15 Mar 09
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nYn9kxMIjU
"Life has no formula" - Malugeni teacher Mr. Cromwell
AS you can assume, there are many challenges we face in trying to bring a community in the 21st century. Lace of finance, empowerment, jobs, knowledge and world view all hinder this groups ability to step out of their box of comfort and confinement and embrace change. How can you expect them to when old, tired traditions stand in their way. Every decision must be approved by the husband, father, mother, elder, teacher, tribal chief, local gov'ment, national gov'ment and then God. It is very frustrating to see the slow forward movement here. Change is scary to them. The potential of the kids is abundant but I know that they are trapped or bound by the confines of this small small box of in opportunity they live in. Many of whom have never seen the tar road that is only 3-5 Km from their community but the rocky road of their town inhibits them from seeing the rest of the world. To see the land be so abundant but a plow stuck in the mud for lack of knowledge of how to use new machinery is hard to see. We must focus on what we can do. Focus on what we can change and the lives that we can impact.
19 March 2009
Molweni!
15 Mar 09
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6b_9blNcio
Molweni or welcome in xhosa. (Xhosa is pronounced with a tounge click and then kosa). This is the native languate of the people of Malugeni. Many of whom we met today. We were so pleased to be greeted in the mid afternoon by some of the community members that came to our guest house. We sat in a half circle and were lead by Nkulie who translated the event. We were greeted by members of the Dept of Ed, and Social Services, as well as high tribal leaders of the community. All of which experssed thanks for our commitment to the community and home for continued success with Global Volunteers. They expressed how important working together has been, is and will be great benefit to the community. From their talks, they are just as intrested in learing from us and we are from them. AS Bonke so elequently stated earlier in the day, "It is always good to check your angles on all things". What e meant by this was the importance of a difrferent perspective. Yesterday the minister of the town said " knowledge is power" and power is so important for this community to help "fight the enemy which is poverty" , as passionately stated by the leader of the DOE. We were asked to give an introduction and an item for which we sang " you are my sunshine" (one of my gran's favs) as best as we could on the fly. The ceremonies ended with traditional dance from the women and kids. Their faces painted and with woven skirts on they danced in step to the drum. With arms stretched out, head tilted back looking up at the sky with so much pride, confidence, joy and sterength. They were so open to the world and what awaits them. Full of tireless energy and an abundance of spirit. It was an amazing day for all of us and one that I am sure neither ment nor us will forget.
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6b_9blNcio
Molweni or welcome in xhosa. (Xhosa is pronounced with a tounge click and then kosa). This is the native languate of the people of Malugeni. Many of whom we met today. We were so pleased to be greeted in the mid afternoon by some of the community members that came to our guest house. We sat in a half circle and were lead by Nkulie who translated the event. We were greeted by members of the Dept of Ed, and Social Services, as well as high tribal leaders of the community. All of which experssed thanks for our commitment to the community and home for continued success with Global Volunteers. They expressed how important working together has been, is and will be great benefit to the community. From their talks, they are just as intrested in learing from us and we are from them. AS Bonke so elequently stated earlier in the day, "It is always good to check your angles on all things". What e meant by this was the importance of a difrferent perspective. Yesterday the minister of the town said " knowledge is power" and power is so important for this community to help "fight the enemy which is poverty" , as passionately stated by the leader of the DOE. We were asked to give an introduction and an item for which we sang " you are my sunshine" (one of my gran's favs) as best as we could on the fly. The ceremonies ended with traditional dance from the women and kids. Their faces painted and with woven skirts on they danced in step to the drum. With arms stretched out, head tilted back looking up at the sky with so much pride, confidence, joy and sterength. They were so open to the world and what awaits them. Full of tireless energy and an abundance of spirit. It was an amazing day for all of us and one that I am sure neither ment nor us will forget.
The Real World
14 Mar 09
Our guest houses:
Grander than I ever expected. So excited that I had to immediately explore like they do on the Real World House and go into each room. There are some differences to the lavish house that you might see displayed on TV. You will not see the colorful rooms or the hightech bathroom instead we boil our collected rain water for drinking , bathing, and brushing our teeth. If it does not rain .. we don't have water. Thank goodness for the large amount of rain we have at night. Also there is no pool or gym like on the Real World. We have a rooster outside that I am sure will stop crowing the night we have chicken for dinner and we have a small chain link fence for protection. My room has a leak in the celing but besides that .. it is home. Looking forward to our orientation tomorrow.
