Camp and Graduation

 The 2nd of November 2019 will be remembered by many as the day Siya Kolisi's Springbok team won the Rugby World Cup in Japan, but for some kids from Cradock it will always be remembered as the day they for the first time ever, swam in the ocean.

So, 1-3 November I took 10 kids and 2 of the 2019 Interns camping in Jeffreys' Bay.  We were welcomed in the Mission House on the Global Leadership Academy's Campus.

The first evening we sang songs, played games and divided into groups for team activities.  Saturday morning picnic food and snacks were prepared after breakfast and then the great trek down to the beach took place.  For the locals it wasn't really a beach day, with the wind blowing a little bit strong, but a little bit of wind wasn't going to stop any Cradocker from this first in a lifetime experience.  We first had a photo shoot at the Dolphin Statue and then it was into the waves.  It was fun to witness their excitement!

Later those who were brave enough also had the chance to go down the Super Tube Slide a few times.  After ice-cream they took another dive in the sea, before returning to the Mission House exhausted.

In the late afternoon it was time for Netball and Soccer, boys against the girls. (Needless to say that the girls won the Netball and the boys the Soccer.)  It was great fun!  Before we had pizza I taught them a new card game which also involved the grabbing of spoons :-D!!!!  After dinner we made photo frames and then we watched a movie together.

The next morning Cornelius Ngosa came to share his life story with us, which was very inspirational.  The camp was a great success!  The kids were SO co-operative and the Interns SO helpful in every way.

The next weekend, 8 November 2019, we then had our Internship Graduation.  It was a celebration of their engagement with this programme.  New things lies ahead for each one of them.  I wish them well.

Evelyn

Sophakama Internship 2019

I feel so happy about this year's Intens!

I have 5 students.  2 from the ACVV; 1 from Michausdal; 1 from Lingelihle and 1 from my church in town.  Each one of them are bringing something unique to the table, when we meet on Friday mornings. 

The lady from Michausdal work with me twice a week in Carinus Primary School, where we give more individual attention to 60 Grade 1  learners.  In this the 3rd term, out of the 60 learners, only 10 kids' progress are slower than we have hoped for, but are still in a far better place than when we started with them in February.  The rest of the kids are progressing so much and that brings us joy.  We have made a difference in these kids' lives.  I am happy for this Intern to have had the opportunity to have this exposure.  Now she understands the process of learning to read and she will be able to teach other kids as well.

The lady from Lingelihle has a real heart of compassion for the hurting girls in her community.  She has decided to study Social Work next year.  I think the Community Project Management is proving to be very beneficial to her.

One of the ACVV Interns is also looking into furthering her studies in Social Work.  She has impressed me with her commitment and deep thoughts about life.

The last 2 Interns are guys.  The second ACVV Intern is working with me at the After-school programme of the ACVV 2 afternoons a week.  He has an understanding of Higher Grade Maths, which is very useful.  He also has a heart for Children's Programmes in the community and on Saturdays you might find him holding Gwarra-dance competition in Michausdal.

The last Intern is a young man with a heart to use sport in poor communities as a tool to mentor learners in the area of Social/Emotional well-being.  He is also working towards Hockey coaching qualifications in the pursue of this dream.

In November we hope to take some of the older children we taught this year on a camp.  We look forward to this weekend with the kids at the seaside.

That will conclude this year spent together as Sophakama Internship 2019.

Evelyn

More than meets the eye!

The end of last year I was really worried about one of the girls whom I taught.  It seemed that she was bent on throwing her future away.  It was as if the hurt that she felt made her reckless.  Her guardian though, committed to provide her with a good, safe space to come to terms with her hurt.  And so, I was amazed at the girl that returned after the holidays.  Her clothes, hair and attitude all proclaimed a greater peace.  She is now even helping others with their work.  Thank you, Mamma for your wise love and care.

Last week I started assessing the kids who the Grade 1 teachers identified as those who, with a little bit of help, would be able to learn the skills needed to pass Grade 1.  It is nice to work with those who are eager to learn and loves a challenge.  Their eyes have a brightness.  Then you also get those who just lacked the stimulation, but will with a little bit of discipline get there.  The hardest to work with are those who have come to believe that they can't.  With them, every, however small, success, needs to be celebrated, magnified and poured into their soul, with a teacher's praise of the mouth and belief in the eyes.  This might take time, but what beautiful flowers will the soil so watered produce.

The good news that I received from Patensie and Jeffreys Bay is that the tutoring of last year were successful.  Parents are happy!  The tutors are therefore encouraged and passionate to continue helping more children.  I trust that this will also happen with the people I am training here in Cradock this year.