Julia: through the ups and downs, determined to enjoy her last week in Cape Town

On Monday I got to step out of my usual routine at the GEU and help out the organization on campus called, Differently Abled Students Association (DASA). I spent the day gathering signatures for a petition to make the college campus environment safer and more accessible for the differently abled students. Many of the ramps on campus are too steep for wheelchairs and some places, like residence halls, don’t even have ramps. Then there are many potholes, unmarked and unblocked construction, and unpainted steps that the visually impaired wouldn’t be able to see. These are things I would never think of as much of a problem, but that’s because I have never been differently abled or known anyone personally that was. Again, another privilege we don’t even realize, but these problems are huge for those that are in a wheel chair or are visually impaired. While the overwhelming majority of people were more than willing to sign the petition, some responses of others surprised me. After explaining the purpose of the petition- to get funding from administration for these fixes- a man just nodded and walked away without signing with an attitude that seemed like he didn’t trust me. When I think about it now, I think perhaps he heard my accent and felt I really shouldn’t be representing the black and coloured South African community that dominates the campus. Perhaps he is right, if that is what he thought. Why should I be the one to ask for a change on a campus that is so obviously not mine? Is this an instance of white privilege to assume my voice will be heard and found reasonable and accepted? Even though I didn’t really choose to help out with DASA, the actions can still be interpreted as a white person trying to put her foot in something that is not hers to do. One other response that surprised and disappointed me was when a man said he wasn’t disabled and then walked away. The purpose of the petition is not to get signatures from only people that are disabled, but signatures to support the disabled. I very much hope that he did not understand this distinction, rather than just using it as an excuse not to support a noble and worth venture. Lastly, I realize now how many people walk away from petitions like this that take a minute or less to sign. I also realize that I do this all the time at UConn because I can’t be bothered on my way to class. How ignorant and self-centered is this, though? When your signature can make a difference for the better, you should take advantage and do it- at least for the sake of those benefitting. By experiencing being the one behind the petition, I will never again walk past a petition on Fairfield Way without knowing what the petition is going to help.

           

My week didn’t continue as smoothly after Wednesday, though. On Thursday at UCT my computer crashed. Not only is my 12 page paper for Vincent on there, but also my documentary clips. Right now I am a little more worried about the final, but there are so many things on that computer I need and want. My brother’s pictures are on there, my own pictures from Honduras, Kenya, and South Africa, and documents. Hopefully all of this, besides the South Africa pictures are on my external hard drive at home. I’m just thankful I kept up with uploading South African pictures onto Facebook. When this first happened I was a wreck. The iStore here doesn’t actually fix Macs if they were bought in the US, so I had to go to another store called iFix. Then since it’s on a first come, first serve basis, mine couldn’t be looked at immediately. Plus, it’s a holiday weekend so I won’t hear officially about the computer until Tuesday. So I cried in the back of the UCT jammie on the way back to UCT to finish all the assignments I had left to do considering I would probably spend the rest of my time doing another final or studying. I at least have a few more weeks in South Africa to scrounge up more interviews, and I went to Ocean View Friday since Chantel got her younger cousins for me to interview. My mom helped me find out that the problem I have with the computer, a faulty hard drive SATA cable, may be fixable and still help me save my files. I am hoping this is what the iFix store also tells me on Tuesday. Vincent also was very understanding and said I could take a written exam, shorter than the twelve pages, but still open notes as if I was writing an essay like everyone else. So, if anything, I am happy that I don’t have to rewrite twelve pages because I take days to write just a three page paper. This is not how I planned to spend my last week in the program. I was done with nearly everything and now I have to redo something that I took so much time to do in the first place. Some sort of karma must be in the air for me. I know this isn’t the worst thing possible- I’ve already been through that, but it’s still a devastating situation for me to have at the end of my time in Cape Town when I am trying to fit everything in before leaving.

