One recent incident showed me that I need to constantly remind the students about safety. Where we are, in Tekweni Backpackers in Florida Road, is safe, But there can still be risks. Four of the students were walking ahead and were approached by two young guys who asked for money. They decided to take them to the hostel. I arrived to find one of the boys outside on his own with them, while another went inside to get money. Then one of the girls opened her purse in front of them to give them money. I got them inside immediately and did a serious lecture on how foolish this had been. I pointed out in all likelihood the guys were Totsis. Lesson absorbed and learned!
I took the two guys I registered at UKZN to Parents Day. Neither of them has parents. It seemed remarkable looking at the audience that the University should use such an inappropriate name for this day. These boys live in a shack town in Umlazi. They had never been in Durban before. I was so glad to be able to help them and two other young people from DHS and ZHS. This is an area I am keen to develop. Dloko is so proud of the boys. Rightly so, their achievements are immense. Given their background, to get into UKZN to study Engineering is magnificent. I think these boys would be superb for the first Edinburgh University-UKZN reciprocal graduation scheme.
Life is different now that the JGHS F.P's are here. I am so proud of them. Prudence, another ex ZHS girl, invited us to a Poetry Performance. She and twelve other black poets and singers were performing. It was wonderful. It was intense, political and inspiring. We were, of course, the only whites there, but we were once again made so welcome. We never encounter hostility or indifference. In fact we are greeted like celebrities in Umlazi. I am greeted by people everywhere. Shouts of Mr Alex, Mr Wallice, Waldo or Babomkhulu are so frequent, even in the butcher's in Umlazi. I feel very honoured.
We hold a mini Beach Party for our zulu friends. It is lovely, so reminiscent of the joy of the beach Party on the school trip. The Gillespies Project has touched so many people.
On Monday 30th we hold our first Strategy Meeting and each student is allocated tasks related to placement procurement. We are anxious that we might not secure enough. I feel it is important that they feel the "pain" of trying to find their own placements. they must not rely on me, although my knowledge and experience here is obviously very useful. Next day we head into Zwelibanzi and Dloko for excellent meetings run by the students about what they can offer. They take Mr Maseko to task for a newspaper article titled "Zwelibanzi, miracle school" in which there is no mention of the Gillespie's contribution. He was rather shamefaced and apologetic, blaming the omission on editing. We have an excellent visit to a new little creche in the township. At last Emmanuel's mother's dream is coming true. It is basically a makeshift structure of corrugated iron and wood, but it is full. The toys were bought by money donated by Susan Maciver. I know she will be pleased that at last they are being used. We also go to Maskey Nursery which has also been supported by the school, Susan and the Cathro family.
By the end of the day we have secured placements for everyone. We are so happy....and a little scared!
I meet up with a phenomenal woman called Rejoice. I love the name. She works with Phumlani and his foundation. She is a former Principal, lecturer and social worker. We are keen to work together. sadly we share our disillusionment with the overbureaucratic unresponsive machine currently running Education in South Africa. We wonder where the Educational visionaries have gone. So many dedicated teachers and needy students being led by people who seem to have forgotten the purpose of education. We are so much more secure in Scotland but I have fears for the future in these difficult economic times. But I am sure Rejoice and Iwill do good work together.
Then it is back to the airport to collect our last two volunteers. another ear splitting but joyous khumbi ride.
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