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SOUTH AFRICA
I've already discussed a bit about the kids at the orphanage, but there's more to tell. These kids really brighten my day, even Janelle, they have practically no fears, and are pretty happy with living in a basic environment. And it's good for me to be separated from the busy hectic city life with all its technological advances, except for my music player of course.
What really interests me is the background of these kids, I'm sure each one has a different story that is just heart-breaking, but like I said earlier, these children are very strong and continue to live their lives as it is. I've heard some stories which I won't write about, but it's really tragic where these kids are coming from and what they've done before the orphanage. But that's the great thing about Baphumele Children's Home, it's the foundation of changing a child's life.
Children are given a relatively safe place to stay, food to eat, and access to education. The living conditions aren't the best since there's way too many bodies than there are rooms and also privacy is obsolete. But the volunteers play a very important role, especially among the youth. The toddlers are attended, although not well, by the childcare workers. It's the youth that lack structure and are generally let to their own until it's time for bed. So the volunteer try to fill their time as best they can with activities like sports, arts & craft, helping with homework along with basic chores. That's what makes volunteering rewarding, to know that you really are making a big difference in a child's life. The sad part is that you know you're departing sooner or later and you hate the feeling knowing that this happens to them time after time again.
I won't be available for the next 3 days since I'll be back on my shift at the orphanage, but I return Sunday morning, so feel free to call/e-mail after.
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