Pat recently had an opportunity to help out this country that we live in; which needs it so desperately! Through work they where given the opportunity to participate in "Rally for Reading", a local gentleman has started this program here in South Africa. Basically through donations, they provide some needed schools with books and even some with computers.
Pat was able to take our boys, Taylor and Hunter. What an experience! They left on a Friday, and spent the weekend with the team! They visited two schools in a very rural area, delivered the goods and spent some time with the children!
Both schools welcomed them with open arms and ceremonies!
The following descriptions are from Taylor, age 12.
The first school was much better off than the second; the community has rallied around this school. The mommas encourage the children, and the fathers help out with security....How normal, you say? No, unfortunately many of the schools here in South Africa do not function this way and the children usually have no parental support. The children are usually lucky just to be able to afford or get a uniform to go to school. At first this school seemed OK, but after the visit to the second school...the first school was much better off.
The second school had holes in the roof, the preschool room also served as a garden shed and kitchen. On windy days, the teachers take the children outside in fear of the walls falling.
After the presentation of the books, and a tour of the school the kids got to play with the school children. There where 5 kids in this group, so to be able to go outside and interact with the kids was so important. In Taylor's words.."Kid's should not take anything for granted, these kids play soccer with a popped ball." They played soccer together, took pictures. The school children loved seeing the kids(some had never seen a white child before), one school was chanting "Hunter" as the cars pulled away!
I was unable to go on this trip, but I know that it moved my kids! They where so proud of being able to help, in fact the last night on the trip they had the opportunity to give a speech. Both boys willingly spoke of their experience; as a mom I hope that they carry this forever! Not only do the children who where visited gain, but my boys gained! What? They gained a love for the unfortunate, a love for helping; and the insight to know they have MUCH better!
I often get sad to be away from home and experience the things that are going on there, but then I listen to my boys retelling these stories and look at these pictures....and I know I am raising children that may make a difference. Children that have been witnesses to injustice, but have been given the tools to help! Then I think... what school book could teach this?
Cars loaded and ready to deliver!
First school introductions...
Outside school 1...
Loved looking at their pics on Hunter's camera...
The Mommas (women of community are called)
School 2...
School 2, outside...
Momma dancing and singing with girls (It is very traditional to have cultural dancing and chanting at most occasions)...
Boys dancing...
School 2 classroom...
Preschool classroom, also shed and kitchen...
Boys playing soccer with school kids...
Soccer is HUGE here!
Homemade goal...
Taylor impressing the ladies with dancing skills...
Taylor
Hunter
This is my favorite pic of all, it shows how happy Hunter was to do this!