Our guest houses:
Grander than I ever expected. So excited that I had to immediately explore like they do on the Real World House and go into each room. There are some differences to the lavish house that you might see displayed on TV. You will not see the colorful rooms or the hightech bathroom instead we boil our collected rain water for drinking , bathing, and brushing our teeth. If it does not rain .. we don't have water. Thank goodness for the large amount of rain we have at night. Also there is no pool or gym like on the Real World. We have a rooster outside that I am sure will stop crowing the night we have chicken for dinner and we have a small chain link fence for protection. My room has a leak in the celing but besides that .. it is home. Looking forward to our orientation tomorrow.
Enkose
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPLvH6FONqQ
"Enkose" is Xhosa for Thank you and Wamkelekele is your welcome.
Today I met the other volunteers: our lead from Poland is Dorota - a full time Global Volunteer worker in Poland, Jason is 35 from NY (long Island) and works in mental health care and Amy who I have talked to via email before coming here is a buisness owner from Minneapolis. Everyone has pretty much just arrived to the country and boy am I glad I had some time to adjust first prior to arrivin to our new and very different home. We are greeted by Nkulie and Bonke who are going to be our host country guides while in Malungeni. They are very intrested in our safty and will not let us go anywhere with out being introduced or escorted. Everything is very slow here. Life is slower and just not as fast. On our way to Malungeni which is 3 hours a way, we stop at Nkulie's sisters house who's husband works for the SA government. This means they are pretty affluent and have a large ranch home. They were so happy for us to come in and see the house and have a chance to talk to the Americans about politics, American life and about our up coming experience. We chatted to the men in the house as the women stayed in the kitchen and fetched us juice. They were so proud to be having us there and even gave us all a bottle of wine as a SA tradition of not leaving someone house with out something which seems opposite of what I am use to. So inviting. So I gave them all a big " Enkose" as that was the first word i learned in Xhosa. They all died laughing. I assume at my pronounciation. Well I guess I can only get better!
"Enkose" is Xhosa for Thank you and Wamkelekele is your welcome.
Today I met the other volunteers: our lead from Poland is Dorota - a full time Global Volunteer worker in Poland, Jason is 35 from NY (long Island) and works in mental health care and Amy who I have talked to via email before coming here is a buisness owner from Minneapolis. Everyone has pretty much just arrived to the country and boy am I glad I had some time to adjust first prior to arrivin to our new and very different home. We are greeted by Nkulie and Bonke who are going to be our host country guides while in Malungeni. They are very intrested in our safty and will not let us go anywhere with out being introduced or escorted. Everything is very slow here. Life is slower and just not as fast. On our way to Malungeni which is 3 hours a way, we stop at Nkulie's sisters house who's husband works for the SA government. This means they are pretty affluent and have a large ranch home. They were so happy for us to come in and see the house and have a chance to talk to the Americans about politics, American life and about our up coming experience. We chatted to the men in the house as the women stayed in the kitchen and fetched us juice. They were so proud to be having us there and even gave us all a bottle of wine as a SA tradition of not leaving someone house with out something which seems opposite of what I am use to. So inviting. So I gave them all a big " Enkose" as that was the first word i learned in Xhosa. They all died laughing. I assume at my pronounciation. Well I guess I can only get better!
13 March 2009
13 Mar 09
Never thought I would be sitting at a dinner table saying "Wow, that Zebra is Yummy". (here it is pronounced as you would Debra or Zed)
Went to Carnivore tonight which is like a Brazilian steak house and enjoyed all of the new meats I had better than the typical beef, chicken and lamb. I tried Kudu sausage, Zebra, Osterid (sp?) - but the croc got me.. I drew the line there.
Never thought I would be sitting at a dinner table saying "Wow, that Zebra is Yummy". (here it is pronounced as you would Debra or Zed)
Went to Carnivore tonight which is like a Brazilian steak house and enjoyed all of the new meats I had better than the typical beef, chicken and lamb. I tried Kudu sausage, Zebra, Osterid (sp?) - but the croc got me.. I drew the line there.
The Panoramic View
13 Mar 2009
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBSnR4ZP2MI
Today I traveled to "God's Window"and no matter waht religion you subscribe to, this place will definately bring you to spirituality. God's window is a look out point near the Blith River Canyon. On a clear day (reference the colin hay song from previous post) you can view Kruger park and the surrounding area almost 80 Km away.
