This was given to me on the street in Hluhluwe. For about 3 pounds this doctor will help you with all problems mentioned.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Doctor "fix it all"
This was given to me on the street in Hluhluwe. For about 3 pounds this doctor will help you with all problems mentioned.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Pension day
On the first day of every month, the department of social development travel to communities to give the elders their well deserved pension money (of about 700-1000Rand).
As I walked to the school on the first Monday of May, I saw some cars with women offloading things just by the corner where I turn of to the school road. The corner that has our little corner shop which is the Supermarket of Nompondo village (where I live). I am told that today is pension day, so when I head back after school finishes the place will be filled with people. Exciting since Nompondo never really "fills" with people. Normally what you will see at the corner are few people sitting by shop, few waiting for lifts to town and of course the cows that inhabit the place. Come to think about it, that corner is actually the area that has most activity in this area (besides the schools of course).
After school finishes, I experience the little market in Nompondo, the once occasional market that comes with pension day. As soon as I have left the school area, I hear the swirl from a crowded place. After a few meters I see the market, its not big, but it’s looks exciting and busy. Old mamas\gogos (grandmothers) and other business men have lined up to acquire a good selling spot. The red ground is now colorful and alive. Mostly women are seated on their "kangas", selling all kinds of things ranging from face products, fruits, vegetables, second hand clothes, home made foods and few cars have live chickens for sale, then in the midst there are two Indian men that walk up and down the little road selling electrical equipments, one of them tries to flirt with me, asking whether I am married or not, I tell him I am but that only keeps him quiet for 30 seconds, then he goes on with question after question. I am forced to ignore all his questions and proceed my exploration of the mini market.
An elderly mama is seated under a small tree; her face is covered in the red clay that women smear in their faces to protect against the strong sun.
-Sawubona Mama (Hello Mama)
-Yebo (Yes)
-Unjani (How are you?)
-Giyapila (I’m fine)
-Giyapila nami (I am also fine)
That is most of the greetings I know in IsiZulu and can impress with. I end it there by saying Salagakhle- stay well.
As I continue walking back to Mbonise, where I live, I pass the same lazy cows that wander these roads. I think about the elders that come to receive their pension, but still work to contribute with the feeling of "owning" up to their responsibilities. To be able to support children and grandchildren for longer than the pension can sustain.
YEBO GOGO
The red soil is today covered with multiple footprints, the footprints of tired yet powerful feet. On the same soil lie garments and cloths in delightful nuances. As the women and men bargain and barter their goods, the sun smiles warmly upon them.
Bananas, chickens, vegetables, cows, and ointment -the market supplies to everyone’s needs.
A busy day comes to an end with the sun that is ever so red. A good day comes to an end with a lot having been said. News from afar and new stories to tell; it is now time to make that long journey home despite its length. A journey home with a little wealth, enough to feed the mouths of many.
Past, Future, Present, today there is that feeling of liberation, a mind free from worry, at least for a short while. Because today Gogo will buy that chicken and make the long journey back, tonight she will feed the family. All problems will feel distant and tonight she will feel like a hero. The marked footsteps tell the story, the story of a woman that toiled the earth she walks on, a women that made just and was made unjust. Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today she will continue walking because she is that hero, until that day..
Monday, 3 May 2010
Pictures from last weeks School launch
Last week I went to a launch at Dlilanga Secondary School. It is a new school that is now in the Star for Life programme, over the next three years. The school started last year, as there was a need for a High School in the area. Today 450 students are enrolled, but they only have a building with three rooms to it, one is used as a staff room. Some days during the school week, they use classrooms at a primary school that is 10 min walk away. They municipality promised them, a year ago, to extend the school. But all you can see today of that promise, is a pile of sand that lays next to small school.
Even though, the school is very positive and with the support from Star for Life they see that the school will be successful.
Here are some pictures from the launching of the Star for Life programme in the school.
The past week and weekend
It’s been long since I last wrote. I have been to busy living and reminiscing.
Its time for an update!
Last week I went to two school launches, at the launches there was so much joy and excitement of becoming a Star for Life school. With this they had a programme filled with songs, speeches and performances that were wonderful and inspiring.
The past weekend was calm, but still with few happenings. On Friday early afternoon, I went to “my” school and had a meeting with the “partnership society” students. This is a society I helped create a month ago. This coming weekend, Hlengiwe (the teacher I work with) want to take these 20 students for an educational fieldtrip to one of the Zulu battle fields. This battle field was one of the places where the Zulus fought the British for emancipation. Hlengiwe and I found out that the costs was almost 20 pounds per student (this incl. museum visit, tour guide, visiting the battle fields, transport and lunch), which way too much for the students to afford, and the school has no funds to provide for this trip either. In our society we are now trying to fundraise for this money. On Sat there was an activity day at the school, so we decided we would try and sell a few things to students and teacher. I went home to bake some Swedish cinnamon buns that we would sell together with other foods. We knew this would not give us a lot, but at least it would be a start.
Saturday morning I woke up at 7am, to help the family I live with plant seedlings in a big area of land that they cultivate. They had been up since 4 to plant and when I woke up they had got halfway. I spent 4 n half hours digging holes and planting tomatoes, green peppers, onion and cabbage. After planting them we filled buckets of water to water them with. Even though it was tiring, I liked the feeling of being barefoot in the soil and working with my hands to plant own food. After that I had to get myself clean from all the mud and head to the school with my buns. At the school “my” students were already busy selling. It was wonderful to see them so committed to what they were doing and the eagerness to sell as much as possible. At the beginning, when we started discussing the means of fundraising, they all seemed to see this as a “mission impossible”, as if they are incapable of raising any money, but as soon as they got into it they started thinking like true entrepreneurs. At the end of the day we made 410 rand (about 30 pounds), which was over our expectations.
When I headed “home” after helping the students, a friend from the office (Mdu) came to drop of a car. He stopped outside the fence and signalled me to fetch him water. I quickly got water and went down with it. He stood on the other side of the gate and told me he had just carried a dead body in the van and this was just their traditional belief, he had to cleanse out any evil spirit that might have followed. He took the water and poured it over some leaf branches that he was holding. He then sprinkled the water from the leaves inside the car and on the outside of the car. Thereafter, he washed his hands before he drove the car through the fenced gate.
On Sunday morning, I was awakened not only by the rooster, but by songs that sounded more like enchanted screaming. I looked over the road to the hill on the other side and saw a group of people standing together, dressed in some kind of “churchly” outfits. I asked the girls what was going on, they said it was a funeral ceremony. I understood it must have been the body Mdu had carried in the car.
Sunday afternoon I picked up the school choir (from the school I work at); they were going to perform to some Swedish guests at a private game lodge. I brought them to the place where I stay to practice. They are AMAZING. Sunday, the whole day evolved around getting them to the reserve. At 19.45 they sang to around 20 Swedish guests during their dinner at the Game Reserve. They were so confident and by the looks of the visitors they managed to impress and amaze. Am so proud of them! At around 9, I drove a few of them home.
I only have 9 days left in S. Africa. I feel sad thinking about it, but at the same time I really miss my family and friends and can’t wait to see them. At this moment I dread the 12th of May, which is the day I have to get on the airplane and make the long journey home to the “cold”.
