Teddy: everyone has a story, anyone can be an activist!

So, what do I write about here at the very end of this series of blogs? It took me a while to determine what to write about, but I eventually realized it would be pretty appropriate to write about the most important things I’ve learned over this study abroad.

So, for starters, everyone has amazing stories to tell which we can all learn from. The young, the old, the degreed, the non-degreed, the whatever have you... each story I have heard has enriched my understanding of South Africa in its own unique way and brought me closer to the story-teller.

Second, anyone can create meaningful change as an activist. We have been fortunate enough to meet loads of successful activists here in Cape Town and each is a part of the solution in their own ways, some big and some small. But if just one person decides to start consuming more ethically, or contributing a small sum monthly to a charity, or is willing to start conversations on sexism, etc, their impact is felt by all the people who they encounter and then from there.... It’s like the song we danced to at the Human Rights Weekend: ...Where you are, in the corner... (In your own corner you can change things).

Thirdly, people are generally pretty interested in helping out when you have a good idea. Whether it’s fundraising for a cause, collecting shoes for a soccer program, or trying to make a website for an activist so he/she can reach out to more people, people seem to always be willing to help.

Fourth, positive results CAN happen even in short-term efforts with limited resources. In just the time we’ve been here the NGOs we’ve interned for have made big differences in people’s lives. For example, the children Logan and Siobahn spent time with every Thursday in Nyanga have surely benefited from their kind and loving attitudes. Christel House regularly helps students stay away from the influence of gangs. Further, Brenna, Leanne, and Anna absolutely empowered the young women of the Girl Child Movement in their workshops with them.

Ok, so, there are of course many other points, but the above are just a few I really wanted to stress! Please keep them in mind...