           

Happier news: I stopped totally sulking and went to see the Firefighters play in Khayelitsha today with Bernie, Christina, and Maria who did their activist project with them. Despite struggles with transportation and missing the first game, we still got to see the older boys play and completely dominate. Their skills and passion for soccer are amazing for how young they are. I know I was never really excited for soccer when I played, so it’s good to see that they actually love what they are doing and come without their parents forcing them. In fact, sadly, their parents don’t even come to the game to see their children play. We were really the only outside people, aside from coaches, that were there to watch. I wouldn’t think playing games like that would be so much fun without support and cheering, but the kids had fun. One more thing that was rather upsetting about the game was that the uniforms are shared between both the younger kids and older kids. So once the younger kids finished their game, they took off their uniform and gave them to the older kids to wear for their game. Maria, Christina, and Bernie had a Go Fund Me account that raised money for more uniforms for the boys.

           

Being in Khayelitsha was really interesting for me because I actually read a book about a white man that went to live in Khayelitsha. So I asked our taxi drivers about all sorts of places that I read about in the book like where iLitha Park is and where Vovo Cash Store is and Site B. I was so excited to see some of the things I read about; it makes the story so real. Aside from amazement of the sights a reality, we also had a quite a fun time in the taxi. I showed them Koze Kuze, a very popular South African Kwaito song and from there another Kwaito song came on. This type of music is just beats with very little lyrics and can only be enjoyably listened to when in the taxis (in my opinion), nevertheless we found ways to dance to the music and the gotchi and driver found it very funny. We also got to practice our Xhosa clicks. This is why I love taxis- you get to see all types of things, practice Xhosa, and listen to music you would never hear or listen to anywhere else.

           

Tonight I am especially excited because a few of us are going to a gay burger joint called Beef Cakes for a drag show. I’ve been wanting to go to one for so long, especially since I work at the GEU and know Miss Gay Western Cape.

Despite a tragic (exaggerating) few days, I am managing to still have a good time and enjoy the last bit of Cape Town with everyone before my parents come. You can’t let one thing ruin everything. Cape Town is too beautiful and exciting to stay inside and cry. I honestly can’t believe my four months is almost up. I am almost certain I will cry when I have to leave. I’ve been pretty close to crying when just thinking about it. If anything, though, I talked to Chantel on Friday about getting an internship in a clinic with a dietician during December and January. I am hoping this will happen because all I think about is how I don’t want to leave. Rather than think about leaving, I am going to think about coming back.

Emily L reflecting on how she's become motivated to work for positive social change

To be honest, I have been struggling a bit this past week coming to terms with the approaching departure from Cape Town. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to be able to go back to living the way I did at home because I feel completely changed from these past few months. In class last night, we did a few exercises that required a good amount of self-reflection. My ability to reflect within myself has become so strengthened since coming here, something I’m proud of. One of the questions Marita asked us was whether or not we were going to have a hard time assimilating back into life at home. I immediately knew that my answer would be “yes.” During my time here, I have become such an open minded, positive person. Almost all of that can be attributed to my time working in Tafelsig Clinic and conversing with locals while out and about. I’m going to miss the welcoming spirit of Cape Town and how people are, for the most part, full of light and love.

           

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to be able to spend time in Noordehoek with Onna, Dani, and Dani’s cousins who live there. We spent the evening watching the sunset at Noordehoek Beach, an experience that had a lot more depth to it than I would’ve expected.  Watching the hot pink and vibrant oranges dance across the sky filled me with such a sense of peace. This peace comes at such a troubling time in South Africa. Lately, the xenophobic attacks that have been occurring are all I can think about. Who am I to be feeling such peace in the same land where people are terrified to leave their houses? I’m realizing that these kinds of feelings are going to be a lifelong struggle, and that should motivate me to act against change. 

Dani & Emily L

Taylor L balances her adventures with some thoughts on her time here

Taylor L, John, and Taylor P playing with the elephants

This past weekend, John, Taylor and I headed on the Garden Route Tour. While we had expressed our interest in doing the tour, we did not think we would be able to because of how busy our last few weeks in South Africa would be. We were nervous about spending one of our last weekends away from our home in Cape Town but I am so happy that we took the chance and left for a few days.

