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"
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
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
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