Wednesday 30 September
Mowbray Primary School
Today it was a very hot 34degrees as we headed off on a 45 minute bus ride to Mowbray Domnican Primary at Seven Oaks. On our arrival we received a ‘hearty welcome’ as the children sang to us in their Zulu language, and performed a dance routine.
We split into teams to lead activities we had prepared with children from different grades – there were outdoor sports and dancing, mask making and loom banding. The Mowbray kids were so enthusiastic and energetic despite the heat, and enjoyed showing us their skipping skills.
After the activities Sister Clare lead us on the pathway that Mowbray kids take each day to get to school. It was truly jaw-dripping to see this long, steep track that since 2006 has had an ‘access pathway’ erected as a result of the fatalities suffered by those traversing this track. The access pathway is a long, streep, narrow, steel stairway with gaps for railings at some points. Prior to this access pathway, kids had just a rope ladder to negotiate.
It was a stark realisation that young, primary school kids have to take this path – in all weather conditions- just to get to school. It made us reflect on how much we take our own education for granted.
After the long, sweaty and calf-aching walk we were very happy to join the Sisters as their guests for morning tea at their nearby convent. They prepared a beautiful spread for us despite their intermittent water outages.
As well as our visit to Mowbray, we have been privileged to design and paint a mural on the two stark external walls at the front of the orphanage – the Vianney Children and Youth Care Centre. The centre caters for children from about 5 years of age to 17. We first painted both dark brown brick walls completely white. While the design group created a sketch that would be painted onto one of the walls, others of us painted the name of the centre on the other. Meanwhile some of us played with the children, all of whom are orphans. They enjoyed skipping, hopscotch, dancing and soccer. On the third day when we were there to add the finishing touches to the mural we distributed the soccer shirts donated by Santa Sabina. The kids were thrilled, hugging us and showing off the numbers on their jerseys. We were all so touched that such a small gesture had made a big impact.
It was sad having to leave, as in that short time we felt that we had built a connection. They opened their hearts to us. It was an experience we will never forget, and the children will forever remain deep within our hearts.
Alejandra and Marianna
Students at Mowbray
The homes of Mowbray school students
Walking down the mountain track at Mowbray used daily by small kids to get to school
Getting involved in Volleyball with Mowbray students
Santa girls working with Mowbray kids in the classroom
Big welcome from Mowbray Primary School
Monday 28 September
After a long mass and an emotional farewell to our host Kopanang families we had a 6 hour drive ahead of us to Montebello, where the second part four immersion would take place. It is he 11th year Santa students have been visiting our sister school at Montebello, Our Lady of the Rosary, and the John Vianney orphanage. Montebello is a rural, hilly district about an hour from Durban.
On the way we stopped for lunch at the smallest Dominican Church in South Africa Little Church at van Reenen village – halfway between Johannesburg and Durban. There’s a lovely tea gardens and gift centre where we spent about an hour, enjoying the opportunity to eat meat pies or sausages as a break from pap and rice.
The next stage of the journey lasted till about 7:00pm when we arrived at Montebello for dinner. The Dominican sisters had just celebrated their 90 year jubilee the week before and were very welcoming to us.
Unfortunately there was no water on this first night – we learnt that this is a fairly regular occurrence, and realised how much we take for granted in our Western lives.
Monday was an early 6:00 am start with breakfast provided by the Sisters in the convent dining room. This was our first experience of eating altogether as a group since leaving our host families. After breakfast we walked the short distance to the secondary school which educates about 500 girls. They assembled at about 8:00 and sang us a beautiful welcome.
We then moved into year 8 and 9 classes and had the experience of being teachers for 3 periods. We had been preparing for this experience back at Santa and had organised resources and lesson ideas for maths, science. PE and English. We worked in threes or fours in the classroom, and from the skeletal system, to geometric shapes and creative writing, the girls enjoyed the classes, and we had a glimpse of what teaching is really like.
After lunch we walked to the John Vianney Orphanage which cares for about 19 children aged between 5 and 17 years. Many or most of these children are orphaned as a result of HIVAIDS in their families.
The orphanage is quite bare and drab with few resources. We saw beautiful wall murals painted by previous Santa immersion groups. Our task was to paint the outside entrance walls from a dark brown to brilliant white. We then painted in gorgeous bright colours the welcome sign on one wall, while the ‘artists’ in our group sketched a design that will feature on the second wall. We will visit the orphanage tomorrow (Tuesday) and complete the mural. We hope it makes John Vianney orphanage feel more vibrant and are so happy to continue the artistic contributions of previous Santa girls.
Spotlight on South Africa: The Shacks
We didn’t really know what to expect. All we knew was that we would be distributing a range of clothes, toys and toiletries to people who lived in the shack area close to Kopanang.