Our weekend was full of adventures. We rode elephants, pet cheetahs, held lemurs, walked with lions, enjoyed the night on Myoli beach, and of course bungee jumped. While I was nervous about bungee jumping because of my shoulder, I was quite surprised that it was very smooth! It was such an adrenaline rush and so much fun that I wanted to do it again! However after bungee jumping I began to wonder if the majority of people whom bungee jump are tourists or if they are South Africans. This reminded me of how so many South Africans look at Table Mountain everyday, but have not been to the top of it.

Taylor L jumping off the highest bridge

 We were lucky to share the tour with two individuals from London, two individuals from Germany, one individual from Saudi Arabia and of course our awesome guide from Cape Town! Additionally, at the backpackers we talked to people from all over. It is pretty remarkable that everyone we meet seems to fall in love with Cape Town, despite the amount of time he or she may spend here. I am so grateful for my opportunity to study and intern here. 

When we were at one of the backpackers we experienced load shedding. It was pretty awesome to be surrounded by such amazing people, at night by a fire, and have to talk to one another. If there was electricity, we may not have had the same experience. Everyone may have been in their rooms and updating their friends and family on their awesome experiences on the garden route.

While on this garden route tour, I was once again quite surprised with how much information I have learned about South Africa. Before applying for this program, I knew nothing about South Africa. While there is still so much depth to South Africa’s history, I definitely have learned so much by immersing myself in the culture. Additionally, at my internship, one of the other Speech students asked me how I have responded to the social issues in South Africa. If this had happened in my first few weeks here, I would have responded to her with a blank face. However, now I feel comfortable sharing my knowledge and my experiences to answer such a question!

While it was nice to get away, I was once again thrilled to be back home. On the way back from the game reserve, we drove by Eros and I was thrilled that I would be going into work in less than twelve hours. At that moment, I realized that I only have a few more days to drive by Eros. I really cannot fathom not being greeted by the amazing students and staff there

Sam recaps the last two weeks as her count down to departure begins

Last week was our excursion which was great! To me, the beginning of the week was a little slow but definitely very interesting and important to see. All of the museums made the events that we have learned about seem so real, especially with pictures and exhibits. I think the Hector Peterson Museum and the Sharpeville Exhibit resonated with me the most in seeing all of the pictures portray those horrific events in history. Pictures truly do speak 1000 words and being at the place and seeing and learning about what had happened there felt so real. I remember at each museum thinking "wow, people actually had to go through all of this" and feeling very emotional and sad for such innocent people. I also was so blown away at realizing again just how much bravery people had to fight for their lives. i really can't put into words how astonishing this history is. 

Internship has been going well! I've been a lot more involved in creating processes for children that relate to their anger issues, social issues, etc. I even wrote up a whole process document for an anger management group and we will be beginning the group soon! i like who i am working closely with and i know I'm going to miss christel house so much. it is definitely going to be hard leaving the kids. I have raised enough money to buy 300 blankets for the kids at christel house!!! 

 

This past weekend i helped with the admissions process for the upcoming school year which made me realize how great of an organization christel house is. parents are literally DESPERATE to get their kids in. there were over 300 applicants yet only 30 open spots for grade R, which makes me sad that so many people won't be accepted. 

It is SO crazy that we have just 12 days left here in cape town. i keep replaying january 16th in my head when we got here and i just can't grasp that this journey is actually coming to an end. I'm definitely ready to hug my parents but its just so weird that this has been home for the past few months and soon i'll be returning to my other home. 

