The Sponsoring of a Village - Kgatla - Sept. 30th

The team with all the donations

He's beautiful!

Being greeted by the girls

This day by far has had the biggest impact on me personally.  As individuals, we brought some items to donate to a local school or organization.  When we asked our contact to help us find the right source for our donations, our request made it through the Department of Education up to the Premiere’s Office. 

There is a program underway within the Province called the ‘War on Poverty’.  The Premiere’s office had identified a village called ‘Kgatla’ as the poorest of the poor back in 2009 and they have focused many resources to bring this village up to a higher standard (water, electricity, housing).  Needless to say, when our request was received – this village was top of mind. 

Armed with information on this village and a specific request for school uniforms and dictionaries, we consolidated our donations (check the blog from Sept 18^th), and began our mission to collect more money from our friends and family at home.   As a result of this effort, the final numbers for the Kgatla donation pool are:

School Uniforms and Dictionaries:

67 skirts                                   127 trousers/shorts

156 shirts                                  175 pair of shoes

6 pair of socks                           44 dictionaries

The first recipients of the uniforms(all orphaned)

Other donations:

New and used clothing (baby, children, adult), food, baby formula, toys, candy, school books,

soap, tooth paste, toothbrushes, sports equipments, arts and craft materials … and more.  A total of about 2 pick-up truck loads of goods.

In their new uniforms - primary school

High school - new uniforms

Saying good-bye!

We were welcomed by the local community leaders, the Premiere’s office, The Chief, the school principal and teachers, parents and children.  We presented our donations and directly provided uniforms to approximately 25 students (most orphaned).  The community would later distribute the remainder.

The heart felt thanks we received cannot be put into words … I am in tears as I type.  I have been forever changed – so much we take for granted.

A true contrast - Sept 29th

The first school - Roseline our intern.

As we work through our assignment, we need to fully understand the breadth of differences between the urban and rural schools and the facilities they work within.

The Girls hanging out!

Awesome!

Last day of school before break!

IBM's KidSmart Centre

Today our assignment has taken us to 2 different schools in Sekhekhune.  The first school was amazing.  Although this school is in a rural area, they had two computer labs in place one for the junior learners (grades 3 – 5) and one for the senior learners (grades 6 – 9).  They also had IBM’s KidSmart centre set up in their Grade R (kindergarten) classroom.  The school principal and staff were very motivated to incorporate technology into their curriculum.

Next we moved on to one of the Special Schools.  This school had just been signed up as a school in the Province and at this point had not been provided with any materials or programs.  This school also had no electricity or running water but operated two separate classrooms of programs for special needs young adults.

The new school - to be upgraded

The new school

The contrast between these two schools truly illustrates some of the challenges ahead of the province for delivering a quality education that includes technology.  The task may seem daunting but I see such a spirit of hope and determination – I have little doubt they will achieve their goals in time.

The Adventure Tour - Sept 25th

Yep .. that's me!

For those of us adventurers at heart … this was the perfect day.  Our day began with a journey to the Mountains to a place called Magoebaskloof.  The first order of the day – zip-lining over a canyon.  There were 11 lines through the trees and across the canyon.   Simply breath-taking.

Yes ... it's that far!

Overlooking the canyon!

Some local talent - they were amazing!

Our next stop was for lunch in the village where we had an opportunity to explore a few local craft shows, enjoy some home made baking and see some young musicians at work.

I think this ride was more dangerous!

The final adventure – rappelling (abseiling) down a canyon wall about 100 feet.  Not for the feint of heart.  An exciting final day during an action packed weekend.