CatchUp Weds Thurs Fri & RealTalk

Let's do a quick highlight reel the of the past week (take #2)

Wednesday 

Another day on project at the Khayelitsha primary school. Only this time our classes for grade 1 had cancelled because of assessments. So instead we taught the classes which were free and had to adapt our plans. One grade we taught was the grade R's which was amazing as they are at the age where they will follow any instruction to the letter which is just adorable.

Again we got to snack on the local fast food, they boil bread rolls in oil and create a savoury donut type bread roll called a fatcook. Then they fill this delicious bread with various things like burgers or onions and relish or sausage or even chips. It's great, going into the project I didn't know whether I would eat very well but I probably eat more here than when I'm at home!

The afternoon project was GAPA (Grandmothers Against Poverty And AIDS) an after school club ran by elderly members of the local community who we call the Grannies. In the Xhosa culture elders are respected so much because of their knowledge and experience. Today was extra special because it was a staff members (of 2 years) last day. So one of the Grannies gave a extremely powerful speech about the importance of our voluntary work. The passion and strength in her voice was incredible and filled me with pride, and her words rang true. She explained that she would stand up and shout to anyone who will listen and together as one we could bring about change for her country and her people. We have taken the first steps by shedding our prejudice and simply playing and talking to members of the township, most people in South Africa would never even consider doing such a thing. So by having international volunteers that can help broadcast what they have learnt is invaluable.

Thursday

Morning project is the primary school in Khayelitsha, with the grade 4's that we missed the day before because of assessments. They were so excited to be outside playing and doing sport so we had so much fun. We played one of my new favourite games with them called BuddiesUp. Where in pairs of one girl and one boy they need to do certain actions together, reacting to my signals. For example switching places in the line or giving piggy backs etc. It's so much fun! Another new game we played was a game called 'mingle' where they sing a song which goes.. "I like to mingle, miingle mingle mingle!" And repeat ad needed. Then when I call a number they must make a group containing that number or else they are out! 

Me and Åne had become a well oiled machine by today. We work so well as a team, we take it in turns to take the lead explaining and synchronise doing example drills to the others explanation. The relay races we did worked really well, making them practise catching for their coordination, and then skipping ropes too. This activity worked the best today because we had lots of 30 minute classes due to assessments in school, so the fact that we could re use the same cone layout was really useful.

GAPA afternoon: today is the day where you can buy items that the grannies have crafted to help fund the project. They have a range of different knitted toys, hats and mug cosies as well as ornate necklaces and bracelets made from the traditional coloured beads. I just had to buy some presents for my familly! In addition to that I was the captain so I had to lead to the 'each one teach one' meeting with the grannies where this week they taught us a song. This was complicated as half the grannies had to cater for the business men/women from the board where the rescuers funding. So there was actually only one granny in the meeting! So instead I convinced her to fetch some kids to help me learn the 'make a circle song' in Xhosa - it sounds so fun and all the kids know exactly what to do when they hear this tune! Afterwards with the kids we played games like 3 sticks, benchball  and tomatoe ball which was all great fun.

 

When we got home from project we had a delightful evening as the Happy Africa Foundation was hosting a pub quiz at a local establishment called 'A Touch Of Madness' which has great local craft beers and nachos. Despite the two volunteer teams coming joint last it was a great night with the volunteers and members of the public alike all pitching in and getting involved. Lyda took some amazing pictures on the Facebook AfricanImpact page.

Friday

So, Friday- the half day. Where we spend the morning on project which means Khayelitsha primary school for me, and then planning in the evening. The morning was a lot of fun, even though we only had two classes before we had to leave (because we had the responsibility to pick everyone else up.) we did races and then an obstacle course which was really hectic. Lots of kids trying to go round a small obstacle course all at the same time was carnage but great fun. Åne did a great job of setting it up and getting everyone doing the stations the right way.

When we got home we planned the next week ready for the new volunteers to follow with me on Monday - as Åne would be leaving on Monday! Which is super sad - I'm going to (am) missing that dude as my sports buddy. His Instagram and Facebook has so many good photos I might just have to adopt all his galleries.

In the evening after dinner we decided to have a quiet night ready for the community tour the next day.. Which I will write a whole post about because there was such a vast quantity of interesting historical and present information about the various townships we working in and around and just general history of South Africa which is fascinating.

To the weekend! Cheers!