Julia's reflections on the week that was

Last week was a little slow at internship, especially on Monday. With Glenton in Johannesburg for training, I’ve been lacking things to do around the Unit. So on Monday, all I really did was read the newspaper. Then the sign language class we usually have every other Monday didn’t happen because the instructor didn’t show up. You would think that I would be really pissed off by the day I had and how unproductive it was, but I really wasn’t because by the end of the day, when the instructor should have been there, volunteers finally started showing up to the GEU. Only two of them were there for sign language and the rest were there just to hang out. Even though I could have left early and gotten home before 7:00 PM, I stayed because I actually wanted to stay- because the people I get to talk to at the GEU and the conversations I get to have are worth far more than getting home early. This wasn’t a particularly interesting conversation, in comparison to others I’ve had here, but it was still worth my time. We were talking about our families, moms, Xhosa, and whatever little things that came up. Somehow these conversations seem more fulfilling though than ones I have at home about the same topics. Maybe it’s because the cultures are different, but honestly, a lot of our experiences are the same. Mothers still get on our nerves (sorry, ma, but I know it’s reciprocal) and at the same time we still love them more than anyone else. There’s still a middle child syndrome in South Africa as there is in the US. These basic things are still the same, so I don’t know why it’s a different calibre of conversation for me.

The rest of the week at the GEU I managed to find things to do, and Pinkie was there both Tuesday and Wednesday, which always makes my days at the GEU better. We actually went to see a fashion show and a dance performance during lunch on Tuesday at the Student Centre, which was pretty fun. Our friend Tristian was actually in the fashion show modelling UWC clothing, so we cheered extra obnoxiously for him. Later Pinkie and I saw pictures of the recent xenophobic attacks going on in South Africa. It’s really hard for me to get a sense of why South Africans are attacking people from other countries especially when those people are from countries that helped South Africans during Apartheid. It makes me think that the saying in the constitution about the land belonging to all those who reside in it is not true at all right now. When discussing the issue with Pinkie, she said that black South Africans think they have privilege after apartheid and that they are entitled and that’s why they are attacking the foreigners. The foreigners in this country work very hard, she said, and they get up early, open shop, and close late and do it again the next day. South Africans, on the other hand, are lazy in her opinion and don’t want to compete with people and so they attack those who are doing well and say they are doing it because they don’t belong in South Africa. I think this makes reasonable sense, but it’s just so hypocritical to me that a country that’s been through so much discrimination is now doing the discriminating.

On Friday I got to see Pinkie perform a poem (unfortunately, mostly in Xhosa) at the UWC’s Got Talent. Instead of going to the soccer game with everyone, which I heard was an awful game anyways, I took a taxi to UWC that night and got to see a whole range of artists perform- singers, poets, dancers, rappers. The show was awesome and I got to see really talented people perform, but the audience was sort of rude and would talk while people were performing. I really do think that the US has better audiences. I’ve never been at an event like that at UConn and had an audience so rude. We may talk in between performances, but not during. Anyways, it was cool to be with the volunteers outside of the unit for once. 

At the end of the night I shared an Uber with Pinkie and got to see where her aunt lives in Mitchell’s Plain. The car didn’t stop directly in front of the house, so Pinkie had him move up five feet to be as close as possible to the gate. I thought this was so weird to see that a South African, with a car with people right by her, was too scared to walk five feet to a gate of a house. Yes it was around 9:30 PM, but we were right there. I don’t think this fear would’ve crossed my mind for a second. I walk into our house from across the street at night and don’t think anything of it- I’d even walk from down the street and probably feel fine. Perhaps I’m taking my safety for granted. We also got to pass through Nyanga on the way to Mitchell’s Plain, and that was very eye opening. Right before we entered the township, the driver locked all the doors. The informal settlements we saw seemed to be even worse to me than ones in Khayelitsha or Mitchell’s Plain or any other township. Maybe it was just the fact that it was extremely dark, but I was definitely concerned knowing that Nyanga is actually one of the most dangerous townships with the highest murder rate. This Uber ride was probably the most interesting I’ve had.