Its time for an update!
Last week I went to two school launches, at the launches there was so much joy and excitement of becoming a Star for Life school. With this they had a programme filled with songs, speeches and performances that were wonderful and inspiring.
The past weekend was calm, but still with few happenings. On Friday early afternoon, I went to “my” school and had a meeting with the “partnership society” students. This is a society I helped create a month ago. This coming weekend, Hlengiwe (the teacher I work with) want to take these 20 students for an educational fieldtrip to one of the Zulu battle fields. This battle field was one of the places where the Zulus fought the British for emancipation. Hlengiwe and I found out that the costs was almost 20 pounds per student (this incl. museum visit, tour guide, visiting the battle fields, transport and lunch), which way too much for the students to afford, and the school has no funds to provide for this trip either. In our society we are now trying to fundraise for this money. On Sat there was an activity day at the school, so we decided we would try and sell a few things to students and teacher. I went home to bake some Swedish cinnamon buns that we would sell together with other foods. We knew this would not give us a lot, but at least it would be a start.
Saturday morning I woke up at 7am, to help the family I live with plant seedlings in a big area of land that they cultivate. They had been up since 4 to plant and when I woke up they had got halfway. I spent 4 n half hours digging holes and planting tomatoes, green peppers, onion and cabbage. After planting them we filled buckets of water to water them with. Even though it was tiring, I liked the feeling of being barefoot in the soil and working with my hands to plant own food. After that I had to get myself clean from all the mud and head to the school with my buns. At the school “my” students were already busy selling. It was wonderful to see them so committed to what they were doing and the eagerness to sell as much as possible. At the beginning, when we started discussing the means of fundraising, they all seemed to see this as a “mission impossible”, as if they are incapable of raising any money, but as soon as they got into it they started thinking like true entrepreneurs. At the end of the day we made 410 rand (about 30 pounds), which was over our expectations.
When I headed “home” after helping the students, a friend from the office (Mdu) came to drop of a car. He stopped outside the fence and signalled me to fetch him water. I quickly got water and went down with it. He stood on the other side of the gate and told me he had just carried a dead body in the van and this was just their traditional belief, he had to cleanse out any evil spirit that might have followed. He took the water and poured it over some leaf branches that he was holding. He then sprinkled the water from the leaves inside the car and on the outside of the car. Thereafter, he washed his hands before he drove the car through the fenced gate.
On Sunday morning, I was awakened not only by the rooster, but by songs that sounded more like enchanted screaming. I looked over the road to the hill on the other side and saw a group of people standing together, dressed in some kind of “churchly” outfits. I asked the girls what was going on, they said it was a funeral ceremony. I understood it must have been the body Mdu had carried in the car.
Sunday afternoon I picked up the school choir (from the school I work at); they were going to perform to some Swedish guests at a private game lodge. I brought them to the place where I stay to practice. They are AMAZING. Sunday, the whole day evolved around getting them to the reserve. At 19.45 they sang to around 20 Swedish guests during their dinner at the Game Reserve. They were so confident and by the looks of the visitors they managed to impress and amaze. Am so proud of them! At around 9, I drove a few of them home.
I only have 9 days left in S. Africa. I feel sad thinking about it, but at the same time I really miss my family and friends and can’t wait to see them. At this moment I dread the 12th of May, which is the day I have to get on the airplane and make the long journey home to the “cold”.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Easter holiday
For two and a half weeks I have been travelling around S. Africa with my dearest friend Kristina, who flew all the way from Scotland (26h 40 min) to spend the Easter holiday with me:)
I waited a whole day to get a car (rented from a friend here) that I could drive to Durban with to meet Kristina. The car I rented was an Isuzu pick-up, a buckie, that would be our means of getting around through out the easter holiday. We named it Double D Badness (DD). Along our travels we found a swedish flag to decorate our black beauty with, this flag was unfort. stolen when we parked DD by the Mozambiquan border.
Thats right we even made it to Mozambique. We started in Durban where we spent several days waiting for our LOVE- Akon, who came to perform at the International Conference Center in Durban. The wait was worthwhile, and for the first time in my life I got close to being a groupie. The day after the concert, Kristinas back was hurting so bad so we tried to get her a massage, ending up at Akons hotel (not knowing it was his hotel) and having a cup of coffee next to his "crew" hoping HE would turn up, which he didnt. Upset, but still excited, we left to Drakensberg, where we climbed the amazing amphitheatre, reaching 3120 meters above sealevel. The views from up there were fantastic, mountains and sky as far as the eye could reach. We also soaked our feet in the second highest waterfall in the world. From Drakensberg we drove of to the border of Mozambique, passing by amazing landscapes with our pick-up, having loaded our bags in bin bags at the back, cause it was raining. We reached the border to Moz. 10 min before they closed. Being stressed the immigration quickly gave Kristina our 2 visas (with my name printed in her passport and vice verca), whilst I parked the car. We got a lift to Ponta de Ouro just across the border. The next day we hit the beach and improved our tans. In Moz, since it was Easter we were only given 2 nights accomdation and everywhere else was fully booked. Lucky we made friends that took care of us and offered us to stay at their place after those 2 nights. We moved our bags to their place and that evening we went out dancing, starting by a bar at the beach, then moving onto Pintos place where they played a nice mix of house, learned so many new dancemoves from our friends :) That night we decided we needed to see Maputo, since we didnt really have a place to stay, but in order to do so we had to catch the first mini bus leaving at 4 am. We stayed out till 4 am and then convinced our new friends that we had to leave and got into the mini bus. Kristina describes this as the bus from hell. We were put at the very back of the bus, where there were no windows and pitchdark. I felt claustrophobic, and it was worse for Kris who suffered from motion sickness and was close to throwing up the whole time. After 1 and half hour on our horrible journey on the non-existing road to Maputo, filled with potholes EVERYWHERE, the car broke down. There was no reception in this middle of nowhere so the driver took of to find signal. We waited for an hour, Kristina still sick and me sleeping whilst standing, then we stopped a car and got a lift back to the border to S. Africa.
After this adventure I brought Kristina back to my "ends", Hluhluwe, where we spento spend 3 nights in my hut, experiencing the refreshing cold outdoor shower and the darkness of the night. In Hluhluwe we took DD Badness and drove to the game park, after 20 min we spotted 20 elephants Kristina kept urging me to drive closer to them. In Hluhluwe our car broke down, which to us was hurtful. But soon enough DD was fixed and we drove of to Durban, with a connecting flight to C. Town the following day. We decided not to take into a hostel since we had to check in at 4.30 in the morning. Instead we drove to a shopping mall and went to the movies. When the cinema ended around 1 am, we drove to the airport and slept in DD till check in time. In Cape Town we rented the smallest car, a VOLKSWAGON City Sport and named it Double A Sadness. Although she stayed faitful throughout our time in Cape T. Since we had a car we took into a hostel in the suburbs (10 min drive from city) at a "eco village", which was nothing like what you would picture an "ecological village". For those who have been to Christiania in Copenhagen this was something like that.
