COUNTRY: Southern Africa (Swaziland, Mozambique & South Africa)
PROGRAM: GapBreak
PROJECT: Teaching & Care Work
WRITTEN BY: Monique Bedwell & Rebecca Young
Everyone was blown away with the beautiful view of Hout Bay from the balcony of our newly adopted home. Our first weekend at Hout Bay was spent in different ways as everyone had very different ideas on how they wished to spend their first weekend here.
It began with celebrating Louisa's birthday where we enjoyed a lovely night at Spiro's Greek restaurant. After dinner we then continued into Camps Bay where we were able to enjoy a few drinks. The next day half of the group made their way down to the local markets that were full of music, stalls, clothes, jewellery, and some seriously good food. Another small group which included Rebecca, Tash, Fe and Mon went on the Red Bus Tour of the coastal line from Hout Bay all around the scenic routes to Cape Town. This also enabled them to have the opportunity to climb the world renowned Table Mountain. The weather couldn't have been better and eventually everyone else got to see it themselves later on in the trip. The weekend pushed past very quickly and before we knew it we were getting an orientation of Hout Bay and a tour of the Township Imizamo Yethu, that we would be working in.
The tour was directed by a enthusiastic man named Afrika who was from the township and was proud to take us on a tour of his home. We were shown to the after school care called Ikhaya le Themba, which was a place that children are given the opportunity to gain extra help with homework or any other subjects they were struggling with. We were also informed that we all have the opportunity to come every afternoon and help the children with any of these needs. Every Wednesday was compulsory as it was reading day and they needed all the help they could get with the children. Unfortunately we had to say our goodbyes to James, who was only with us for a short period of time in Cape Town and had become a great part of the group.
The first week of volunteer work was underway as we were all taken to our various placements at Little Angels, Jelly Tots, Sential Primary School and Original Teabags Designs. The first week was spent settling into the placements and finding our feet in the very different surroundings compared to the previous placements in Swaziland.
As our projects continued we grew closer and closer with the children, this was easier as their English was much more advanced than the children in Swaziland. Matthew unfortunately also had to leave earlier in the trip due to prior uni commitments, so as a last dinner all decided to go out together to an amazing Thai restaurant called Kitima's. Shelby from Antipodeans had recommended this restaurant to us at the June training camp and it didn't disappoint! The meals were all amazing and it was good to be able to relax together as a group for one last time.
As our last week was coming to an end, everyone thought that it was all happening far too quickly. We all felt as though we were running out of time to be able to see everyone and mostly buy everything we hoped to buy. The last weekend was also Fe's birthday which we all celebrated at dinner at the Look Out Deck and then those who felt up to it, headed out into Cape Town for the last weekend in Africa. On Saturday Rebecca, Tash, Fe, Mon and Alice headed out to Robben Island to see what it was like for Nelson Mandela and all the other political prisoners that were held there. We all felt that it was a very helpful insight into South Africa's troubled past.
As everyone has had their own experiences over the past three months what better way to describe than from themselves.
Tarun
The last three months have been an amazing experience. I have met the greatest people and done the most interesting things. Volunteering at the NCP's and the school was so rewarding and we grew really close to the kids. I'm really going to miss Africa and I hope I can come back one day.
Alice and Madi
So Alice and I were grateful for a kid-free project in Cape Town! We had a peaceful but productive time at Tea Bag Designs enjoying tea and brownies at 10:30 everyday with the staff at tea bags. We are sad to be leaving all these wonderful people that we've met, e.g. Jill the owner of tea bag designs who is such an inspiring person, she gave us the Job of creating Christmas crackers which we worked on most mornings and provided us with both entertainment and frustration. Eventually we finished making over 250 Christmas crackers which was really satisfying. The Collins and Gulliver Christmas' will be enjoying these crackers at Christmas!Can't wait to come back to Africa! #tia #tomorrowwemeet #tina #hellotina
Kirsten
The last three weeks are amongst the most amazing weeks of my life.. I met amazing kids who loved life but have had so many challenges. At such an early age they where challenged to the max but still have so much love in them that they'd hug you to death. I worked with an amazing group of people dedicated to make there day, and although we all new we could not save the world, the kids did not even want us to. One kid literally said to me, "white people always want to rescue us, but we don't need to be rescued! I have a roof above my head and food on the table, it may not be much but it's good enough, stop thinking your way of life is better then mine, it's just different". So we didn't try that, but we knew we could save a day and worked our asses off to accomplish that. It made me appreciate the one thing underrated most in life, safety. Take a lesson from the kids and love your family and friends and never say no when someone is fundraising for the kids in Africa!
Zoe
Incredible. The last three weeks were the icing on the cake, almost even with a cherry on top. The Sentinel Primary School was probably my favourite place we've volunteered at during this trip. The children's appreciation for you was so welcoming which easily made the interaction and bonds formed so much stronger. I'm almost convinced the children bought me more happiness than I bought them. Without doubt this has been the most worthwhile trip with the most amazing people. Going to miss everyone so much.
Harry
The overwhelming difference between Cape Town and Swaziland is a perfect example of the diversity Africa offers. It's this diversity that has made our time so worthwhile. We've all had an amazing 12 weeks exploring some of the most beautiful countries in the world, and experiencing life away from home. The connection we made with the kids in both Swaziland and Hout Bay will never be forgotten.
Louisa
I was pleasantly surprised at the contrast between my time at Bethany NCP in Swaziland and three weeks at Jelly tots. The smaller class and great English skills allowed me to really get to know the kids individual personalities which made the days more interesting and fulfilling. I never thought I could have so much fun with a group of four year olds. The impact and happiness they have brought into my life is beyond words.
Fe
These past 3 weeks have been an emotional roller coaster filled with so many laughs, smiles and tears. Volunteering at Sentinel Primary has definitely been a highlight for me. Being able to form such strong bonds with the kids there was so amazing. This trip been such an incredible experience that I feel so blessed to have had. I will never forget the wonderful times we have had here in Africa with all the amazing people we have met!
Tash
The past three months have been incredible, traveling through Southern Africa with a group of people I will never forget, even if I tried. I loved everything from Swaziland to South Africa and everything in between. For me it really was our time at Sentinel Primary school that took my African experience from amazing to incredible and unforgettable.
Rebecca
The past three months have been indescribable. I never imagined that I would have this much fun or that I'd learn so much from all of the children. The last three weeks at Jelly Tots Educare has definitely been a highlight in terms of teaching. The kids spoke fantastic English so it was a lot easier to connect with them. I wouldn't change a single thing about this trip and I'll forever cherish the memories I've made.
Mon
The past 3 months has been some of the most memorable moments in my life. I have met some of the most different and incredible people who I will hold dear to me for years to come. The combination of culture, travel, foods, music and everything that comes under the thought of Africa is not something I want to ever forget. I'm going to miss everything I have come to love in my time here but who knows I might return one day :).
We have all had an unbelievable experience throughout the past 3 months and some of us wish it didn't have to end. So unfortunately this dream and experience of a lifetime is coming to an end and reality is crashing down faster than most of us have hoped for, I'm sure if we had the choice we wouldn't leave. But we are also very excited to get home to our families and friends. See you all soon!!
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