CAPE TOWN TEACHING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Tracey Staples and Tom Cranfield 2008
I went out to Ukhanyo Primary school and worked with 180 grade five students teaching English, Sport and some art during my day projects. It was a privilege to be welcomed into a school and allowed to work alongside some great teachers and independently creating schemes of work and teaching lessons. This was incredibly rewarding and I miss all of the students that I got to know so well over the course of the month. It was a pleasure teaching young people with a real desire to learn, such a shame that the schools don’t have the necessary resources. In the afternoons I helped with building projects in the townships to construct an adult literacy building and jungle gym. It was great to have a permanent impact on the landscape of South Africa that will hopefully improve the lives of different generations. I also organised and helped out with work for preschools and the local library - arts and crafts was always a particular favourite with the kids!
In terms of the accomodation and other volunteers this project was amazing- I feel like I have made some friends for life and the sense of comradery and unity within the houses was superb. It made the weekend and downtime just as much fun as the project work. I was fortunate enough to go shark diving, sky diving, watch a rugby match, go on a wine tour, climb up and down table mountain, go on a one day safari, visit boulders beach, cape point, the cape of good hope, robben island, simons town and countless other places. I can honestly say that I made the most of every second of my stay and had such a great time. Amanzi Travel were so organised and instantly put me at ease. I would highly recommend that anyone considering working in Africa should check out the available projects. It was honestly the best month of my life!
Tom Cranfield, UK, 2008
I have really enjoyed my time at this project, I have had the most amazing time. Thank you so much for help with organising it for me. I do feel that I have made a positive impact on the underpriviledged communities that I have worked with through this project and I thoroughly enjoyed teaching at Red Hill and the Children of Hope pre-schools. It was lovely to work with and get to know the young children who have so little but are always so enthusiatic to learn. I particularly enjoyed spending time helping the young children with their reading one to one in the library. I've also gained valuable skills that will be beneficial in other volunteer programs that I am undertaking over the next four months. These will also be beneficial in my future career, I would recommend doing a volunteer project like this to anyone. Our home in Fish hoek was lovely and I met some amazing people who I hope will be friends for life. Cape Town is an amazing city with so much to do, it was great being able to unwind at the local beach after a days work. I have left this project with some fantastic memories that I will never forget!
Tracey Staples, UK, 2008