So… hard to believe, but we’re left with only two days to go here in Port Elizabeth. Our time has been so full that our arrival into the PE airport a short 10 days ago seems like ages ago. We have become very attached to this place and our new friends.
Andy and Matt are spending their school days at Sapphire Road Primary. Though school has slowed down a great deal, since the students are finished with their exams (the students go out on their summer break – remember seasons are opposite here in the southern hemisphere – in about a week), the boys have good connections there, and enjoy being able to hang with kids, not getting dragged around with us adults. They also have developed relationships with the neighbourhood boys where we are staying, and are enjoying daily soccer matches (the current/informal Drape Academy PE program).
Chrissie and I have visited four more schools in the last two days – rather intense, as we’ve been in deep conversation with the principals – but what a gift it has been for us to be able to spend time with them:
Andy and Matt are spending their school days at Sapphire Road Primary. Though school has slowed down a great deal, since the students are finished with their exams (the students go out on their summer break – remember seasons are opposite here in the southern hemisphere – in about a week), the boys have good connections there, and enjoy being able to hang with kids, not getting dragged around with us adults. They also have developed relationships with the neighbourhood boys where we are staying, and are enjoying daily soccer matches (the current/informal Drape Academy PE program).
Chrissie and I have visited four more schools in the last two days – rather intense, as we’ve been in deep conversation with the principals – but what a gift it has been for us to be able to spend time with them:
Hamie Peterson @ Jubilee Park Primary
Dan Mavukela @ Noninzi Luzipho Primary
Sipho Matyolo @ Cebelihle Primary
Mandisi Mvimbeli @ Jarvis Gqualama Primary
At each of these (as well as Sapphire and Charles Duna), we have met with school leaders who are doing so much, with so little material resource. These schools are true centers of the community, addressing much more than the educational needs of the students, serving in various degrees as job training centers, feeding programs, health and counselling support programs. These principals represent their respective communities’ mindset of hope – resourcefulness – perseverance…. Optimistic attitudes balanced with the pragmatic approach of making a way through very challenging circumstances – but circumstances they see filled with opportunity. And all of this set in a context where we have been so graciously and lovingly welcomed. Port Elizabeth is known within South Africa as the “friendly city,” and it has certainly lived up to its name.
We do recognize that we have only seen a small slice of the South African reality, even here within PE, and we are careful not to project too much from our limited experience. It is so clear that the South African story – the “new” South Africa – has myriad layers. The communities that we have spent time in represent the challenge the country faces in addressing the legacies of apartheid – economic hardship, racial complexities, health challenges. The dynamics of hardship in SA are quite complex, and the economic story of the country is as well. We don’t begin to presume deep understanding, but are fascinated by stepping into the questions and conversations.
The South African Institute on Race Relations - http://www.sairr.org.za/ – has a website with a series of fascinating articles (news releases section), that if you have the time, are well worthy of perusing. One in particular cites Steven Biko’s legacy as a critical element for the new South Africa (Biko was the main force in establishing the Black Consciousness Movement within the struggle to end apartheid – a movement stressing the need for psychological liberation in the midst of the physical liberation, and was killed in police custody in 1977. The book “Cry Freedom” tells his story) – here’s the link: http://www.sairr.org.za/wsc/pstory.php?storyID=452
This blog entry is perhaps a little more weighty than some of you may be looking for, but it’s important for us, the Drapes, to wrestle through this as we travel, so we’re happy to share our wrestling with you all as well.
We do recognize that we have only seen a small slice of the South African reality, even here within PE, and we are careful not to project too much from our limited experience. It is so clear that the South African story – the “new” South Africa – has myriad layers. The communities that we have spent time in represent the challenge the country faces in addressing the legacies of apartheid – economic hardship, racial complexities, health challenges. The dynamics of hardship in SA are quite complex, and the economic story of the country is as well. We don’t begin to presume deep understanding, but are fascinated by stepping into the questions and conversations.
The South African Institute on Race Relations - http://www.sairr.org.za/ – has a website with a series of fascinating articles (news releases section), that if you have the time, are well worthy of perusing. One in particular cites Steven Biko’s legacy as a critical element for the new South Africa (Biko was the main force in establishing the Black Consciousness Movement within the struggle to end apartheid – a movement stressing the need for psychological liberation in the midst of the physical liberation, and was killed in police custody in 1977. The book “Cry Freedom” tells his story) – here’s the link: http://www.sairr.org.za/wsc/pstory.php?storyID=452
This blog entry is perhaps a little more weighty than some of you may be looking for, but it’s important for us, the Drapes, to wrestle through this as we travel, so we’re happy to share our wrestling with you all as well.
2 comments:
Wow!Time does go fast when you enjoy what you are doing so you are obviously "enjoying". What an awesome experience for you all.By the way, it snowed in Iowa today.
WHERE IS THE CHICKEN?? ps tell matt and andy we've been looking for those fancy cabs that put you on tv but we haven't found one yet. but maybe that's because we usually take the subway.
love alison and chul
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