On a day like today, the view was covered with a dense fog, however this added to the öh my God's window factor. Never have I stood on a cliff and felt like I was floating. I felt the mist and humity of the rainforst behind me, the uneven rock below and nothing but a sea of puffy clouds in front. I had a quiet thought to jump it was so amazing - but knew of the the long way down to the canyon floor below. It was 8am I as was completely alone on this cliff.
On my way down I met a couple who were from the arrid anterior region of the country and the wife was too scared to continue on so she came down with me. She explained that they too were on holiday and it was the first time she was in the area. The spoke about their drive and how they too were lost at one point (almost to mozambique). As she was telling the story she said they didn't use the map much and that was part of the issue. Then she told me in her thick South African accent that sometimes you dont'know the journey that the road brings. It was great advise. I will always remember her (didn't even get her name) and how she was another teacher for me to allow life to happen and to enjoy what ever it brings.
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBSnR4ZP2MI
Today I traveled to "God's Window"and no matter waht religion you subscribe to, this place will definately bring you to spirituality. God's window is a look out point near the Blith River Canyon. On a clear day (reference the colin hay song from previous post) you can view Kruger park and the surrounding area almost 80 Km away.
On a day like today, the view was covered with a dense fog, however this added to the öh my God's window factor. Never have I stood on a cliff and felt like I was floating. I felt the mist and humity of the rainforst behind me, the uneven rock below and nothing but a sea of puffy clouds in front. I had a quiet thought to jump it was so amazing - but knew of the the long way down to the canyon floor below. It was 8am I as was completely alone on this cliff.
On my way down I met a couple who were from the arrid anterior region of the country and the wife was too scared to continue on so she came down with me. She explained that they too were on holiday and it was the first time she was in the area. The spoke about their drive and how they too were lost at one point (almost to mozambique). As she was telling the story she said they didn't use the map much and that was part of the issue. Then she told me in her thick South African accent that sometimes you dont'know the journey that the road brings. It was great advise. I will always remember her (didn't even get her name) and how she was another teacher for me to allow life to happen and to enjoy what ever it brings.
The Elephant
12 Mar 09
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWpERZAIy3E
At 4:30am my wake up call rang for me to go on Safari for the lions are out early. I was lucky on the drive for I saw 3 out of the "Big 5" which are Lion, Leopard, buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino. Kruger is teh place to see game for I was less than 5 feet from all of the animals we saw - Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Kudu, Snakes, chimps, monkeys, spiders, and many more. I was disapointed I missed rhino but knew that I would be riding an elephant later in the day. Yes I said riding. Casper and Kusa were my "rides"and the 23 and 10 year olds were quite the sight. They at max eat up to about 500 lbs of food a day and weigh several tons each. The ride was amazing and they were adorable and as i understand I only feel like a light backpack to them. After the ride I had drinks at sundown. It was only me who took the ride after the elephant interaction (yes i was kissed by Kusa) so the guides joined me for water and crackers and cheese. It was gret to have a candid conversation with them and even though casper and kusa were on a free roaming walk, as the guys and I chatted, there was still a bit of an elephant in the room. I aked them if they were married and had kids ( a bit of small talk) and they mentioned they were for they start early due to their "short life expectancy" This was extremely shocking to me that this is what they believe their reality to be. If I am being aloof on what we are talking about it is because when I too was in the dark at first.
The went on to mention that HIV is so prevelant in the country that for black males, that is the reality. They said it as many American males talk about going bald. That it is what it is. Not only was I shocked that this is the attitude towards the disease but that they were talking to ME about it. Let me assure you, there were not flippant, proud or light about the subject - but very matter of fact. It find it hard to listen for I know that there is such a lack of education, and lack of empowerment in that area for many of the South African people. (I will address my views on the empowerment issue in a later blog for I have some views on this subject as well)
With all of this said, I really hope I have the privelage of meeting more South Africans who are willing to chat with me about HIV/AIDS. I am so intrested in the dynamics of it all here and just want to know more and be a part of the dialog.