In Cape Town we visited the Waterfront, Robben Island and the Table Mountain. From Cape Town we drove to Stellenbosch for wine tasting. Driving from one beautifully set wine farm to the other, tasting and tasting amazing wines!!! Cape Town was very different from Kwa Zulu Natal, it was colder and whiter, when I write white I mean that the population was mostly white and also the enviroment was very "white", felt like you could be anywhere in Europe.
Our time travelling around South Africa was truly amazing and we've had weird, funny and exciting encounters.Its been a different "backpacking", since we did a road trip for the first time, seeing amazing landscapes and meeting different people. Also experiencing the contrasts in this country. The people we've met have all been extremly friendly and warm, offering us free food, shelter, gudiance, tours etc. The only trouble was that we ran out of money too SOOON. But that didnt stop us, as we found our ways of surviving in style, like we always do.
Now Im back in Hluhluwe and have exactly one month left before I leave this warm continent. Stay put for my remaining stories!
I waited a whole day to get a car (rented from a friend here) that I could drive to Durban with to meet Kristina. The car I rented was an Isuzu pick-up, a buckie, that would be our means of getting around through out the easter holiday. We named it Double D Badness (DD). Along our travels we found a swedish flag to decorate our black beauty with, this flag was unfort. stolen when we parked DD by the Mozambiquan border.
Thats right we even made it to Mozambique. We started in Durban where we spent several days waiting for our LOVE- Akon, who came to perform at the International Conference Center in Durban. The wait was worthwhile, and for the first time in my life I got close to being a groupie. The day after the concert, Kristinas back was hurting so bad so we tried to get her a massage, ending up at Akons hotel (not knowing it was his hotel) and having a cup of coffee next to his "crew" hoping HE would turn up, which he didnt. Upset, but still excited, we left to Drakensberg, where we climbed the amazing amphitheatre, reaching 3120 meters above sealevel. The views from up there were fantastic, mountains and sky as far as the eye could reach. We also soaked our feet in the second highest waterfall in the world. From Drakensberg we drove of to the border of Mozambique, passing by amazing landscapes with our pick-up, having loaded our bags in bin bags at the back, cause it was raining. We reached the border to Moz. 10 min before they closed. Being stressed the immigration quickly gave Kristina our 2 visas (with my name printed in her passport and vice verca), whilst I parked the car. We got a lift to Ponta de Ouro just across the border. The next day we hit the beach and improved our tans. In Moz, since it was Easter we were only given 2 nights accomdation and everywhere else was fully booked. Lucky we made friends that took care of us and offered us to stay at their place after those 2 nights. We moved our bags to their place and that evening we went out dancing, starting by a bar at the beach, then moving onto Pintos place where they played a nice mix of house, learned so many new dancemoves from our friends :) That night we decided we needed to see Maputo, since we didnt really have a place to stay, but in order to do so we had to catch the first mini bus leaving at 4 am. We stayed out till 4 am and then convinced our new friends that we had to leave and got into the mini bus. Kristina describes this as the bus from hell. We were put at the very back of the bus, where there were no windows and pitchdark. I felt claustrophobic, and it was worse for Kris who suffered from motion sickness and was close to throwing up the whole time. After 1 and half hour on our horrible journey on the non-existing road to Maputo, filled with potholes EVERYWHERE, the car broke down. There was no reception in this middle of nowhere so the driver took of to find signal. We waited for an hour, Kristina still sick and me sleeping whilst standing, then we stopped a car and got a lift back to the border to S. Africa.
After this adventure I brought Kristina back to my "ends", Hluhluwe, where we spento spend 3 nights in my hut, experiencing the refreshing cold outdoor shower and the darkness of the night. In Hluhluwe we took DD Badness and drove to the game park, after 20 min we spotted 20 elephants Kristina kept urging me to drive closer to them. In Hluhluwe our car broke down, which to us was hurtful. But soon enough DD was fixed and we drove of to Durban, with a connecting flight to C. Town the following day. We decided not to take into a hostel since we had to check in at 4.30 in the morning. Instead we drove to a shopping mall and went to the movies. When the cinema ended around 1 am, we drove to the airport and slept in DD till check in time. In Cape Town we rented the smallest car, a VOLKSWAGON City Sport and named it Double A Sadness. Although she stayed faitful throughout our time in Cape T. Since we had a car we took into a hostel in the suburbs (10 min drive from city) at a "eco village", which was nothing like what you would picture an "ecological village". For those who have been to Christiania in Copenhagen this was something like that.
In Cape Town we visited the Waterfront, Robben Island and the Table Mountain. From Cape Town we drove to Stellenbosch for wine tasting. Driving from one beautifully set wine farm to the other, tasting and tasting amazing wines!!! Cape Town was very different from Kwa Zulu Natal, it was colder and whiter, when I write white I mean that the population was mostly white and also the enviroment was very "white", felt like you could be anywhere in Europe.
Our time travelling around South Africa was truly amazing and we've had weird, funny and exciting encounters.Its been a different "backpacking", since we did a road trip for the first time, seeing amazing landscapes and meeting different people. Also experiencing the contrasts in this country. The people we've met have all been extremly friendly and warm, offering us free food, shelter, gudiance, tours etc. The only trouble was that we ran out of money too SOOON. But that didnt stop us, as we found our ways of surviving in style, like we always do.
Now Im back in Hluhluwe and have exactly one month left before I leave this warm continent. Stay put for my remaining stories!
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Learners Workshop 6
I look at all the faces, they shine with joy, excitment and many with glory. The speech of dreams fills hope in these young eyes. These young eyes have already seen the challenges of life, still hope and belief of a trouble-free and beautiful life persists.
The playful laughter spreads, smiles of purity- I am a Star for Life.
There is hope that these dreams will not fade away.
I want to be a doctor, I want to be a pilot, I want to be a social worker.
Dreams are dreams, the power in them lies that nobody can take them away from you. The key lies in achieving them.
That glow, don't let it die! There is the conviction that we are the future. Lets fill it with our songs using our powerful voices..
Ayeye Bangani Ayeye- Shonakona (move forward) We can do it!
Messages from the coaches:
"I am a star, a source of joy and hope. I believe and I can"
"I am important and I have a role to play in this continet"
"When you head towards your career, dont forget where you came from, dont forget the South Africa that gave birth to you and dont forget the African continent to which you belong- Go make it happen"
"Be the change you want to see in this world"
The playful laughter spreads, smiles of purity- I am a Star for Life.
There is hope that these dreams will not fade away.
I want to be a doctor, I want to be a pilot, I want to be a social worker.
Dreams are dreams, the power in them lies that nobody can take them away from you. The key lies in achieving them.
That glow, don't let it die! There is the conviction that we are the future. Lets fill it with our songs using our powerful voices..
Ayeye Bangani Ayeye- Shonakona (move forward) We can do it!
Messages from the coaches:
"I am a star, a source of joy and hope. I believe and I can"
"I am important and I have a role to play in this continet"
"When you head towards your career, dont forget where you came from, dont forget the South Africa that gave birth to you and dont forget the African continent to which you belong- Go make it happen"
"Be the change you want to see in this world"
Thursday, 11 March 2010
ABC
HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest challenges facing the African continent, in particular Sub Saharan Africa where approximately 22 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. The crisis poses serious threats on African development. Everyday the disease creates a staggering number of orphans and vulnerable children, which are in acute need of assistance. Nevertheless, a downturn trend is slowly evolving where there are signs of slow decrease and stabilisation in the epidemic. Still the epidemic is dire, and South Africa is the country in the world, in relation to its population, that is worst affected. Especially worrying is the increase of infection amongst the young population in the ages 15-21.
