snack I brought in for them. They love it when I read this story about ants so I made them ants on a log. I have taken a lot more pictures and some videos to share when I get home. I am very proud to say I have learned all 46 of their names! I only have 3 days left at placement which makes me sad, but I have a lot of good memories to take home with me.

Next week I will be staying in a hostel in Cape Town with three other volunteers who are also staying to travel. I hope to explore downtown more and get in some time at the beach. I still have plans to repel off Table Mountain. I am just waiting for good enough weather. I hope everyone is well at home and I will try to keep updating the blog, but it might be more difficult next week so don’t worry if you don’t hear from me.
Love,
Dena