Gap Year Students

Isaac

One thing I learned to do in South Africa was to “say a few words”. This was something we were called upon frequently to do with of course no advance notice. I was not surprised when I was asked to do just this a number of times towards the end of my stay.

A theme I found recurring in my “few words” was the power of overrating.

I have experienced this from the very start. In January, I believe I did one very basic job on the computer for Alex Wallace. He decided from this that I was a computer wiz kid and that I should be the computer man for the trip. I didn't really have any of these skills but Alex put his faith in me so I learned on the job and before you is the result: website, blog, Facebook, Twitter and some of the published videos.

Another example of this was throughout my time with SISCO, the street children project. For only the reason of assumption or perhaps hope they always saw me as an asset and so took me to meet the councillor and be a part of other meetings. They put their trust in me to actually represent them in meetings and presentations and even produce profiles and press releases for them. I owe a lot to SISCO; they trusted so I learned.

I found this incredible spirit all over: I was leading weekly parent workshops and my advice for classes was sought after; Umhlanga Jewish Day School asked me to come in to share an Autism and learning disabilities guidance session; former principal and to be charitable business founder Rejoice Ngcongo entrusted me with creating her business a website and even ran business related decisions by me from time to time; and generally being asked by friends or others from the wider community for “professional” information about the street children of Durban.

None of these things could I have completed competently six months ago. I have now been able to give them at least a fair try.

I am considerably indebted to a large number of people with whom I could hardly have aspired to any of this without. I am not one to mention names for fear of missing people out but I can’t help myself.

Firstly: the Durban United Hebrew Congregation. The synagogue itself and its frequenters have been incredibly kind to me. Families invited hosted me for the Jewish Sabbath every week and, as if that wasn’t enough, have invited me for everything from meals to football games. They made me so welcome and I am so grateful for it.

The second group I must mention is our friends from Umlazi, young and old. In this I include my longest standing South African friend who my family and I were fortunate to host as part of the school exchange, Ti Ti, our friends in the form of the young men and women still attending or former learners of Zwelibanzi and Dloko and the teachers thereof who have also been so kind and hospitable in allowing us to spend time in their schools. I also include in this our dependable cab driver and faithful friend, Ntuthuko. I am honoured to have been taken in as a friend by these caring people.

Lastly I have to thank my Jabulani colleagues, superiors and super superior, Mr Alex Wallace. This also includes my mother, father and brother who came out to South Africa and so generously offered their own invaluable skills, time and friendship.

I pray I can do justice to all these people and all to the projects and schools we have worked with by continuing with the Jabulani spirit and practice.