Four of us went with Sr Sheila in the car, packed with goods to distribute. We drove around the perimeter of the shack area. They are all made of tin. Some have neither doors nor windows. Yet we could see care taken in the form of little gardens. When we stopped at the first point, we could see inside the one-room shack and noticed some decorative trinkets and ornaments.
There were varied reactions to our presence. Some showed interest, some ignored us. For the little 5 year old boy the smile on his face said it all as he clutched the sports clothes we have him. A little girl ran naked towards us – so excited that she ran naked from her bath to see what we had.
At another stop, we almost had a swarm of women around us as the first woman rallied all around her in excitement. Sr Sheila is a very familiar and welcome figure to the people of the shack area, as these distributions are a regular part of her work in the area.
Altogether we spent about 5-10 minutes at each of the five stops that day, and were challenged by the gross levels of poverty that we saw. Yet we were also challenged to see the people of the shack area as individuals and not statistics. Despite the physical deprivation, there was a real sense of community in very practical ways. We were struck at our last stop by the reaction of ‘Nancy’, an older woman from the shacks. We only had babies and children’s clothes left. While she didn’t have young children, she immediately drew our attention to her neighbours’ needs. She then went to find a little disabled boy and brought him to us asking that if we could get hold of a wheel chair could we please bring it down for this child.
It was hard leaving this area knowing that while it was one visit for us, it is a lifetime for these people. It is hard to believe that in 2015 in a well-developed country there are hundreds of people living in shack settlements. We saw just one but know that this scene is repeated in many, many parts of South Africa.
Sarah D and Isabella P
Thursday 24 September
Safari at Pilansberg Game Park
After an intense and hectic three days at Kopanang Project, and an eventful night cooking for our host families in the kitchen, we embarked on a well-deserved trip to Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
The day began early with pick-ups starting at 5:50am (I was on time Mum and Dad) followed by a three hour drive. Immediately upon arrival, a few of us spotted an elephant and some monkeys roaming the outskirts of the reserve. This only added to our excitement of the day, as well as it being Michaela M’s 17th birthday.
As the birthday girl she had the first pick of seats on our specially hired safari your truck, and it was not long before we spotted four big elephants, soaking up the sun after the recent rainy days. While munching on some branches from the surrounding trees, surprisingly the elephants decided to get up close and personal with us. They were only metres away allowing those suffering from camera disadvantage (Sarah, Mariana, Pip, Bella B) to capture one of their very few decent pics. Our everyday bus driver, Logan, was telling us that they are African elephants because their ears are shaped like Africa. Sure Logan!!
We continued on to a ‘zebra crossing’ where a dazzle of zebras strolled across the dirt track behind us. Although covered in dirt ourselves, we were stoked to see them in their natural habitat. After much desperation to spot another animal, a large, disinterested rhino crossed our path before relieving itself behind a bush – leaving us little time to snap a good picture. We drive further on towards the watering hole which is home to many animals including impalas, springboks, hippos, crocoldiles, Terrapins, birds and wildebeests.
Anticipating a popular favourite – the giraffe – we continued our journey around the 55,000 hectare game reserve. Finally we spotted more than 15 giraffes as they stood among the trees, with two young male giraffes in the back were caught in the middle of a brawl. Fact of the day: giraffes fight with their necks as it is the only sensitive part of their body. We saw the result of one such fight in the reality of a giraffe carcass that had been there for about four months, providing food for a range of predators.
We were hoping to find the big cats (Senastion and Rocko) and lions and tigers. Unfortunately for us they are nocturnal animals and not happy about being outside in the midday sun. It was well over 30 degrees.
The safari concluded with a picnic lunch and birthday cake and celebrations for Michaela. Overall today was most definitely a highlight of our immersion experience as well as an incredible and special way to spend Michaela’s birthday.
A big hello to all our parents! We are always thinking of you and miss you all so much!
Sarah and Pip
Spotlights on South Africa
An immersion is more than just visiting a place, it is about experiencing life in a unique culture and environment and responding to these experiences.
The Feeding Scheme
‘We were filthy, we were sweaty but it was all worth it. I’d do it again and I’d do it everyday’.
These are the words of one of the Year 11 girls who participated in the ‘feeding scheme’ while on immersion in South Africa. The feeding scheme is a programme designed to serve the township’s neediest kids – those in HIV AIDS affected families. All of these children live in families where one or both parents are either living with HIV or have died from AIDS, leaving the children in the care of their grandparents or in some cases leaving behind a child-headed household. Each day a team of volunteers prepares a hot meal and delivers it to a designated area of the township of Tsakani in the midst of a shack settlement.