These are hard facts and figures to grasp, especially when one does not live in a society that constantly reminds you of the destitute situations brought about by the disease. What is important for ALL people to understand is the urgent need for African governments, along with NGOs to develop and implement effective programs and policies to adverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and to deal with the associated problems. Decent education for Africa’s next generation is an important focus, in order to combat and confront the HIV/AIDS crisis. The NGO that I am doing my placement with: Star for Life, is a relatively small NGO that deals with this issue. Through an educational programme the NGO aims to bring a mental vaccination to youths, where they are able to achieve their dreams by living an AIDS free life. The Star for Life programme is implemented in existing schools around S. Africa and Namibia with an effort to improve rural school infrastructure.
In South Africa the extent of the spread of HIV/AIDS has long been neglected by authorities. But civil society movements have had active HIV/AIDS campaigns and introduced the ABC concept:
A- Abstain
B- Be Faithful
C- Condomise
When the sex addict Jacob Zuma came into power he proclaimed himself an advocator of the HIV/AIDS campaign, but yet has failed on all parts of the ABC concept.
Firstly, he has several wives and girlfriends, meaning he failed point B- Be faithful. A recent scandal was that he slept with the daughter to one of the bosses and chairmans for the World Cup and got her pregnant- failing point A and C. Last of all, he was put in the spotlight after having slept with a HIV positive girl, and after made his “famous” statement
- It is ok, because I showered afterwards.
This is the president that is dealing with the HIV/AIDS situation in the country worst affected. The National Aids Helpline in South Africa has been inundated with calls about whether taking a shower after unprotected sex can minimise the risk of contracting HIV.
Now one can clearly understand the stressing need for civil society movements to act and put pressure on all levels in order to bring hope into the ill-fated situation.
These are hard facts and figures to grasp, especially when one does not live in a society that constantly reminds you of the destitute situations brought about by the disease. What is important for ALL people to understand is the urgent need for African governments, along with NGOs to develop and implement effective programs and policies to adverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and to deal with the associated problems. Decent education for Africa’s next generation is an important focus, in order to combat and confront the HIV/AIDS crisis. The NGO that I am doing my placement with: Star for Life, is a relatively small NGO that deals with this issue. Through an educational programme the NGO aims to bring a mental vaccination to youths, where they are able to achieve their dreams by living an AIDS free life. The Star for Life programme is implemented in existing schools around S. Africa and Namibia with an effort to improve rural school infrastructure.
In South Africa the extent of the spread of HIV/AIDS has long been neglected by authorities. But civil society movements have had active HIV/AIDS campaigns and introduced the ABC concept:
A- Abstain
B- Be Faithful
C- Condomise
When the sex addict Jacob Zuma came into power he proclaimed himself an advocator of the HIV/AIDS campaign, but yet has failed on all parts of the ABC concept.
Firstly, he has several wives and girlfriends, meaning he failed point B- Be faithful. A recent scandal was that he slept with the daughter to one of the bosses and chairmans for the World Cup and got her pregnant- failing point A and C. Last of all, he was put in the spotlight after having slept with a HIV positive girl, and after made his “famous” statement
- It is ok, because I showered afterwards.
This is the president that is dealing with the HIV/AIDS situation in the country worst affected. The National Aids Helpline in South Africa has been inundated with calls about whether taking a shower after unprotected sex can minimise the risk of contracting HIV.
Now one can clearly understand the stressing need for civil society movements to act and put pressure on all levels in order to bring hope into the ill-fated situation.
Monday, 8 March 2010
A few observations
- the relaxed attitude between teachers and in staffrooms
- how clean the students uniforms and shoes are every morning
- the liking of “house” music
- the white and black disparity that still exists
- the passion for hunting and wildlife amongst most Afrikaans living in this area
- the capturing nature and diverse wildlife that surrounds this area
- how “western” tourists go crazy over the “African time”
- how little tea people drink here
- 95% of pineapples grown in Hluhluwe are exported
- the surprising reactions received when people find out I am half Zambian, half Swedish
- majority of girls in the schools visited dream of being some sort of doctor, pilot or scientist
- the respectful gestures between adults, and youth and adults (e.g. when handing over something it will be done with two hands, or when greeting someone from a distance they will respectfully press their palms together in chest height as a greeting)
- a different kind of physical contact, where men hold hands just as normal as girls do. When someone grabs your hand, in a handshake or similar they will hold onto it for some time
- the strong spirituality and Christian belief
Thursday, 4 March 2010
A typical day
I wake up to my trustful alarm. Its 6 am, early rise and shine. The rooster has already been up since 4 am, trying to wake everyone, without success. This night I woke up at 4am, when everyone was still deep asleep. I woke up ‘cause I needed to pee. Discovered that I was way to scared to make my way down to the dark toilet, cause there could be snakes, spiders or cockroaches there, especially at night. I tried to fall back to sleep, but the need wouldn’t go away, so eventually I grabbed my torch, brave enough as I am, and peed at the side of my hut, still fearing a snake attack. My hysteria with snakes is legitimate. 3 days ago there was a big snake outside our kitchen. They guys killed it by throwing heavy bricks on it. They then took a shuffle and aimed for body and head, it was quite a big snake, most likely a python.
Its 6.15, time to shower and get ready. The shower doesn’t have hot water, not that you need it. It’s only in the morning the shower is cold, and even then it’s not that cold, cold enough to wake you up. In the afternoon the water has been heated a little from the sun, and is a perfect temperature to cool you down from the extreme heat. After getting dressed I go down to the common hut where we eat breakfast. Coffee is always the last thing to arrive on the table, and it’s the thing I crave the most. My ONE cup a day has become very important to me. I almost feel proud of myself for surviving (most of the days) on just ONE cup of coffee- a cut-down from my normal average of 4-6 cups per day.
Whilst brushing my teeth in the outdoor sink, the rooster and a chicken with her chicks walk past me. I think of how nice the rooster would have been roasted. The chicken and chicks don’t bother me; the chicks actually remind me of 2 chicks I used to keep as pets when I was a child. But the rooster.. the rooster would make good stew.
Its 7.30, time to head down to Siphosabadletshe “Sipho” High School. Today I’m teaching CV and job application writing for three Grade 12 classes. I have also prepared homework for them. This week I will also teach few younger classes within a subject called Life Orientation. They want me to teach them in “Physical Development and Movement”. I’m meant to show the students some dance, aerobic or gymnastic steps along with a bit of theory. Good luck to me! Need to practise dem dancemoves. Im sure Ndumiso and Bandhile (the two girl relatives that also live where I live) would love to practise some moves with me. I need a portable CD player, so that I can take them down to their football ground, the semigrassed football pitch they have. Where will I get music from? It’s a 10 min walk down to Sipho from where I live, its almost 8am and classes start at 7.30, its time for me to head down there.
