Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Moloweni (hello in Xhosa) from Capetown!! I've had quite a memorable first week in Cape Town! So to answer the many questions as to where I am and what I'm doing. I'm working for The Shaster Foundation's Indlovu Project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oto6-45-oY
First, a little background knowledge on the project. "The Shaster Foundation, based in Cape Town, is a humanitarian organisation staffed by people who care passionately about South Africa, her people, poverty alleviation, preserving traditional culture, protecting the environment, and instilling respect for all life.
Permaculture, sustainability and conservation of natural resources form the basis from which we work. Our main focus is the Indlovu Project, funded through the tourist accomodation and volunteer programmes that we run from our community centre.
All our buildings are truly 'green', and built either from recycled materials or sandbags, with volunteers from all over the world helping to create a charming and colourful community project that serves all people who live in this squatter camp.
The vibrant township community of Monwabisi Park welcomes visitors, tourists, volunteers and anyone else who wants to be part of a unique and innovative community development project - the first of its kind in Cape Town.
All our humanitarian work is funded by private donations from South African and overseas donors." However, the project would like to become for self sustainable so they've build a guest house in which people can come, get a real "African township" experience and in turn generate money for the program.
The overall objectives of the project are:
'Improve the health and well-being of impoverished communities in a sustainable way, Enable communities to grow food and create shelter for all
Stimulate economic development and much needed job creation , Revive a sense of pride in traditional and indigenous culture
Encourage self-sufficiency and conservation of natural resources, Encourage volunteers to contribute their skills to the community, Protect the environment
Eliminate waste, Create a world that works for everyone - no one is left out. These objectives are achieved via a clinic, food gardens, a community center, community improvement, conservation of natural resources, montessori creche, elders' group, individual assistance, skills development, soup kitchen,and youth centere. There are also several other projects in the works.'
The project was spearheaded by two women, Di and Buyiswa. I work more directly with Buyiswa, the General Manager of the project, Oupa (her husband) the building and security manager, Buyelwa, the creche teacher, Lucia the designer of the guest house/marketing and Robert, the general contractor.
Due to the fact they'd like to become self sustainable, they had a big push last week to finish up the guest house so they can start booking customers! Thus, I was part of the madness to get it all finished up. My father would be ecstatic with the projects they had me working on...I painted more pieces of furniture, cabinets, pictures etc. than I have time to list! One of my favorite painting projects was some of the art on the outside of the building. I also did a immense amount of varashing of cabinets, benches, bread boxes etc. I also completed a papering project in which the armoires were decorated and varnished giving them a very funktified look! I also sanded, stained and helped build a headboard. Gave a poor shot at some sewing...guess I should have payed attention in home-ec :). Those were the bulk of the projects that I worked on in the last week in addition to a bunch of little tasks. A typical work day is from 8:30-5.
All of the people I'm working with are just wonderful people. During breakfast, lunch and tea time I've had some wonderful conversations and learned a lot about the squatter settlements, Cape Town, African history etc., and I've also tried to start integrating the Xhosa language! Most people can speak at least some English but if they're not talking to me or another visitor they always speak in Xhosa.
I live in a little apartement above the daycare center in the building attached to the guest house. It's a nice lil place. During the day I'm looked after my a woman named Hazel and her assistant Andeswa (who has become my gal pal that I chat with at night). Its a very bizzare situation for me to be in that, here I am volunteering yet I have people paid to take care of me. Hazel and Andeswa prepare my meals, clean the apartment, do my laundry etc. They are both lovely people, however, it makes me quite uncomfortable to be waited on like this..for example yesterday I grabbed a pan and started cooking my own lunch, Hazel's eyes about popped out of her head and she asked me what I was doing I said I was making lunch and she would she like some?, she responded that she should be cooking it and that she wouldn't have me cooking for her..I'm going to keep trying though! They don't think I eat enough :) but much of what the cook is very filling and some of it just plain too heavy...think of an elephant ear in a fried roll form, thought I was going to die of heart failure three bites in with oil oozing all over! But as a whole the traditional food is quite good. I'm having Hazel teach me how to make some of the dishes.
After work...oh after work, this is when ya'll receive email and facebook messages because I go a tad stir crazy. I finish up work, take a shower shortly there after as the water is solar heated so if I don't the water cools down pretty quickly (learned that the hard way), chat on the deck with Andeswa and then she locks me in around 6:30/7. I left my glasses in MI on accident so I can't read too long before everything goes double, the couldn't find the DVD cord til yesterday, been doing some doodling and this weekend while I'm in Cape Town I'm picking up a yoga dvd for when I'm a volunteer prisoner at night :).
All in all it was a great first week after adjusting to a bit of culture shock! I'll update more on all my first impressions, stories and such later!
I stay in the township Monday morning until Friday afternoon, and then am taken to stay in Cape Town ( the township is about 30 min. away) for the weekends. My first night in Cape Town last night was fantastic. Lucia, the designer of the guest house invited me to a housewarming party at her place. After a short detour due to getting in a taxi accident I made it to the party. It was a great time...interesting themed house party as there was a glow in the dark egg hunt complete with glow and the dark bunny ears! She had very welcoming and lovely friends. One in particular I got on quite nicely with invited me half way through the party to go meet his sister/sister's boyfriend at a local bar. Great night, and am looking forward to the rest of the weekend!
- comments