So what is the impact on Year 11 Santa Sabina girls who become part of the volunteer team while on immersion in South Africa? We started in the kitchen in the morning – preparing and cooking the food. It was basic staple food including pap, vegetables and sausages. We spent a couple of hours there and then headed off in Sr Sheila’s van to the feeding site’.
‘When we arrived at the site there were about 50-60 kids ranging in age from about 5-17. They were running around this small, dirt-covered area about the size of a small backyard. We bought some balls and frisbees for them to play with, plus a long skipping rope to replace the one some girls had been using the day before that had been strung together by plastic bags’. The Santa girls were welcomed into the games without hesitation. They noticed the little rows of lunch boxes lined up in front of a small tin shed from where the lunches would be served.
‘As soon as the food van pulled up, the kids dropped what they were doing and immediately lined up behind their lunch boxes. They then prayed and sang in their own language as the volunteer coordinators addressed them’.
The whole procedure of serving them a meal – their only meal of the day – took about 25 minutes. But the girls were struck by the fact that not all the children were eating. They noticed a little 5 year old girl sitting on her lunchbox. ‘I’m bringing it home for my family’ was the little girl’s reply when the Santa girls asked why she wasn’t eating her meal.this was possibly the most confronting moment. ‘To know that kids so young can understand the idea of giving up something for the sake of the family was overwhelming’.
Another boy offered them his pear. It is no wonder then that being immersed in the reality of life on the margins is challenging. But for these girls it’s a challenge they’re ready to meet.
Tuesday 22 September
Helping at Kopanang
Monday 21 September
‘Sawa bona’. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of this first week of the immersion, we are giving our time and our talents at Kopanang. Kopanang is a women’s project that began in 2001 and is lead by Dominican Sister, Sheila Flynn. She works with approximately 66 women affected by a complex set of conditions including poverty, the impacts of HIV Aids, and sometimes unsupportive or abusive relationships. The project aims to develop the women’s self-sufficiency, their skills, as well as creating a safe, loving community for them. The women have developed amazing skills in embroidery and their products are sold within and beyond South Africa. They also receive literacy and numeracy training and basic computer skills. Kopanang extends beyond the immediate women’s project to work in the adjacent crèche, the feeding scheme for local children and after school activities.
Our school, Santa Sabina College, has been connected with Kopanang since its inception. This year it is our turn to experience the immersion. Each day we begin with beautiful songs sung by the women to welcome us, and morning prayer. This is followed by a very overwhelming experience where each of the women tell us what Kopanang means to them. This sharing has completely changed our perspective on the significance of Kopanang. To each individual Kopanang provides women with mothers and sisters where they seek support when times are troubling. At Kopanang the women gain a sense of respect for one another, and never feel judged. Despite tribal and age differences, they are a community and reflect the meaning of the word, Kopanang, ‘coming together’.
After the women shared their stories, we in turn introduced ourselves and talked about why we had come to South Africa. Many of us said we wanted to make a difference but we all agreed that the women had made a bigger difference in our lives. The sense of community and happiness evident in their heart-felt stories is inspirational.
We all look forward to the rest of our time here at Kopanang and know that this experience will continue to live in our hearts and minds forever. Working with the women has impacted us all. We hope everyone isn’t missing us too much at home.
‘Salakahale’
Isabella B and Mikaela S
One of the many shanty towns we’re seeing in South Africa.
South African children at the feeding scheme lining up for one meal of the day.
The music room at Kopanang. Short on resources but full of hope
Alejandra playing with the kids at the Kopanang crèche today
Santa girls teaching the women of Kopanang some computing skills.
Our first day at the Kopanang project. Exciting week ahead.
Sunday 20 September
Sunday was a very early start to ensure we were in time for the 8am Mass. The 2 hour long service was an inspirational celebration of faith. It was full of song and movement, ending with a performance by us when we sang in front of the congregation – ‘We’re all in this together’. They were very appreciative and said that we were the best group so far.
After Mass we went to the craft markets at Rosebank, Johannesburg. We relaxed and enjoyed the great range of goods as well as the food.
We finished the day at Soweto – we learnt that Soweto is short for South Western township. Soweto is the site of the terrible 1976 event where police opened fire on unarmed students who were protesting about the imposition of Afrikanner as the official language of school instruction. The Hector Pietersen Memorial at Soweto is a moving tribute to these events.Hector was one of the young students gunned down on that day of the protests. We also visited the Regina Mundi Catholic Church which was a placeof refuge for activists during the apartheid era. The damaged altar is one of the visual reminders of police violence of that era, and an indication that no place was truly safe.
Despite predictions of very hot weather in Joburg, we’ve experienced much cooler temperatures and then were caught unawares by a big downpour at the end of Day 3. But that didn’t dampen our spirits in any way.