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWpERZAIy3E
At 4:30am my wake up call rang for me to go on Safari for the lions are out early. I was lucky on the drive for I saw 3 out of the "Big 5" which are Lion, Leopard, buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino. Kruger is teh place to see game for I was less than 5 feet from all of the animals we saw - Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Kudu, Snakes, chimps, monkeys, spiders, and many more. I was disapointed I missed rhino but knew that I would be riding an elephant later in the day. Yes I said riding. Casper and Kusa were my "rides"and the 23 and 10 year olds were quite the sight. They at max eat up to about 500 lbs of food a day and weigh several tons each. The ride was amazing and they were adorable and as i understand I only feel like a light backpack to them. After the ride I had drinks at sundown. It was only me who took the ride after the elephant interaction (yes i was kissed by Kusa) so the guides joined me for water and crackers and cheese. It was gret to have a candid conversation with them and even though casper and kusa were on a free roaming walk, as the guys and I chatted, there was still a bit of an elephant in the room. I aked them if they were married and had kids ( a bit of small talk) and they mentioned they were for they start early due to their "short life expectancy" This was extremely shocking to me that this is what they believe their reality to be. If I am being aloof on what we are talking about it is because when I too was in the dark at first.
The went on to mention that HIV is so prevelant in the country that for black males, that is the reality. They said it as many American males talk about going bald. That it is what it is. Not only was I shocked that this is the attitude towards the disease but that they were talking to ME about it. Let me assure you, there were not flippant, proud or light about the subject - but very matter of fact. It find it hard to listen for I know that there is such a lack of education, and lack of empowerment in that area for many of the South African people. (I will address my views on the empowerment issue in a later blog for I have some views on this subject as well)
With all of this said, I really hope I have the privelage of meeting more South Africans who are willing to chat with me about HIV/AIDS. I am so intrested in the dynamics of it all here and just want to know more and be a part of the dialog.
The Little Differences..
10 Mar 09
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xjdUmx26p0
Tonight I met one of my dearest friend's sister for drinks in Pretoria's Hatfield Square for a proper South African Welcome. Hatfield is the Capital's college square district. We went to a German Pub call Herr's, ordered a draft beer, and sat out on the back veranda for a chat. Now all of this sounds no different that what you would do in the States however - I was drinking Castle lager (ZA's own brew) in about 75 degree F and paying a guy to "look after"our car outside. In talking to Raine and in being in the country for only a few hours I noticed a few other small things that let me know I was not at home.
First, Let's talk about the fond nick names they give certain things. "Frosties" are draft beer, "Toastie" are toasted sandwhiches, "Doccies" if you were to make a documentry film and I have been called everything from "Miss Tiffany", Mamma, Lady and Maám. On my first day I have been called out for being an American because I am fast.. fast walk and fast talk. I am told I will have to get on South African time and learn the South African walk which is extremely slow for me and is not much of a stroll even. O - and you have to lean a bit. I hope one if the ladies shows me how to walk with a giant bag of potatoes (over 50 of them) on my head. Absolutely AMAZing! I did in fact pick up a lil bit of the lingo here - (Erin Swisher I know you will get a kick out of that) They use the word "hey"for a lot of things and as a conversation filler as well as a "mmmmhuh" which comes from the gut. I will have to demonstrate that one. The other thing I love is people are great drivers here. They are exactly what I love... They drive in the slow lane and pass in passing lane (Erin Furman will be happy to know I have not had any incidences with the curb and tell my self "left left" when turning.
In all there are things that are foriegn to me here, however in talking with Raine out on the portch while driking our frosties, I realize that we are all very similar. Most people want family, good job, houses, kids the opportunity to meet new people. It was great for the both of us to have a sounding board to chat about political/social topics - a mini UN if you will. I was able to come to a better understanding of this country and how it works and she the States. It was rather "nice". (Another word commonly used here)
Editor's Note: This post the first time around (on 10/3/09 was more profound as i wrote it at night on my blackberry and had all of these amazing thoughts but had it in draft and deleted by mistake. Being that I was in Kruger with lite reception for the past few days.. well lets just say I am on African Time. :)
Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xjdUmx26p0
Tonight I met one of my dearest friend's sister for drinks in Pretoria's Hatfield Square for a proper South African Welcome. Hatfield is the Capital's college square district. We went to a German Pub call Herr's, ordered a draft beer, and sat out on the back veranda for a chat. Now all of this sounds no different that what you would do in the States however - I was drinking Castle lager (ZA's own brew) in about 75 degree F and paying a guy to "look after"our car outside. In talking to Raine and in being in the country for only a few hours I noticed a few other small things that let me know I was not at home.
