Vara's appreciation of the people she has met

Our excursion or "spring break" on the trip consisted of free time as well as several learning activities outside the classroom. We flew into Johannesburg and drove to our hotel in Sandton. While driving away from the airport, similar to Cape Town, we passed townships. The difference was that the township we passed, Alexandra, seemed more updated with solar panels on the new construction houses. Yet other parts of the township were extremely poor informal settlements. The economic divide even within the first township we saw set the mood for the rest of our week learning of economic and social issues. Yes, we visited several historical sites like the Hector Pieterson Museum, Sharpeville Memorial and Apartheid Museum, but what was more valuable to me was the lessons I learned from the individual people we encountered. 

I really enjoyed visiting the Apartheid Museum where I got to learn more about the racial segregation that occurred in South Africa. I think that as Americans we know very little about South Africa or Africa in general, but the history is so similar to our own. In fact, the tour guide at the Apartheid Museum made connections between the time frame that Apartheid took place and the timing of U.S. segregation laws. He was so knowledgeable about the connections between South Africa and world events which made the tour much more relatable for people of that era. I really appreciated his personal stories though and how he told us of his pursuit to become a traditional healer. I believe that the people in South Africa embody so much pride for their traditions and this is yet another example. Religion plays a huge role in their lives, and so does generationally passed down traditions that were resilient to times of oppression. We may not always agree with traditions of other countries but to see how throughout time the traditions have remained is quite incredible.

Vara enjoying her time at the Boys and Girls Club

Another example of my appreciation for the people was when we visited the Soweto Boys and Girls Club. This experience was a chance to understand where the youth was coming from and help out a little with the community. I was lucky enough to be working with a high school student named Blessings. She was so genuinely happy to have our group visit the center and contribute even the small amount we did. Blessings and I worked together along with Marita, Allie, and Lindsay to prepare the braii (South African Barbecue) which would bring all the children together. The power of giving food to children that may even specifically come to the club to eat is amazing. These children really have so little, including Blessings, and yet she has so much to give to them preparing and organizing the food distribution. The community aspect I could feel at the Boys and Girls Club was heartwarming. The children even performed a short dance routine they had worked on so that we could see their traditions in dance and song. I really enjoyed the experience of seeing the students and understanding their lifestyle as well as their graciousness to even the small things in life.