My week got a little weird and frustrating by the end, though. About three weeks ago I ordered a dress and a shirt for Vernon to be made at this African clothing store. We told them that date we would come to pick both up and they said that was fine. So we go Thursday to pick up the shirt and dress and neither were even made. We spent money and time to go into the city and neither was even touched. They said to come in the next day and both would be ready. The next day both were ready, but the dress needed alterations because it wasn’t the exact style I wanted. Now this is when the situation becomes my fault and I take responsibility that my actions were wrong. We kept doing alterations for about three to four hours, but still the dress wasn’t looking like anything I wanted and I knew I wouldn’t wear the dress. I wanted to walk away from the store knowing I would wear what I bought. So I decided to ask them to scrap the dress project and use the same material to make a skirt. They were deeply offended and frustrated with my decision. They were working on this dress all morning into afternoon, and here I am with some sort of entitlement asking them to waste fabric and more time to make me a skirt. I felt like a brat, without a doubt, but I was determined to get something I would love and not feel like I wasted money on. The dress project was just too big and risky of a venture when the fashion culture of the US and South Africa is so different. Even when I showed pictures of the style the dress still did not turn out right. It was frustrating on both ends, and although I think I was more in the wrong, I think the business also did a wrong. I’ve been to that store probably four times for the same thing and then they don’t even make the items we ask for on time. So while they said I wasted their time and fabric (which I totally did), they also wasted my time and money for the number of times I had to go there and try and sort things out. Collectively, we have given them so much business, so I was disappointed in how they sometimes didn’t follow through with orders. So the next day I went in and picked up my skirt. This was the quickest exchange I have ever had in the store- less than five minutes when usually everything takes at least one hour. As I expected, I got the silent treatment when I walked in, but I paid them the price for the skirt and dress combined. The skirt was beautiful and I told them so and apologized for the inconvenience. Honestly though, I know this whole situation was so wrong and I felt so bad about it that it took me hours to fall asleep the night of the incident. I really hate being an inconvenience, but my mom has always told me when buying clothes to only buy something you know you will wear. I’m not pegging this whole thing on my mom, but I like that advice and wanted to make sure I walked away with something I love. Yet I am still trying to justify my actions. Even writing about this makes me so jittery and disappointed in myself.

Ashlyn considers her childhood and that of some children in Cape Town

Some days I have to remind myself that I’m in South Africa, and other days I feel as if I’m in a different world. This Wednesday was one of those days where I felt as if I could have been in Wonderland. Upon boarding the minibus (vans that drive around Cape Town picking people up for cheap) Wednesday morning, to attend my internship, I realized that one of the workers of the minibus was a young boy. This boy couldn’t have been older than 12, yet he was working on a Wednesday rather than sitting in a classroom. When I was his age I was still watching Disney Channel and playing outside at recess. The inequality and hardships in Cape Town sneak up on one without any warning. It makes me deeply upset that many children around the globe aren’t getting formal education and will miss out on many opportunities due to this. However, this motivates me to help make sure that more children don’t go through this in the future.

Following this I arrived safely at my internship, where the organization was welcoming about 6 new interns. My coordinator at Surplus People Project is also overseeing these interns, so I was fortunate enough to be able to sit in on their first meeting. These interns were taken on in order to promote a youth project in their own community with the mission of Surplus People Project in mind. The meeting involved the new interns discussing the issues that are facing youth in  various communities. The most discussed topics were crime/gangsterism, poverty, and lack of role models. I had so many role models growing up that I never had thought of the severe implications of not having them. A good portion of time was used to discuss if the interns should be targeting crime or poverty in their programs. During my time here in Cape Town I’ve seen both great poverty and happiness, and I found it very eye opening to be able to hear from youth my own age discussing very different problems from mine.

