Catch Up: Exciting First Day with African Impact
I arrived at Cape Town International yesterday morning at 10am where I was met by two lovely African Impact staff members, along with a fellow volunteer who caught the same flight as me! I felt instantly welcome and the car ride home was buzzing with excited conversation about ourselves, our plans and how amazing it is to be in Cape Town. Even though I was amazed by the natural beauty of the cape flats and table top mountain I couldn't help notice the mass of informal houses that we swept by. Stretching for miles in all shapes and sizes were corrugated steel sheets, haphazardly fixed together to provide shelter. Passing by Luntu and Khayelitsha I reflected on the years of geography lessons about 'favelas' in Brazil and the shanty towns of India. It's very different seeing them in person. But I am prepared to work with an open mind and from my background research the people are extremely warm. I remember feeling just such an overwhelming pull to the place - I wanted to experience it and learn about it. I was excited!
And then when we got back to volunteer HQ and met the rest of the gang I knew this experience will be amazing.
Fortunately, because I landed in the morning, I got chance to join the project in the afternoon in the township (informal settlement) of Khayelitsha. I went to the HomeFromHomw after school project. (I got a personal introduction to the program which I will condense for you now: ) This is a daycare initiative for 10-14 year old fostered children to get them off the streets after school. Studies show that this time from 3pm till 5pm is when children are at their most vulnerable, as they are without adult supervision. With substance abuse, gang crime and other antisocial behaviour is common in the township it is very dangerous.
This project is ran mainly by the 'mamas' ( mothers ) with support from us volunteers. They also get a snack and a meal as added incentive to come and to make sure they have some food.
Another volunteer had a plan already in place for me to deliver to the children. So we sat down in the classroom and I gave a brief lesson on Ireland and Celtish traditions and then they coloured in a Celtic knot pattern. And for being so good they got to play a game of guess the flag afterwards.
Because it was the first night I felt it was important to meet everyone and get to know them, and there was also a lot of general information thrown at us so that the house could be run efficiently and everyone knows they're jobs and the routine. Now I feel comfortable (and have the wifi password) I think on a night I can blog about the days experiences. But we will see if that is sustainable or not.
I can't wait to tell you about my first full day on project and all the facinating details I learnt during the induction about the charity and the area. So stay tuned.
And then when we got back to volunteer HQ and met the rest of the gang I knew this experience will be amazing.
Fortunately, because I landed in the morning, I got chance to join the project in the afternoon in the township (informal settlement) of Khayelitsha. I went to the HomeFromHomw after school project. (I got a personal introduction to the program which I will condense for you now: ) This is a daycare initiative for 10-14 year old fostered children to get them off the streets after school. Studies show that this time from 3pm till 5pm is when children are at their most vulnerable, as they are without adult supervision. With substance abuse, gang crime and other antisocial behaviour is common in the township it is very dangerous.
This project is ran mainly by the 'mamas' ( mothers ) with support from us volunteers. They also get a snack and a meal as added incentive to come and to make sure they have some food.
Another volunteer had a plan already in place for me to deliver to the children. So we sat down in the classroom and I gave a brief lesson on Ireland and Celtish traditions and then they coloured in a Celtic knot pattern. And for being so good they got to play a game of guess the flag afterwards.
Because it was the first night I felt it was important to meet everyone and get to know them, and there was also a lot of general information thrown at us so that the house could be run efficiently and everyone knows they're jobs and the routine. Now I feel comfortable (and have the wifi password) I think on a night I can blog about the days experiences. But we will see if that is sustainable or not.
I can't wait to tell you about my first full day on project and all the facinating details I learnt during the induction about the charity and the area. So stay tuned.
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