First, Let's talk about the fond nick names they give certain things. "Frosties" are draft beer, "Toastie" are toasted sandwhiches, "Doccies" if you were to make a documentry film and I have been called everything from "Miss Tiffany", Mamma, Lady and Maám. On my first day I have been called out for being an American because I am fast.. fast walk and fast talk. I am told I will have to get on South African time and learn the South African walk which is extremely slow for me and is not much of a stroll even. O - and you have to lean a bit. I hope one if the ladies shows me how to walk with a giant bag of potatoes (over 50 of them) on my head. Absolutely AMAZing! I did in fact pick up a lil bit of the lingo here - (Erin Swisher I know you will get a kick out of that) They use the word "hey"for a lot of things and as a conversation filler as well as a "mmmmhuh" which comes from the gut. I will have to demonstrate that one. The other thing I love is people are great drivers here. They are exactly what I love... They drive in the slow lane and pass in passing lane (Erin Furman will be happy to know I have not had any incidences with the curb and tell my self "left left" when turning.
In all there are things that are foriegn to me here, however in talking with Raine out on the portch while driking our frosties, I realize that we are all very similar. Most people want family, good job, houses, kids the opportunity to meet new people. It was great for the both of us to have a sounding board to chat about political/social topics - a mini UN if you will. I was able to come to a better understanding of this country and how it works and she the States. It was rather "nice". (Another word commonly used here)
Editor's Note: This post the first time around (on 10/3/09 was more profound as i wrote it at night on my blackberry and had all of these amazing thoughts but had it in draft and deleted by mistake. Being that I was in Kruger with lite reception for the past few days.. well lets just say I am on African Time. :)
10 March 2009
landed safe and sound
"is it possible?" this is the south Africa tourism slogan. It is meant to signify the wonder of a magical place that has it all; beauty, adventure, culture , diversity all wrapped up into one place. From 45,000 feet - this is hard to confirm, but I hope by the end of the trip I can make the claim. All I know is we just crossed the Botswana border into SA - the sun is shining, I am beaming. . . I think it might be possible!
06 March 2009
Waiting For My Real Life to Begin
I woke up this morning with a huge smile on my face in part because I am filled will all of this positive energy due to my trip, but in part because I woke up to my ipod alarm clock playing Colin Hay's "Waiting For My Real Life to Begin". Of all songs it is funny that my shuffle landed on this one. The beauty and coincidence of it all. The song gets my morning mind thinking about a few things. 1. That Colin Hay is underrated and is such a fantastic singer songwriter. I wish he got more love since his days with Men at Work. But more importantly, 2. How lucky we all are to have lil luxuries like an Ipod alarm clock when many around the world are hoping and praying for clean water to consume. And 3. How poetic it is that in just a few short days I feel like MY real life will begin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4tcRlHY-3Q
Thanks again for reading and hope you enjoy the blog!
Cheers,
Tif
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4tcRlHY-3Q
Thanks again for reading and hope you enjoy the blog!
Cheers,
Tif
05 March 2009
My Travel Schedule
Today is officially my last day at work and I am thrilled to be finally at this point. For the past week I have been a bit checked out and in a bit of a daydream. Good thing I have been loaded with work and haven't had the time to allow myself to really sit back and relax just yet.
As many of you know I tend to have a bit of the planning streak in me and have been working on my travel plans for some time now. I finally made my final touches on my travel plans that have been 9 months in the making; coincidentally, the same amount of time a baby needs to grow in a mother's womb. As all eager mothers like to show off their new creations, I am proud to announce my travel schedule to you and hope you think that it is as adorable as I do.