As I walk the dusty gravel road to school I let my eyes rest on the big green hills with few huts on each side. The scenery doesn’t stop to amaze me, I love it. Its so tranquil and the mountains are so green with grass that speaks to you when the wind passes by. The small area where I live is called Nompondo, it’s a small community. I pass the cows that reside by the crossing leading to Sipho. The cows are tired today and for once occupy the side of the road. Walking into the staff room, Im greeted friendly by the teachers. I sit down next to my two favourite teachers, the ones that I “follow” around (Hlengiwe and Pendhile). After I finish my teaching of the day, in CV writing and job applications, I realise that I actually manage to keep the attention of a class of 60 students for a whole hour and they even took notes when I told them to and didn’t object when I gave them homework- SUCCESS! My next two classes are not till two hours later. Today I wished to talk to Hlengiwe about the Partner School Programme, that runs through Star for Life. Parts of my work assignments are to help coordinate this programme. I want us to set up a “Partner School” society at Sipho.
The sun is burning, I reside inside the “teachers room” to prepare for my coming classes. Its 1.30, only one more class to go. The mobile clinic from Star for Life is now here. With the mobile clinic, Nolutando and Scebile (psychologist/coach and nurse) drive around to different schools to carry out VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) of HIV/AIDS. The mobile clinic is very nice indeed. It’s a small van, with a small clinic at the back. On the side it has Star for Lifes logo with the sponsors (Volvo) and on the front head it has a picture of two happy students in their School uniforms. I think of the work these two ladies carry out. Scebile (the nurse) has to inform a student if he/she test positive or not, and Nolutando (coach/psychologist) lets students come to hear with their problems, in most cases they involve abuse, rape/rape attempts, drug addiction and also sicknesses. I admire the work they do and the courage and support they show the students. Receiving the mobile clinic was a big step for Star for Life and the work they do.
My last class is over, I cant help but feel proud for managing to teach High School students. I ask Phendile to give me a lift to the office in town. On our way, Phendile doesn’t notice that we drive past three giraffes. They are behind the small fence that sorrounds the Hluhluwe Imfolozi national park. Maybe she is used to it, I should be too by now. I see them like every second day, but every time Im just as amazed. I love these animals, I think they are amongst my favourite animal. They are so gracious and beautiful and I don’t want to stop acknowledging their presence however often I may see them. I think the giraffe should be amongst the “Big Five”. Why aren’t they?
At the office I share a few jokes with the staff that is present. Not many are in today, so there is music playing (Ranging from South African hits to Lingala music). J.D shows me few kwasa-kwasa moves. He is good! I check my emails and help myself to a SECOND cup of coffee and a peanut butter sandwich Doesn’t take much to please me!
I’m told this weekend there will be a brie/bbq by the beach in St. Lucia for the staff of Star for Life, nice!
Its almost five, time to get a lift back. One of the things that frustrate me the most is not being able to arrange for my own transportation. Mbonise (homestead), where I live in Nompondo is 15 km outside town. When I get back to Mbonise, David, Johannes and Bernard and the kids are playing football, I join them while the sun starts to set behind the hills (in what I think is the East). I love the sunset here. The sun first spreads its last arms of light through sparse blue clouds, then it slowly turns darker, not red but dark yellow before it quickly disappears behind one of the hills. A hot day is coming to its end and finally there is a cool breeze.
We get a kerosene lamp and take a rest on the grass, watching the last of the sunset. Its almost time for dinner, we’re served in the common hut area, eating a feast meal under the light of two dimmed kerosene lamps. Tulani is a good cook, tonight he made nice chicken stew with veggies in, boiled butter nut (a kind of sweet pumpkin), a soft stiff papp (also known as fufu, ugali, nshima) and a bean sauce, YUMMIE! The portions are big!
When everyone is filled up, we play our regular game of cards till it gets late- bedtime 10pm.
I brush my teeth under a sky lit up by shiny stars. Don’t remember when or where I last saw the Milky Way this clear and bright. I gaze up at the night sky, listening to the silence of wild nature, all I hear are crickets, some distant music, some dogs barking.. sounds that fade into silence. I pick a star, the one that I think shines almost a bit red and whisper a soft good night to all those that I miss- Good Night!
Its 6.15, time to shower and get ready. The shower doesn’t have hot water, not that you need it. It’s only in the morning the shower is cold, and even then it’s not that cold, cold enough to wake you up. In the afternoon the water has been heated a little from the sun, and is a perfect temperature to cool you down from the extreme heat. After getting dressed I go down to the common hut where we eat breakfast. Coffee is always the last thing to arrive on the table, and it’s the thing I crave the most. My ONE cup a day has become very important to me. I almost feel proud of myself for surviving (most of the days) on just ONE cup of coffee- a cut-down from my normal average of 4-6 cups per day.
Whilst brushing my teeth in the outdoor sink, the rooster and a chicken with her chicks walk past me. I think of how nice the rooster would have been roasted. The chicken and chicks don’t bother me; the chicks actually remind me of 2 chicks I used to keep as pets when I was a child. But the rooster.. the rooster would make good stew.
Its 7.30, time to head down to Siphosabadletshe “Sipho” High School. Today I’m teaching CV and job application writing for three Grade 12 classes. I have also prepared homework for them. This week I will also teach few younger classes within a subject called Life Orientation. They want me to teach them in “Physical Development and Movement”. I’m meant to show the students some dance, aerobic or gymnastic steps along with a bit of theory. Good luck to me! Need to practise dem dancemoves. Im sure Ndumiso and Bandhile (the two girl relatives that also live where I live) would love to practise some moves with me. I need a portable CD player, so that I can take them down to their football ground, the semigrassed football pitch they have. Where will I get music from? It’s a 10 min walk down to Sipho from where I live, its almost 8am and classes start at 7.30, its time for me to head down there.
As I walk the dusty gravel road to school I let my eyes rest on the big green hills with few huts on each side. The scenery doesn’t stop to amaze me, I love it. Its so tranquil and the mountains are so green with grass that speaks to you when the wind passes by. The small area where I live is called Nompondo, it’s a small community. I pass the cows that reside by the crossing leading to Sipho. The cows are tired today and for once occupy the side of the road. Walking into the staff room, Im greeted friendly by the teachers. I sit down next to my two favourite teachers, the ones that I “follow” around (Hlengiwe and Pendhile). After I finish my teaching of the day, in CV writing and job applications, I realise that I actually manage to keep the attention of a class of 60 students for a whole hour and they even took notes when I told them to and didn’t object when I gave them homework- SUCCESS! My next two classes are not till two hours later. Today I wished to talk to Hlengiwe about the Partner School Programme, that runs through Star for Life. Parts of my work assignments are to help coordinate this programme. I want us to set up a “Partner School” society at Sipho.
The sun is burning, I reside inside the “teachers room” to prepare for my coming classes. Its 1.30, only one more class to go. The mobile clinic from Star for Life is now here. With the mobile clinic, Nolutando and Scebile (psychologist/coach and nurse) drive around to different schools to carry out VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) of HIV/AIDS. The mobile clinic is very nice indeed. It’s a small van, with a small clinic at the back. On the side it has Star for Lifes logo with the sponsors (Volvo) and on the front head it has a picture of two happy students in their School uniforms. I think of the work these two ladies carry out. Scebile (the nurse) has to inform a student if he/she test positive or not, and Nolutando (coach/psychologist) lets students come to hear with their problems, in most cases they involve abuse, rape/rape attempts, drug addiction and also sicknesses. I admire the work they do and the courage and support they show the students. Receiving the mobile clinic was a big step for Star for Life and the work they do.
