My
internship has been going well up to this point and I have gotten used to a
fairly regular routine. I made the decision to go to the Homestead in
Khayelitsha every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for their homeschooling
program with another teacher or sometimes two. I am able focus my efforts on
working with learners who are preparing to go to school in the near future. I
have been preparing English lessons that consist of teaching the lesson and
passing out activities for them to do at their seats. I use the Internet and
also create my own worksheets or assessments to test the learner’s knowledge
half way through the week. We have been working on letters sounds, vowels and
trying to figure out ways to encourage the learners to come to class. It is
very challenging when the younger boys come or don’t come to class whenever
they choose to. There is one older boy who comes to class every single day and
tries to learn the material as best he can. He was born with fetal alcohol
syndrome and has trouble grasping knowledge and remembering what he has been
taught.
It
breaks my heart knowing that these children often struggle so much for reasons
beyond their control. The students have been teaching me so much about themselves,
the world, and myself. A few of the students have been teaching me some words
in Afrikaans. I told them they could teach me Afrikaans if they learned
English, which are both part of their daily curriculum. Occasionally, I even
get to play soccer with some of the boys during their break from class. I miss
playing soccer so I embrace any chance I can get to play with other people. There
is not much I can really teach except to give words of praise or encouragement
for their hard work. The boys who choose not to come to class don’t realize the
value of education yet and I can only pray that someday they do. Why would they
want to listen to me if I can’t relate to some of the things they are going
through? I am not in fear of my life when trying to get my homework done or
wondering where my next meal will come from.
 |
| Aimee on her shopping excursion |
The
four of us from UConn, who intern at City Mission, and a few co-workers from
the area went on a “girl’s day out” on a gorgeous and sunny Saturday. It was
one of the most fun times I’ve had yet here in Cape Town. We went to Old
Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, China Town mall and Mzoli’s meat place in Guguletu.
Old Biscuit Mill has a giant market with shops and any kind of food samples and
dishes you could think of. I had falafel for the first time. A few of us bought
dresses at China Town then we got snacks to bring to Mzoli’s. We danced for
hours and hours and shared a pile of delicious meat. I couldn’t ask for better
co-workers at City Mission Educational Services. They are so friendly and
welcoming- I feel as though we’ve been friends forever.
I
know I have probably said this many times but I can’t believe how fast time is
flying. I feel like there is so much pressure to make the most of this study
abroad experience while still making time for schoolwork and other things that
I value. The beginning of the Lenten season was a wake up call for me to not
forget to spend time in quiet each day. I have had a few internal battles with
myself since I have been in South Africa. I have been trying to cross off
things from my long list named “CAPE TOWN” in a Microsoft Word Document. At the
same time I realize that it isn’t about the quantity of things I accomplish,
but the quality and meaningful experiences I have while here in South Africa. I
am looking forward to finalizing my activist project so I can find my niche and
form another community through an outlet or movement that I am passionate
about. Four months is too long for a vacation but also too short for me to
figure out all of the answers I have about the world in myself. It is
definitely a challenge to find the right balance but it is possible to have
both a fun and enriching experience.
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