Allison's South African Experience

Pictures-Addo Elephant National Park

2009-07-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have so many pictures!!! It is kind of overwhelming.

Go to the following link if you would like to view some of my pictures of African animals (first time using Movie Maker):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZjqOvJSrnA

Table Mountain

2009-06-27T14:55:00.001-07:00

Today we rode in a cable car up to Table Mountain. Can you see the Lion?

Robben Island

2009-06-26T13:54:00.001-07:00

Today we traveled by ferry to Robben Island. Do you know the significance of Nelson Mandela? Left-Nelson Mandela's Prison Cell, Right-Deer are playing on the island. The Atlantic Ocean is in the background.

Cape Town

2009-06-26T13:46:00.001-07:00

Cape Town, the pride of South Africa

Sommerset West

2009-06-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Beaumont Elementary

Trip to Cape Town

2009-06-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today we started our journey to Cape Town. We took a very scenic route. We saw many farms, mountains & the Indian Ocean. Along the way, we saw illegal & squatter settlements as well as million dollar homes.

School Visits-Haves & Have Nots

2009-06-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Gqebera High School

Over the years the population has dropped from 1000 to 365. Teachers: 22

District: Semi-squatter, students live 10-12 km away

Parental support: Very Low

Pass Rate: 48%

Attendance: Poor (sickness, lack of motivation, no bus or taxi fare)

Vandalism: All classrooms had electricity, but due to vandalism, 1 class has electricity.

(One building burned in Dec., & it has not been repaired.)

Lunch: Students can buy snacks. lunch is NOT provided. Sometimes students leave for lunch, and do not return to school

Computer Lab: 11/25 computers work

Library: Destroyed

Books: The school hasn't received $ for books since March, when they should have received it.

Cleaning: No cleaning team

Extras: Sports, drama, net ball, soccer & rugby-but no fields

This school has the basics-cement building, running water & electricity so it is considered "well to do."

What can we do?

We also drove by another government funded school. See the difference!

I'll end w/ a positive quote by Martin Luther-Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.

Lungisa High School

2009-06-22T22:21:00.001-07:00

Languisa High School opened in 1990.
Languisa means put things right.
Resources: $13 per student
Mandella University has donated 20 computers.
Science Labs: No equipment
Literature classes: Students have to share novels & teachers have to share classrooms.
At risk students: No resources
Library: A teacher is volunteering on Saturdays to organize a library. The majority of the books are in poor condition.
Playground: No formal playground.
However, the school has a choir & rugby, soccer & cricket teams for girls & boys. The school needs a van to transport the student to competitions.
At the end of the tour, a talented group of peer educators entertained us with songs, including Why Are We So Oppressed?, speeches & a skit they created. The students went to school on Sunday and prepared this outstanding performance especially for us. These 11th graders are excellent examples of youth being the change they wish to see.
The following is an excerpt from Mbatha's speech (which was 7 paragraphs):
The beauty of this land is that of a rainbow. We differ in culture, language, colour and religion, but isolation and abhorrance are no longer our problem.
This is a land of freedom, where people can live within their rights and have choices in their hands. No one is above the law.
We believe in humanity, that no one can climb and reach the mountain tops alone, the rocks mights strike you or you might get tired of climbing, but you can hold my hand and be next to me. Together we can.
*I will be sure to post the whole essay. I was so inspired I copied her essay in my journal. Her words of appreciation to me and her smile were worth a millions.

Addo Elephant National Park

2009-06-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in Addo Elephant National Park. We saw elephants, Zebras, Kuda, Red Hartebeests, Jackals, Blue Cranes, Vervet Monkeys, Hyenas and much, much more. We did "experience a world of diversity in one park."

Human Dignity Center

2009-06-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

BE MORE!
"We're an orphanage without walls." Cecilia
First, Cecilia's story is very inspiring, and I will be sure to tell you about her later. She is a wonderful example of someone who is "giving back," & trying to end poverty.
Pre-School-56 children After School-110 children
*Counselors for caregivers of these precious children
*Courses for caregivers who want to learn English
Funding-Churches, Choices Voice Forum & Be.More

Stephen Mazungula School

2009-06-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Patience
Empower
Accommodate
Caring
Enjoy

This school has more resources than others we have visited-heaters, carpets for story time, more books in the library & classrooms, field trips, etc. The school is also very organized with fund raisers, committees, after school groups (Karate, Net Ball, Brownies), etc. There is a genuine feeling of respect at SMS. As soon as the principal walks in, the students rise to greet her. This school is truly a GEM! (I'll be sure to post the GEM poster.)

Kama School, Port Elizabeth

2009-06-18T08:46:00.003-07:00

Neatness-Discipline-Good Attendance

Kama School-Grades R-7, Ages 5-14, 700 Students

Resources come from donors & tourists. (See the picture of a teacher's book corner.)

There is a library,& a computer lab w/ 20 computers. They are waiting on the internet.

We were warmly welcomed with beautiful singing.

Emafini School-Our first school visit!!!

2009-06-17T11:59:00.001-07:00

Emafini School-Opened in 1989, ages 5 1/2-13, 40% of students live near the school and walk 5K.

Hours-8-2, Calendar-similar to year round calendar

Meals-UBUNTU provides meals

Class size 40-45

Resources-Chalkboards, workbooks, community boxes of crayons & pencils, computer lab, posters

I did not notice any hands-on materials, and there wasn't room in the classrooms for movement.

The teachers are very concerned about their students being prepared for the next grade level. We have less students and more resources in our classrooms, and we still have a gap too. ???

Posting

2009-06-17T11:57:00.001-07:00

Hi! I have posted in the comments section in Part 2 b/c the internet shuts down when I cut & paste in my original section. You will learn what I have been doing June 15-17.

South Africa Part 1: Preparation

2009-06-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

What are my goals for the international internship in South Africa?

Learn/Discover/Observe/Grow

What aspects of the culture do I particularly hope to observe and study during the trip?

I wonder...

Is there a sense of community?

What is beautiful?

What do residents do for fun?

What are examples of the arts? (Music, instruments, Museums, Theater)

To what extent do the children enjoy their environment?

How has the global recession impacted S. Africa?

What impact does tourism have on the local economy? (Fifi World Cup, 2010)

What resources are available for students who lose their family due to sickness and/or poverty?

What subjects are taught?

How does SA invest in their youth?

To what degree is education valued?

What resources do teachers and students use?

How do students & teachers interact? Teachers & teachers? Teachers & admin.?

What is a typical school day? Schedule? Transitions? Recess? Arts?

Who will I share my experiences with upon my return?

Family, friends, peers, students, community, contacts in SA & anyone who is interested

South Africa Part 2: South Africa!

2009-06-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

What cultural observations did I make today?

What did I observe today in terms of leadership styles, organizational systems, administrative processes or other educational practices?

South Africa Part 3: Back in the U.S.A.

2009-06-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

What are my overall impressions of the internship?

What are the most important learning results for me?

What was the best part of my internship?

I'll always remember...