My last class is over, I cant help but feel proud for managing to teach High School students. I ask Phendile to give me a lift to the office in town. On our way, Phendile doesn’t notice that we drive past three giraffes. They are behind the small fence that sorrounds the Hluhluwe Imfolozi national park. Maybe she is used to it, I should be too by now. I see them like every second day, but every time Im just as amazed. I love these animals, I think they are amongst my favourite animal. They are so gracious and beautiful and I don’t want to stop acknowledging their presence however often I may see them. I think the giraffe should be amongst the “Big Five”. Why aren’t they?
At the office I share a few jokes with the staff that is present. Not many are in today, so there is music playing (Ranging from South African hits to Lingala music). J.D shows me few kwasa-kwasa moves. He is good! I check my emails and help myself to a SECOND cup of coffee and a peanut butter sandwich Doesn’t take much to please me!
I’m told this weekend there will be a brie/bbq by the beach in St. Lucia for the staff of Star for Life, nice!
Its almost five, time to get a lift back. One of the things that frustrate me the most is not being able to arrange for my own transportation. Mbonise (homestead), where I live in Nompondo is 15 km outside town. When I get back to Mbonise, David, Johannes and Bernard and the kids are playing football, I join them while the sun starts to set behind the hills (in what I think is the East). I love the sunset here. The sun first spreads its last arms of light through sparse blue clouds, then it slowly turns darker, not red but dark yellow before it quickly disappears behind one of the hills. A hot day is coming to its end and finally there is a cool breeze.
We get a kerosene lamp and take a rest on the grass, watching the last of the sunset. Its almost time for dinner, we’re served in the common hut area, eating a feast meal under the light of two dimmed kerosene lamps. Tulani is a good cook, tonight he made nice chicken stew with veggies in, boiled butter nut (a kind of sweet pumpkin), a soft stiff papp (also known as fufu, ugali, nshima) and a bean sauce, YUMMIE! The portions are big!
When everyone is filled up, we play our regular game of cards till it gets late- bedtime 10pm.
I brush my teeth under a sky lit up by shiny stars. Don’t remember when or where I last saw the Milky Way this clear and bright. I gaze up at the night sky, listening to the silence of wild nature, all I hear are crickets, some distant music, some dogs barking.. sounds that fade into silence. I pick a star, the one that I think shines almost a bit red and whisper a soft good night to all those that I miss- Good Night!
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Thing's I've seen
- A lot of women using a special kind of red mud in their face as sunprotection
- Teachers beating their students
- Numerous cows and donkeys blocking roads with no fear of speeding cars
- A lot of litter
- A principal sharing lunch from the same plate with two other teachers
- A big snake (maybe python) outside our kitchen
- Lots of giraffes on my way to the office
- A rhino with its cute baby
- A mother (in her early 30s) having 2 (750ml) beers and three shots of rom from breakfast
- The most amazing thunder lightnings
- A gorgeous pineapple farm belonging to one of the 14 pineapple farmers in S. Africa
- A little girl peeing her pants outside a corner shop, with no one responding to her
- Zulu women with beautiful features (lovely features with high cheekbones)
- School boys in the age of 14 flirt with me
- A monkey trap at a pineapple farm
- Teachers beating their students
- Numerous cows and donkeys blocking roads with no fear of speeding cars
- A lot of litter
- A principal sharing lunch from the same plate with two other teachers
- A big snake (maybe python) outside our kitchen
- Lots of giraffes on my way to the office
- A rhino with its cute baby
- A mother (in her early 30s) having 2 (750ml) beers and three shots of rom from breakfast
- The most amazing thunder lightnings
- A gorgeous pineapple farm belonging to one of the 14 pineapple farmers in S. Africa
- A little girl peeing her pants outside a corner shop, with no one responding to her
- Zulu women with beautiful features (lovely features with high cheekbones)
- School boys in the age of 14 flirt with me
- A monkey trap at a pineapple farm
Thursday, 25 February 2010
A few pictures
Here are pictures over where I live, kids and schools I have visited during different projects (handing over laptops/fotball shoes etc) and our weekend trip to the coast in St. Lucia.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
The power of witchcraft
It is well known that witchcraft is well practised in Africa, where people either believe in it or deeply respect it. Living in Africa or visiting Africa for a longer period, you are bound to experience the impacts of witchcraft. Since I was a child I have always been aware of witchcraft, hearing stories, seeing the fear and caution it brings out in people. Here is my latest occurence with witchcraft..
The first experience was last week, when I was in Siphosabadletshe High School, one of the two schools where I work and teach a little bit. Whilst in class with one teacher all of a sudden there is a burst of laughter, and a boy (who is 18 or so) gets up and leaves. The laugher is unstoppable, the teacher tries to find out whats going on. Since they all speak in IsiZulu I cant understand anything. I sit puzzled at whats going on, when next guy calmly walks out of the class, without saying anything. I ask the student next to me to explain whats going on. She tells me that the boys had to leave the class because they are sick.
- Sick?! what do you mean sick?”
- They are sick, they want to sleep with girl
- What do you mean, which girl, what kind of sick?
- You know down there, they have been bewitched, they are sick (she says pointing down to the crutch area)
I laugh slowly understanding the guys must have felt "aroused" during class and therefore left, but sick… I wouldn’t call it sick. After five minutes the boys come back as if nothing has happened. With no look of shame or embarrassement.
After class I discuss this with the teacher and ask her what really happened, she explains that its been a problem in the schools where some boys have been bewitched, so they get aroused during class and have to leave. They have spoken to teachers and the principal about it, explaining that they are sick, they have been bewitched and cant help it, and it has become an accepted problem in the school. Rumours have started to spread that even some of the male teachers have this “sickness”, but hide it by putting their hands in their pockets. So I ask the teacher what they’re going to do about it, and she says there is nothing they can do about it. Just hope they get well.
The next case was today, when I visited my second school Cwakeme(for the first time). Waiting for some teachers to come, suddenly we hear this loud hysterical scream from outside. I go to see whats going on, and find a girl screaming, crying, throwing herself wildly. 3-4 guys try to control her and carry/drag her across the field to the grass. Then there is an outburst where 4-5 other girls start behaving in the same way, running around like headless chickens screaming, and the guys are running to get a hold of them to calm them down. I ask the teachers what is going on, waiting to hear them say that they are bewitched. Which was exactly what the teachers told me, so I ask if I can help in any way- “They need prayers, maybe you can go pray for them”. I quickly cross the field and sit next to one of the screaming/crying girls. Not knowing any prayers in English or IsiZulu, I grab hold of her hands trying to calm her, saying "shhhh shhhh shhh.. breathe" repeatedly, but the girl continues screaming. Finally out of desperation, I start stroking her head and saying all kinds of Christian words in Kiswahili and Swedish to which she slowly starts to calm down, but still crying and breathing heavily. I slowly lift her up to sitting and give her a hug, stroking her tears away so that she can have a glance at me. Then SLOWLY she starts to calm down, and the teachers take over. The girls were all driven home.