 Best,  Ashlyn

Sam impressed by kids wanting to learn

Molly & Sam with some learners from their dance class

Our dance class has been going so well! Even though we haven't been able to go every week or cut it short because of shootings, we can tell the kids are getting so much out of it. We begin with Molly teaching technique and then I will teach them a different dance each week. It always amazes me how well they're doing and how fast they pick it up! They are so eager to learn more. Seeing their eagerness makes me happy and feel accomplished because it was one of our aims to give them a hobby and a skill to work at. When we got back from excursion we were so impressed with this one girl who has been practicing her technique so much! 

When the shootings prevent us from being able to go, it is such a reminder that this is their lives and how hard it is for them to break the cycle. thats exactly why i appreciate so much them coming to our dance class because we can see it in them that they want better for their futures. 

I know the kids at Christel House would love our class too but it is hard to find the time to be able to do it! We're still trying to work on that, but last week a few boys inspired me with their hobbies. They took it upon themselves to present to their teachers and principal on why they should have a "fun day" to celebrate their last year before high school and had a huge and organized plan with a day including sports, debates, fun lessons, etc. These boys are in 7th grade and included debates about current issues in their fun day!!! (and they're the pretty popular guys). 

It amazes me how much having certain hobbies and interests can keep these kids focused on their life goals. 

Ashlyn's very eye-opening day

A Very Eye-Opening Day

Some days I have to remind myself that I’m in South Africa, and other days I feel as if I’m in a different world. This Wednesday was one of those days where I felt as if I could have been in Wonderland. Upon boarding the minibus (vans that drive around Cape Town picking people up for cheap) Wednesday morning, to attend my internship, I realized that one of the workers of the minibus was a young boy. This boy couldn’t have been older than 12, yet he was working on a Wednesday rather than sitting in a classroom. When I was his age I was still watching Disney Channel and playing outside at recess. The inequality and hardships in Cape Town sneak up on one without any warning. It makes me deeply upset that many children around the globe aren’t getting formal education and will miss out on many opportunities due to this. However, this motivates me to help make sure that more children don’t go through this in the future.

           

Following this I arrived safely at my internship, where the organization was welcoming about 6 new interns. My coordinator at Surplus People Project is also overseeing these interns, so I was fortunate enough to be able to sit in on their first meeting. These interns were taken on in order to promote a youth project in their own community with the mission of Surplus People Project in mind. The meeting involved the new interns discussing the issues that are facing youth in various communities. The most discussed topics were crime/gangsterism, poverty, and lack of role models. I had so many role models growing up that I never had thought of the severe implications of not having them. A good portion of time was used to discuss if the interns should be targeting crime or poverty in their programs. During my time here in Cape Town I’ve seen both great poverty and happiness, and I found it very eye opening to be able to hear from youth my own age discussing very different problems from mine.

Jillian learning much about social work

The original social worker at Sarah Fox returned from maternity leave last week and I’ve already learned so much from her. I liked the previous social worker also, but I wasn’t given as many opportunities as I am now. I’ve been able to observe more counseling sessions and I have more independence to talk to the children and families. Last week, I went to Child Welfare to talk to another social worker about one of the patients at Sarah Fox. I really enjoyed that beacuase I was able to learn about another organization and learn more about child protection. My internship has been such an amazing learning experience, but it’s also been difficult to see so many children suffering because of neglect. Many of the children end up returning to the hospital once they’ve left due to malnutrition because they aren’t being properly cared for. It’s frustrating to see children neglected, but a lot of the time it’s because the parents aren’t educated enough. I experienced this firsthand when I attended one of the parent support groups at Sarah Fox. At the support group, the Sarah Fox staff educates the parents as best as they can on health, nutrition, and social services. I was surprised to see how uneducated the parents were and how important it is to speak in very simple language and keep things basic. When educating them on nutrition, many of them didn’t know what foods have protein or what foods were healthy in the demonstration. Sarah Fox is a great resource to educate families, but there are still so many people who aren’t getting a good education. This makes me question what South Africa is doing to help and why there doesn’t seem to be any improvement. My experience in Cape Town has been beautiful, but my eyes have been opened to the many struggles people face here and that only makes me want to help more.