Cheers,
Tif
9 Mar - Depart O'Hare
10 Mar- Land in Johannesburg, rent car and drive to Pretoria (Capital City) to explore the historic sights.
11 Mar- Drive to Kruger National Park Game Reserve.
12 Mar- Day Safari to see Big 5 and Night Elephant Safari
13 Mar- Drive West towards: Sarbie, Hazyview, Pilgrims Rest, Blyde Cayon, God's Window, Grasgoap
Visit the Apartied Museum
14 Mar- Fly from Jo'burg to East London to meet with the rest of the volunteers and drive 3 hours NE to Malungeni (near
Volunteer in Malugeni for 2 weeks
29 Mar- Fly from East London to Cape town
Visit the Summer Concert at Kirstenbosch National Gardens (botanical)
30 Mar- Cape Town city tours
Ride to the top of Table Mountain
31 Mar - Open Day to Explore
1 Apr- Beach Day
2 Apr- Winelands Tour
3 Apr- Cape Town markets
4 Apr- Meet with Amy, another volunteer who will be also staying in Cape Town
5 Apr- Winelands Tour
6 Apr- Robben Island
7 Apr- Fly from Cape Town to Jo'burg to Frankfurt, Germany
8 Apr- Frankfurt city tour
Visit the Staedel Art Museum
Trip to the Rhein (45 minutes) via train ride to Rüdesheim (extremely touristy) and Bingen, take a boat trip on the river
9 Apr- Fly from Frankfurt to O'Hare
As many of you know I tend to have a bit of the planning streak in me and have been working on my travel plans for some time now. I finally made my final touches on my travel plans that have been 9 months in the making; coincidentally, the same amount of time a baby needs to grow in a mother's womb. As all eager mothers like to show off their new creations, I am proud to announce my travel schedule to you and hope you think that it is as adorable as I do.
Cheers,
Tif
9 Mar - Depart O'Hare
10 Mar- Land in Johannesburg, rent car and drive to Pretoria (Capital City) to explore the historic sights.
11 Mar- Drive to Kruger National Park Game Reserve.
12 Mar- Day Safari to see Big 5 and Night Elephant Safari
13 Mar- Drive West towards: Sarbie, Hazyview, Pilgrims Rest, Blyde Cayon, God's Window, Grasgoap
Visit the Apartied Museum
14 Mar- Fly from Jo'burg to East London to meet with the rest of the volunteers and drive 3 hours NE to Malungeni (near
Volunteer in Malugeni for 2 weeks
29 Mar- Fly from East London to Cape town
Visit the Summer Concert at Kirstenbosch National Gardens (botanical)
30 Mar- Cape Town city tours
Ride to the top of Table Mountain
31 Mar - Open Day to Explore
1 Apr- Beach Day
2 Apr- Winelands Tour
3 Apr- Cape Town markets
4 Apr- Meet with Amy, another volunteer who will be also staying in Cape Town
5 Apr- Winelands Tour
6 Apr- Robben Island
7 Apr- Fly from Cape Town to Jo'burg to Frankfurt, Germany
8 Apr- Frankfurt city tour
Visit the Staedel Art Museum
Trip to the Rhein (45 minutes) via train ride to Rüdesheim (extremely touristy) and Bingen, take a boat trip on the river
9 Apr- Fly from Frankfurt to O'Hare
20 February 2009
My Assignment in Malungeni, SA
Well, it is official...I am a "pioneer". This is what Global Volunteers calls any group of volunteers that go into a region in the first year that GV establishes a foundation in that region. Our team will be the 5th group to work in Malungeni.
So many of you have asked what I will be doing volunteer wise in South Africa and today we were sent our assignments for that region and it looks like we will have our hands full. I wanted to update you all on what our roles will be while we are there.
Our primary assignment will be to work with students in the K-9 Langalakhe primary school - there are currently about 130 kids and 5 classrooms. Classes are from about 7:45AM to 1:45PM, with a lunch break. The school requested assistance with the following subjects: English, math, natural sciences and social sciences. Good thing I taught at local Chicago Public Schools with Junior Achievement several times this past year!
Our secondary projects are a wide range of community building activities from after school tutoring to labor work with community centers and a bakery. In addition, we could work on the following projects!
Women’s cooperative: A group of local women represent different special interest groups in the community – bakery, community garden, sewing and dance, and the piggery/poultry farms. Volunteers on past teams worked with the sewing and dance group on handicrafts. The women are concerned about providing productive activities for young women and girls in the community and also opportunities for earning outside income to purchase craft supplies and the like for community projects. They’ve thought about starting a local crafts market to attract people to the village, and to publicize their dancing group for hire at outside community programs. Craft projects on past teams included making dresses out of t-shirts, sewing, felting, knitting and darning.
Business planning: Volunteers on the first 3 teams facilitated business planning workshops and a project planning workshop. Local participants included members of the bakery, community garden, sewing and dance group, and the piggery/poultry farms groups. Information and activities focused around the different components of developing a business plan: mission/objective, management, operating budget, target market, marketing, funding. Each group also received small group assistance on creating their own budget and plan. Many of the groups have completed the initial planning phases for their businesses, and are still considering their next steps.
Healthcare:Medical professionals who are comfortable working independently and providing their own supplies (instruments and protective gear) have provided basic services in Malungeni. For example, an RN held blood sugar and blood pressure clinics/checks at the community center. Over 50 community members participated.
