Brianna loving the country and the people

I think it’s safe to say that here in South Africa there is so much opportunity that is offered. Due to this, we have all been busy while residing in this beautiful country. However, as much as it’s good to stay busy, I really enjoyed these past couple of days that we spent on the mountains for our Human Rights Social Cohesion Training Weekend. To set the scenery, we were distanced from the busyness and in an environment that was very calm, where our minds and bodies could fully rest.

Geodgedatch Olive Farn a perfect location for a weekend away

We shared our weekend adventure with South Africans and others from throughout the continent as we all came together to learn about Human Rights. I have to say that the weekend as a whole really made me stop and think about not just myself as a person but made me realize the importance of knowing our rights and how they affect us.

Working on group project under trees

I have truly met really wonderful people in such a short time that really have inspired me in many ways. Throughout the weekend, we worked on hypothetical political scenarios that dealt with countries in Africa and their take on human rights. I felt very inspired by the people around me who realized the problems our societies faced and were willing to contribute to make a change in these issues that are so commonly left unsolved.

My roommate, Lulama, is someone that I really look up to. She explained to me how she is constantly giving her time to volunteering, even though she makes very little off doing so. She explained to us how she treats people’s children as if they were her own. It was refreshing to meet someone who had such drive and passion. I admire her in many ways. Not just because of her efforts in helping her community, but also that she was so open to learning from other people. I remember her talking about how she is teaching a life skills course and how she had to basically write her own curriculum for the book she made. I was really impressed and wanted to get a copy of the book if possible. At my school that I intern at, I teach a life skills course as well and explained this to her. Not only did she want to discuss how we each teach it but she explained how we are peer educators and I really loved how she wanted to meet up with me to discuss our teaching methods.

Persuaded & encouraged by Sergio-- Brianna shares her rapping talents

I am finding that the longer I am here in South Africa, the more I am falling in love with this country. The communities in which I am consistently embraced by remind me why it feels like home in a sense. My internship is going well and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people that are so warm and personable. Even after I leave the school, some of them will reach out to me just to say hello. I have realized that I feel more powerful when I am a part of something rather than trying to achieve something by myself. I guess this is just the power of Ubuntu and I am very fortunate to be experiencing it firsthand.