Interns/Volunteers in South Africa!

Christina and Emma’s South Africa Adventures! WK7

September 27, 2009 on 1:28 pm | In Christina and Emma's South Africa Adventures! | No Comments

It’s Spring Break! Our second one this year.

We only had three days of school this week. The kids were very energetic and are definitely enjoying the warm weather. Monday and Tuesday were interesting days, because we ended up almost totally teaching full classes, rather than having a combination of small groups and classes. Given both the week and the class sizes, this was definitely challenging at times, but it was also really good experience.

Wednesday was “Fun Day” at RPS, and also a half-day. The kids didn’t have to wear uniforms or even bring their schoolbags. We were assigned the job of selling “jelly and custard” and “Chelsea buns.” The kids all had coupons to buy a variety of food and/or participate in activities. The most-discussed activity among the kids was the “Ghost House,” which the Grade Sevens set up. A few kids came out in tears, explaining that they had balloons of “blood” thrown at them and saw Michael Jackson’s bones dancing.

Thursday was Heritage Day, a national holiday. We went to the Soweto Festival, which had traditional dancers and musicians, craftsmen selling their products, a “Youth Zone,” and stands advertising local businesses. Thousands of people from the Johannesburg area attended, some in traditional dress. We continued our Heritage Day celebration at a jazz club, where a really talented musician, Siphokazi, sang in a mixture of English, Xhosa, and Zulu.

We’ve spent the last couple days with Ms. Boisvert, who is traveling around Africa as the Director of Global Programs for Pingry. We all met with the principal of Zuurbekom and also spent some time in Joburg. It was really nice to see her!

Early tomorrow morning, we’re heading to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, on a seven-hour bus ride. We’re looking forward to seeing a new country.