Its one of those interesting encounters that brings understanding to culture and belief, and also understanding of people. Even the people that say the do not believe in witchcraft accept witchcraft as a reason for illness, and prayer always seems to be the answer.
The first experience was last week, when I was in Siphosabadletshe High School, one of the two schools where I work and teach a little bit. Whilst in class with one teacher all of a sudden there is a burst of laughter, and a boy (who is 18 or so) gets up and leaves. The laugher is unstoppable, the teacher tries to find out whats going on. Since they all speak in IsiZulu I cant understand anything. I sit puzzled at whats going on, when next guy calmly walks out of the class, without saying anything. I ask the student next to me to explain whats going on. She tells me that the boys had to leave the class because they are sick.
- Sick?! what do you mean sick?”
- They are sick, they want to sleep with girl
- What do you mean, which girl, what kind of sick?
- You know down there, they have been bewitched, they are sick (she says pointing down to the crutch area)
I laugh slowly understanding the guys must have felt "aroused" during class and therefore left, but sick… I wouldn’t call it sick. After five minutes the boys come back as if nothing has happened. With no look of shame or embarrassement.
After class I discuss this with the teacher and ask her what really happened, she explains that its been a problem in the schools where some boys have been bewitched, so they get aroused during class and have to leave. They have spoken to teachers and the principal about it, explaining that they are sick, they have been bewitched and cant help it, and it has become an accepted problem in the school. Rumours have started to spread that even some of the male teachers have this “sickness”, but hide it by putting their hands in their pockets. So I ask the teacher what they’re going to do about it, and she says there is nothing they can do about it. Just hope they get well.
The next case was today, when I visited my second school Cwakeme(for the first time). Waiting for some teachers to come, suddenly we hear this loud hysterical scream from outside. I go to see whats going on, and find a girl screaming, crying, throwing herself wildly. 3-4 guys try to control her and carry/drag her across the field to the grass. Then there is an outburst where 4-5 other girls start behaving in the same way, running around like headless chickens screaming, and the guys are running to get a hold of them to calm them down. I ask the teachers what is going on, waiting to hear them say that they are bewitched. Which was exactly what the teachers told me, so I ask if I can help in any way- “They need prayers, maybe you can go pray for them”. I quickly cross the field and sit next to one of the screaming/crying girls. Not knowing any prayers in English or IsiZulu, I grab hold of her hands trying to calm her, saying "shhhh shhhh shhh.. breathe" repeatedly, but the girl continues screaming. Finally out of desperation, I start stroking her head and saying all kinds of Christian words in Kiswahili and Swedish to which she slowly starts to calm down, but still crying and breathing heavily. I slowly lift her up to sitting and give her a hug, stroking her tears away so that she can have a glance at me. Then SLOWLY she starts to calm down, and the teachers take over. The girls were all driven home.
Its one of those interesting encounters that brings understanding to culture and belief, and also understanding of people. Even the people that say the do not believe in witchcraft accept witchcraft as a reason for illness, and prayer always seems to be the answer.
Monday, 22 February 2010
First week
First week has passed. What a week! I arrived on Monday, and by the time of my arrival, a bunch of swedish students also arrived, from Procivitas Gymnasiet in Malmo. They were here to do two projects of their own. One team of two came to distriute second hand laptops that they had managed to gather back home, to StarforLife schools. The other group were three fotballgirls, that had gathered fotballshoes back home, which tbey distributed to the StarforLife girlteams. Same week the band members of Triple & Touch who work for StarforLife also came down, so I was able to follow them on their trips too. All in all, I visited 4 different StarforLife schools, of which I am based at one called Siphosabadltshe High School, where I have been placed to work with their partner schools in Sweden, England and Thailand.
Last week, I also taught one of their classes, in a subject called Life Orientation. I had prepared 7 questions concerning cultural differences, that we discussed for an hour and a half. Was very interesting to hear these Grade 12ers opinions and ideas. I had prepared a question on what they thought about marrying outside your own culture. The opinions were divided, although majority agreed that its a positive thing to marry across cultures as it brings an exchange and understanding. One boy answered that love should determine that, and if you really love somebody it doesnt matter where theyre from or what culture or traditions they stem from. They way he said it was very sweet. I then asked him, if he would marry a muslim woman that had come straight from Dubai, wearing a hijab- to which he responded NOOOO, I cant do that.. that would not be possible. Compl. contrary to what he had just said.. What about LOVE?!
This weekend I also travelled with the three other "volunteers" that live with me (David, Bernard and Johannes) to the beach by St. Lucia. That was a small nice gate away. We checked into a beautiful guesthouse, that was like a small little Thailand inside, and went to tan and swim at a quite empty beach. The guys of course burned their pale skins. We also ate very WELL, a lot of seafood, and enjoyed the luxuries of AC, functioning shower with hot water, a soft big bed, hairdryer and lots more.
Jokes aside, Hluhluwe, where I stay, has everything one really needs, its a small town, but the scenery is amazing. I am still waiting to visit Hluhluwe Imfolozi park which is 1 km from where I live. Its the park with the most Black Rhinos in the world.
Besides this, am slowly trying to pick up IziZulu, which is quite difficult cause of the click sounds it has.
My second week, hoping to get into the work more and create a schedule over my working weeks.
Love from a tanned TamTam
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
At the beginning
It took me two days to reach my destination, the small town Hluhluwe in the North Eastern South Africa. Due to a bad snow weather in Frankfurt I missed my connection flight to S. Africa and had to spend a night at the ariport. It was a painful night, all hotels were full, queues took hours.After hours of waiting I finally got booked on another flight with a detour route via London for the following day. You can imagine how tempted I felt to leave the aiport to visit friends in London:)
That night at Frankfurt airport, I found a bench to rest on and tried to get some sleep, which was impossible! The bench was hard and hurt my body, my "summer 2010 South Africa" outfit didnt manage to keep me warm in the cold German airport and on top of this at 4.30 Dennis the young cleaner had to wake me up to ask me a thousand questions and offer me water.
When I finally reached S. Africas capital Johannesburg I had another connection flight to my final destination, but here once again all odds were against me. My bag didnt arrive, and when I ran to check in to my next flight, I was not in their system. Close to tears I had to queue up in another queue where a man informed me that I had by then missed my connection flight and the next flight was the following day. He gave me my two options, to stay another night at the airport to wait for the next flight the following day, or to BUY another ticktet to Durban, which is the closest to my original destination. I clearly showed the man my frustration, tiredness and sadness and thereafter feeling beaten bought a ticket to Durban.
So, the trip down was awful and my bag didnt arrive till 2 days after. Anyway I made it here and Im well. Its summer here, although with a rain period. Coming from a cold winter in Sweden with -10 degrees almost every day, the heat here is overwhelming (except when its been raining). But Im not the one to complain, knowing the perfect tan I get out of it!
