First off I should apologize for the lack of blogging, it may seem careless but really I’ve just been spending more time exploring Cape Town and less time on my macbook! At least once a day we turn to each other and agree that this is the most carefree, wonderful, positively addicting place on earth and I honestly couldn’t imagine my life without this experience. As the days fly by I realize how important it is to capture each one as accurately as I can and let myself grow and learn as much as possible. (I know that sounds overly cliche but it’s true!) Ilitha Labantu is going wonderfully, I work with the most incredible group of people who have taught me much about Xhosa culture and township life. Two weeks ago I was asked to write a proposal for the Stand Up Campaign’s day of Poverty Awareness on October 17th. (Part of the UN’s Millennium Campaign to end poverty by 2015). The task was certainly daunting as I wasn’t really given much information other than the theme of ‘coming to the table in the shadows of Table Mountain.’ The idea was to bring together NGOs and non-profits from all over the Western Cape to create a large masterpiece (tablecloth) to place on Table Mountain followed by lunch for 20,000 impoverished in downtown Cape Town. I have never written a proposal before but with the help of a few of my wonderful roommates I was able to figure something out!
absolutely incredible how much these kids share with each other
On a day-to-day basis I still accompany Menzo and Suthu to various schools in Nyanga to teach about domestic violence and HIV/AIDS prevention. Tomorrow I have my own class and will be discussing neglect with the 6th and 7th graders at St. Mary’s (above photos). I have also been working with Nompumelelo which is a special needs school for 6-18 year olds in Gugulethu. Through talking with the teachers I have come to realize the incredible amount of preventable neurological diseases many children face simply because of their young mother’s poor prenatal care. Seeing their bright and beautiful smiles while realistically knowing their mental and physical limitations is extremely sobering. These kids have really inspired me and have led me to brainstorm ideas for various programs, workshops and support groups for pregnant teenagers in Gugulethu. Right now I’m in the process of meeting with my site director and social workers from Ilitha Labantu and will hopefully have something in place by mid-September.
wonderful Nompumelelo kids
Classes are going well at the University of the Western Cape, I can’t believe the semester is already halfway over! Spring Break starts Friday so I will be traveling all over South Africa with 11 others from our group for ten days or so- very exciting! Megan and Billy have been visiting since last Thursday which has been amazing, we climbed Lions Head again on Friday for the sunset and then went to see the penguins in Simon’s Town and surfing in Muizenburg on Saturday.
dsha in cape town!
high tide! (sam and I opted to watch the surfers and attempt to keep their bags dry-naturally turning into quite the adventure)
On Sunday a few of us ventured to Mzoli’s in Gugulethu which is the MOST amazing braii- maybe the first time I actually realized how happy I am not to be a vegetarian! We walked into a room literally full of every kind of meat you could imagine and picked out some of everything. We found a table outside in the sun surrounded by people of all ages and cultures who were showing up as quickly as they could after church in their Sunday best with huge coolers and ready to party. A DJ started playing and before we knew it everyone was dancing and having an amazing time- it was the most at home and at peace I have felt in a while. (it’s safe to say im obsessed with south africa)
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