Susie inspired by ZA college students working in their community

I first learned about working on activist projects at the symposium last fall. There, I learned that the students from the previous spring semester were able to choose any topic they were interested in, and either create their own project or get involved with an existing one. I remember a few projects mentioned from last year; some people started an art club at Thandokhulu High School, and one girl worked with midwives and even delivered a baby! Having the opportunity to get involved with something I am passionate about was definitely a perk of this particular study abroad program.

I met Amanda and Bongi through Marita at the first braai we hosted in January. They are around my age and students at local universities: Bongi for accounting and Amanda for teaching. After talking with them for just a few minutes, I soon realized they were not the ordinary college students. They were more motivated and determined than anybody I have ever met. Not only did they study exceptionally hard to succeed, but they dedicated most of their free time to helping the youth living in townships. Bongi runs a soccer team in Khayelitsha called the Firefighters, and Amanda works with adolescents from grade eight to twelve in a book club twice a week at the community center. When Amanda went into detail about the things her students do at the book club and her overall goals for the program, I knew I wanted to get involved. Fortunately, she was willing to give Kayla and me a chance in helping out to see what it was like.

The first few trips out to the Khayelitsha community center were an experience, itself. Kayla and I take the Golden Arrow bus, the easiest and best way because the bus line drops us right in front of the building. Even though we were pretty certain with our directions and were not nervous at all, the other passengers on the bus would not stop staring anxiously at us. Finally, one of the older woman asked what we were doing heading into the township, and soon a choir of questions came pouring in from the rest of the passengers. We told them all about the book club, and one of the “Mama’s” helped us get off of the bus and made sure we were all set. It was such a wonderful and welcoming feeling knowing we were so kindly looked after. I soon learned that Amanda’s book club was way more than having the students reading privately, and then discussing the books. It was a confidence booster, a place where they learn new words, morals, and themes; they play games and get to know one another and to meet new friends that are interested in the same hobbies. Overall, it’s simply an amazing atmosphere where Amanda truly leads the youth into becoming stronger, motivated individuals. I love helping her, whether it is merely passing out papers and books, or participating in games and songs. She is so involved with her students that it is truly inspiring and I am so thankful to be a part of it.

Amanda