I can't tell you how excited I am to start this trip and get to Malungeni and really begin to work towards the betterment of this community!
xoxo - Tif
So many of you have asked what I will be doing volunteer wise in South Africa and today we were sent our assignments for that region and it looks like we will have our hands full. I wanted to update you all on what our roles will be while we are there.
Our primary assignment will be to work with students in the K-9 Langalakhe primary school - there are currently about 130 kids and 5 classrooms. Classes are from about 7:45AM to 1:45PM, with a lunch break. The school requested assistance with the following subjects: English, math, natural sciences and social sciences. Good thing I taught at local Chicago Public Schools with Junior Achievement several times this past year!
Our secondary projects are a wide range of community building activities from after school tutoring to labor work with community centers and a bakery. In addition, we could work on the following projects!
Women’s cooperative: A group of local women represent different special interest groups in the community – bakery, community garden, sewing and dance, and the piggery/poultry farms. Volunteers on past teams worked with the sewing and dance group on handicrafts. The women are concerned about providing productive activities for young women and girls in the community and also opportunities for earning outside income to purchase craft supplies and the like for community projects. They’ve thought about starting a local crafts market to attract people to the village, and to publicize their dancing group for hire at outside community programs. Craft projects on past teams included making dresses out of t-shirts, sewing, felting, knitting and darning.
Business planning: Volunteers on the first 3 teams facilitated business planning workshops and a project planning workshop. Local participants included members of the bakery, community garden, sewing and dance group, and the piggery/poultry farms groups. Information and activities focused around the different components of developing a business plan: mission/objective, management, operating budget, target market, marketing, funding. Each group also received small group assistance on creating their own budget and plan. Many of the groups have completed the initial planning phases for their businesses, and are still considering their next steps.
Healthcare:Medical professionals who are comfortable working independently and providing their own supplies (instruments and protective gear) have provided basic services in Malungeni. For example, an RN held blood sugar and blood pressure clinics/checks at the community center. Over 50 community members participated.
I can't tell you how excited I am to start this trip and get to Malungeni and really begin to work towards the betterment of this community!
xoxo - Tif
09 February 2009
Departures, Donations & Destinations
One month, or 30 days, or 720 hours or 43200 mins! This is the count down of my departure for in 2,592,000 seconds I will be at Ohare awaiting my plane to South Africa. My anticipation is overwhelming and I have been trying to contain my excitement by keeping busy. I did want to take a moment to thank all of the generous and caring people who have helped me by making donations to the Malungeni community, offering South Africa travel advise and those who are house/cat sitting for me while I am gone. Thank you so much for everything! Because of you I have a 70lbs suitcase filled with dental/school/sport supplies; An itinerary filled with wonderful and thrilling destinations; and a mind filled with ease of leaving my house and girls for a month. Of course because of this my heart is filled with love.
Thanks again everyone and keep checking back for more posts!
xoxo
Tiffany
Thanks again everyone and keep checking back for more posts!
xoxo
Tiffany
31 January 2009
Mamma Afrika
Hello - - or should I say "Hallo", "Sanibonani", "Bhota", "Dumela" or "Avuxeni"!
There are 11 official languages in South Africa which is a true testament to its diverse culture that South Africa prides itself on. As all of you already know, I am leaving to experience first hand what this country has to offer. When I talk to people about South Africa, I am met with such positive responses. These conversations make me excited each day to see for myself what some have shared as "The most beautiful place on Earth", "Amazing", "A once in a lifetime experience" and my personal favorite "Mamma Afrika".
My goal while I am there is to learn as much as I can about the country, the people and maybe along the way a little bit about myself as well. To help me track this journey, I set up a blogspot to record some of my experiences while I am there and many of you have asked to view this blog. So here it is.. enjoy!
Tif
There are 11 official languages in South Africa which is a true testament to its diverse culture that South Africa prides itself on. As all of you already know, I am leaving to experience first hand what this country has to offer. When I talk to people about South Africa, I am met with such positive responses. These conversations make me excited each day to see for myself what some have shared as "The most beautiful place on Earth", "Amazing", "A once in a lifetime experience" and my personal favorite "Mamma Afrika".
My goal while I am there is to learn as much as I can about the country, the people and maybe along the way a little bit about myself as well. To help me track this journey, I set up a blogspot to record some of my experiences while I am there and many of you have asked to view this blog. So here it is.. enjoy!
Tif
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