My First 3 Weeks in South Africa

 I am starting my 4th week in South Africa and wanted to share some of the things I have realized as I acclimate to the culture and familiarize myself, specifically, with the community of Musieville. The NGO (non-government organization) I am working for, Project HOPE UK: The Thoughtful Path Munsieville has a unique vision one in which keeps sustainable outcome at the heart of every initiative. The vision is to transform the health and well-being of orphaned and other vulnerable children into healthy, productive adults, while at the same time, creating a "model of excellence" in the care of these children, that can be replicated in other communities, under complete local ownership and control, and ultimately, within their own local resources. It is a 10 year commitment with The Thoughtful Path and we are about 3 years in.

I spent the first two weeks attending various meetings with different groups within Munsieville. The Executive Director of Project HOPE UK, Paul Brooks, was in town for the first 2 weeks I arrived. Betty, the local manager for Project HOPE UK, arranged several meetings we could attend.

Pastors' Meeting at School Board in Munsieville

Child Rights and Protection Hub

The next 4 pictures depict scenes from within the township.

The first is a mother and her child who started a fruit and vegetable stand business after enrolling in the Village Savings and Loan Program initiated by Project HOPE and facilitated by Betty. Do you know that local businessmen have been known to come into Munsieville looking to enroll in the Village Savings Program because the rates are better than the banks? Talk about generating wealth for your own community!

The next three pictures are of children in the shack part of Munsieville, known as Little Mshenguville or Little Pango. They are living in shacks, playing in dirt barefoot, collecting water at the community tap that sticks out of the ground amidst piles of garbage, and using a port-o-potty as their bathroom.

Yet, they are happy, friendly and full of smiles!!! I met with older, school children in this "disadvantaged" community. When I entered the classroom, to observe the group meeting, I saw bright, intelligent, hopeful faces dressed in their navy blue and gold uniforms, looking conservative, professional, and full of promise. 

This community and its people have been labelled disadvantaged by those before me. Not having too much perspective on other communities in Africa, I didn't see disadvantaged. I saw hopeful, empowered, opinionated, determined young adults. I hope to tap into all this promise to make a lasting impact on the community and one that is sustained long after I am gone.