South Africa - Day 2
Today was a day full of emotions and contrasts. We began the morning visiting The Sozo Foundation and Butterfly Art Project, two wonderful non-profit organizations both situated within the Vrygrond community, just outside of Cape Town. Both organizations support school age learners (preferred term) through developing transferrable business skills, academic support, and the arts. While in the neighborhood, we toured the overpopulated informal settlement, which was in stark opposition from our stay among high rises in downtown Cape Town.
The NEA Foundation placed much thought into photography during this trip and both read aloud and gave a printed copy of the guidelines. We were strongly reminded that the goal of this tour is not poverty porn. It was not our right to take pictures of people as scenery; which deprives them of their humanity and could be interpreted a form of neocolonialism. We were advised to recognize ourselves as guests and to be respectful of people's privacy. While stern, I was grateful that as Americans we were being reflective and having these serious conversations so openly.
The tour was sobering look at the stark disparities between residents of this country, just a few kilometers away from each other. This observation, along with presentations about the challenges and opportunities both non-profits faced, had parallels to America, just as yesterday's school visit revealed. The countries are so far from each other but have so very many similarities. While at Sozo, we also had time to connect with the secondary (high school) students, playing games, dancing and laughing together. We interviewed each other and I learned about the popular sport of netball, and tried my best to explain lacrosse. When asked what year I matriculated (graduated from high school), I definitely got the I-can't-you're-such-an-old-lady raised eyebrows. 😂
Following the tour was lunch, then a breathtaking drive to the top of Signal Mountain for a powerful heartfelt champagne toast to teachers and the hard work we do. With such opposites directly after one another, it was hard not to feel guilt and focus on "solutions" to the inequities that we saw. Expecting that emotion, the NEA Foundation cautioned that it would likely take time for what we see in South Africa to sink in, and to allow our hearts and minds that time to process these experiences before we decide on what meaning and action this new knowledge has for us. Dinner was a survey of delicious dishes from across the continent at Africa Cafe. It was exquisite and dishes I hope to try to recreate with my own children back home!
Goals Update:
Goal 1: Connecting with Peers from the Program, and in the Field
After another day to get used to the time, I was able to stay up late into the evening to get to know some colleagues.
Goal 2: Finding South African Art to Share with Students
Africa Cafe had floor-to-ceiling installation of can tops, both metal and plastic, some painted and some not. This artwork with found materials was a testament to fulfilling ones desire to create, even with limited resources.
Goal 3: Make Personal Art Daily
In the evening we had the privilege to hear from Nelson Mandela's former prison guard and friend, Christo Brand, speak to our group about their time together.
The NEA Foundation placed much thought into photography during this trip and both read aloud and gave a printed copy of the guidelines. We were strongly reminded that the goal of this tour is not poverty porn. It was not our right to take pictures of people as scenery; which deprives them of their humanity and could be interpreted a form of neocolonialism. We were advised to recognize ourselves as guests and to be respectful of people's privacy. While stern, I was grateful that as Americans we were being reflective and having these serious conversations so openly.
The tour was sobering look at the stark disparities between residents of this country, just a few kilometers away from each other. This observation, along with presentations about the challenges and opportunities both non-profits faced, had parallels to America, just as yesterday's school visit revealed. The countries are so far from each other but have so very many similarities. While at Sozo, we also had time to connect with the secondary (high school) students, playing games, dancing and laughing together. We interviewed each other and I learned about the popular sport of netball, and tried my best to explain lacrosse. When asked what year I matriculated (graduated from high school), I definitely got the I-can't-you're-such-an-old-lady raised eyebrows. 😂
Following the tour was lunch, then a breathtaking drive to the top of Signal Mountain for a powerful heartfelt champagne toast to teachers and the hard work we do. With such opposites directly after one another, it was hard not to feel guilt and focus on "solutions" to the inequities that we saw. Expecting that emotion, the NEA Foundation cautioned that it would likely take time for what we see in South Africa to sink in, and to allow our hearts and minds that time to process these experiences before we decide on what meaning and action this new knowledge has for us. Dinner was a survey of delicious dishes from across the continent at Africa Cafe. It was exquisite and dishes I hope to try to recreate with my own children back home!
Goal 1: Connecting with Peers from the Program, and in the Field
After another day to get used to the time, I was able to stay up late into the evening to get to know some colleagues.
Goal 2: Finding South African Art to Share with Students
At Butterfly Arts Project I purchased student work, a portion of which goes directly to the student artist. Once we realized the student artwork displayed in their auditorium was for sale, many of my peers purchased work too. As an art teacher, knowing that these teachers will display this student work in the classrooms, is encouraging to think that it will inspire more arts-integration in other self contained or subject-area classrooms.
In the evening we had the privilege to hear from Nelson Mandela's former prison guard and friend, Christo Brand, speak to our group about their time together.
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