I rent a hut from the project manager of the organisation (Star for Life), where I have everything I need, nothing more :) My hut has a grassattached roof, clay walls and floor, three small beds in it and a small cupboard. There is a common (WATER) toilet for us volunteers with 2 showers, one indoor and one outdoor. Unfortunetly we've been having water shortage where some times during the day there is no water and you have to shower by filling up a basin/bucket. The other day we drove into town to fetch water from the office to fill up in the tank at "home". But since I got here Ive managed fine with the water. Only once have I had to shower with the few liters a bucket can hold. As for light in my hut, I have 2 torches and a kerosine lamp. Funny thing is that it doesnt bother me as much as I thought it would. I leave home at around 7.30am and dont get back till late afternoon, after which we'll have dinner in the "common" hut with kerosine lamps, and thereafter we play cards and watch the stars outside. Its been long since I saw the milky way this clear. The nightsky is SO clear and beautiful. Then at around 9-10 I withdraw to my hut and might read a little with the ligth of my torch and then fall asleep. I have internet at the office, and inside the main house where the principle stays we charge our phones etc cause he has electricity.
I have the most AMAZING landscape view from where I stay. There is not much around, besides few other huts. In the morning whilst brushing my teeth outside I behold the image of hectares and hectares of mountainous wilderness, with an overview of Hluhluwe National park.
Since I got here I havent been put into work properly. Have visited two schools, in one where I held an english class for a grade 12. Yesterday I had the most amazing dinner at the private five star game reserve Thanda, with a maincourse of crocodile, kudu (a sort of deer), and lots of other delicacies.
Today I will travel close to the border of Mocambique to visit another school which has a perfoming group of students that 2 guys from the project will work with, so expecting a lot of songs and dancing.
There are many expressions that are still to be shared, so keep reading.
Miss you all!
Love and Peace!
That night at Frankfurt airport, I found a bench to rest on and tried to get some sleep, which was impossible! The bench was hard and hurt my body, my "summer 2010 South Africa" outfit didnt manage to keep me warm in the cold German airport and on top of this at 4.30 Dennis the young cleaner had to wake me up to ask me a thousand questions and offer me water.
When I finally reached S. Africas capital Johannesburg I had another connection flight to my final destination, but here once again all odds were against me. My bag didnt arrive, and when I ran to check in to my next flight, I was not in their system. Close to tears I had to queue up in another queue where a man informed me that I had by then missed my connection flight and the next flight was the following day. He gave me my two options, to stay another night at the airport to wait for the next flight the following day, or to BUY another ticktet to Durban, which is the closest to my original destination. I clearly showed the man my frustration, tiredness and sadness and thereafter feeling beaten bought a ticket to Durban.
So, the trip down was awful and my bag didnt arrive till 2 days after. Anyway I made it here and Im well. Its summer here, although with a rain period. Coming from a cold winter in Sweden with -10 degrees almost every day, the heat here is overwhelming (except when its been raining). But Im not the one to complain, knowing the perfect tan I get out of it!
I rent a hut from the project manager of the organisation (Star for Life), where I have everything I need, nothing more :) My hut has a grassattached roof, clay walls and floor, three small beds in it and a small cupboard. There is a common (WATER) toilet for us volunteers with 2 showers, one indoor and one outdoor. Unfortunetly we've been having water shortage where some times during the day there is no water and you have to shower by filling up a basin/bucket. The other day we drove into town to fetch water from the office to fill up in the tank at "home". But since I got here Ive managed fine with the water. Only once have I had to shower with the few liters a bucket can hold. As for light in my hut, I have 2 torches and a kerosine lamp. Funny thing is that it doesnt bother me as much as I thought it would. I leave home at around 7.30am and dont get back till late afternoon, after which we'll have dinner in the "common" hut with kerosine lamps, and thereafter we play cards and watch the stars outside. Its been long since I saw the milky way this clear. The nightsky is SO clear and beautiful. Then at around 9-10 I withdraw to my hut and might read a little with the ligth of my torch and then fall asleep. I have internet at the office, and inside the main house where the principle stays we charge our phones etc cause he has electricity.
I have the most AMAZING landscape view from where I stay. There is not much around, besides few other huts. In the morning whilst brushing my teeth outside I behold the image of hectares and hectares of mountainous wilderness, with an overview of Hluhluwe National park.
Since I got here I havent been put into work properly. Have visited two schools, in one where I held an english class for a grade 12. Yesterday I had the most amazing dinner at the private five star game reserve Thanda, with a maincourse of crocodile, kudu (a sort of deer), and lots of other delicacies.
Today I will travel close to the border of Mocambique to visit another school which has a perfoming group of students that 2 guys from the project will work with, so expecting a lot of songs and dancing.
There are many expressions that are still to be shared, so keep reading.
Miss you all!
Love and Peace!
Friday, 8 January 2010
EBCC Ethiopia
Last summer I spent a month in the southern capital Awassa in Ethiopia. I volunteered with a grassroots non-profit Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) called EBCC (Edget Baandnet Children Center). Edget Baandnet meaning- Growth Together.
EBCC aims to help disadvantaged children, mainly HIV-AIDS orphans in Ethiopia- one of the poorest countries in the world. The mission is to empower children by integrating them into schools, labour markets and most importantly into a stable home surrounded by love and hope. The overall aim is to prevent children from a life on the street with physical and emotional abuse.
We were a group of 14 volunteers (6 from overseas and eight local volunteers) who co-ordinated a summer camp programme through EBCC. A total of 250 children were registered four our camp. We arranged nine different classes for the kids to attend: Cooking, English, Basketball, Photography, Aikido, Circus, Football, Music and Art.
Prior to our departure to Ethiopia we arranged a fundraising event in the UEL SU Bar, to raise money directly to the NGO and spread information about the work of EBCC and the need for monthly donors.
My NGO placement in Awassa, Ethiopia enhanced my knowledge and character in many ways. I gained a broader understanding of the foundations of civil society and management of third-sector organisations. As most small NGOs, EBCC faces the challenges of being a non-profit organisation in a developing country, thus meaning existing within limited resources. The NGO is thriving, although still struggles to generate a sustainable income to cover all its expenses and develop its projects.
Working with children that have experienced destitution to an unimaginable extent, I reflected and evaluated my presence there, considering the short-/and long term effects our work would have. We wanted to do the summer camp as a way of diversifying our volunteer work, and being able to put our own curriculum into practice, to be innovative and contribute to the development of EBCC. Our goal was to try and give adolescents a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to experience different activities and develop/explore their talents. By teaching different courses, we wanted to strengthen their self-esteem and inspire them to believe and perceive a dream, which they feel responsible to achieve. The aim was that the different activities would offer a broader dimension of teachings and aspire to the kids in different ways.
It was a great opportunity to work with an NGO that invests in the lives of the children of Awassa, since they are the future of Ehtiopia, a nation challenged in so many ways.
Star for Life placement in Hluhluwe, South Africa
On 3 Feb, I fly out to South Africa. For three months I will be living in the rural village Nompondo outside Hluhluwe volunteering with a Swedish NGO called Star for Life. Star for Life is a young NGO established to work with the severe challenges of HIV/AIDS in the region. The aim is to, through education, encourage the youths of South Africa and Namibia to dream and believe in themselves, to support them in living an Aids-free life. A mental vaccination they call it. For more reading on Star for Life visit their webpage- www.starforlife.org. or for pictures over the area I will be working in visit www.mbonise.com.
At the moment, I am in full preparation of my departure, so stay put more is to come within short.
Peace and Love!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