Big family welcome home after day out.
Decorative remnants of Soweto power station blown up by Afrikkaner party after Mandela 1994 victory
Hector Pieterson memorial in Soweto. He was shot by police in 1976 while on peaceful student protest
Damaged altar at Regina Mundi – legacy of police violence in Soweto.
Regina Mundi Catholic Church Soweto – refuge for activists during apartheid era.
Santa girls at Freedom Square Soweto today.
Santa girls singing at St Paul’s Tsakane this morning.. Such a welcoming community.
Saturday 19 September
In the morning we each got picked up from our homes and made our way to the Apartheid Museum, where we able to educate ourselves further about the political struggles for freedom and liberation during the Apartheid era. We learned about the extraordinary and powerful people, particularly Nelson Mandela, who fought for the rights of Black South Africans. Some of the film footage and photographs were confronting, reflecting the harsh reality experienced by so many not very long ago.
Next we travelled to Consitituon Hill, built on the grounds of the former notorious prison that had held many, many political prisoners, including Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela. Conditions were appalling and overcrowded. We saw the insides of the cells used for solitary confinement, and learnt much about the treatment of political prisoners for minor offences such as not having their pass on them. In contrast to the past the new Constitutional Court built on this old site has been designed so thoughtfully to reflect the values of democracy, freedom, equality and transparency. Every aspect of the design, from the fabrics, to symbols, to the use of light and colour is deliberate, makes the court a beautiful symbol of justice and equality.
Carnelina and Isabella C
An overwhelming experience at the Apartheid Museum.
The girls being collected from their host families before heading off to the Apartheid Museum.
Friday 18 September
“Dumela!”, means hello in Sesotho. And we have had nothing but warm welcomes and many different expressions of ‘hello’ since our arrival two days ago. We have experienced such a mixture of emotions since our South African Immersion experience has begun. Upon arrival on Friday night at Johannesburg Airport, we all felt tired and the prospects of the journey ahead seemed surreal. We were immediately confronted by an incident between a large, white African man and a female South African airport worker. She was simply doing her job in directing him to compete health form before he joined the long customs queue. He not only refused but pushed past her, shouted and swore at her, before finally yelling at her ‘I pay your wages’. At which point a black South African man had heard and seen enough. Showing the power of the bystander, he passionately and forcefully defended the airport worker, telling the White man that ‘this is the new South Africa’. You have no right to shout at her. We do not live with apartheid any more. Since 1994 we are the new South Africa. You do not pay her wages; we all pay taxes’. The surrounding crowd erupted in applause and cries of support for the this man. It was such an introduction to the existing tensions of modern South Africa – tensions that are not far below the surface’
After exiting from customs we were met by Sr Sheila and our driver, Logan. Although it was very late following a 2 hr flight delay from Sydney and an hour in the customs queue, there were smiles, warmth and hugs all around when we met our host mothers at Kopanang on this first night of our arrival. After songs of welcome and a meal that they had prepared for us, we headed ‘home’ to meet our wonderful families then headed off to bed, exhausted after being up for over 24 hours.
Carmelina and Isabella C
South Africa Immersion 2015
Over the past Term, 12 Year 11 students and three teachers, Mrs. Carroll, Mrs. Mu Sung and Dr Herrett have endeavored to immerse themselves in the South African culture in preparation for our trip in the September-October holidays. We all have mixed emotions of excitement but also feel somewhat nervous. After much preparation, packing and collecting of materials to donate to the members of the Kopanang and Montebello communities, we are ready to adapt to a different culture and develop as young women. Our main aspiration is to take action and make a change, not only as individuals, but also as a group of young women.
During the first week we will be living with our host family in the Township of Tsakane. We will attend the Kopanang Centre daily, working with the women, participating in the feeding scheme, visiting shack areas and running activities for the children. We hope to be provided with the opportunity to learn more about their tremendous lives and build long-term relationships into the future. Our service will enhance our experience overseas. We will also have the opportunity to visit the Pilansberg game park, which will be fun and exciting.
During the second week we will travel to Our Lady of the Rosary school in Montebello where we will conduct classroom lessons for the high school students and work in the children’s crèche. Providing a learning opportunity for these children will remind us about how privileged we are, sharing our knowledge and time with others to enrich their learning. During this week we will also visit Seven Oaks Primary School and engage in similar fun and educational activities with the students.
We are anxiously but patiently anticipating the amazing journey ahead where will we give 100% of our time to this Immersion experience. We understand that this trip is not a holiday, but rather a truly remarkable experience that will be part of our lives forever as our perceptions of the world are developed.
We look forward to our departure and coming back to share experiences with our families and peers, encouraging others to take a trip to South Africa to experience what we did.
Michaela and Katie
