Day 3 and UCT

Today was hectic. We did four classes for the first time, and they were all younger kids (oldest being around 12-13). To our surprise, the kids finished their "You Are Special" circles much faster than anticipated based on yesterdays classes. In some classes, we had them do name cards and decorate them and in one class we even had them do cut out snowflakes. The kids seemed to appreciate any sort of activity and were willing to do anything and follow instructions. It still amazes me how well disciplined these children are and how excited they are about doing any sort of project. We are rarely met with any resistance, and usually any resistance is related to a lack of skill or understanding.

One thing that we encountered today that stressed me out was an entire class that did not speak English. There were maybe one or two children who spoke a bit of English, but most spoke Afrikaans. The stressful part was that the teacher, who sometimes translates for us, was out of the room for most of the class. We were able to communicate to most of the class and they did their projects, but they seemed to be more fascinated with teaching us Afrikaans :P. They laughed at me once when they asked me how to say "circle" in Afrikaans and I said I didn't know. Turns out it's the same as English :). They are always pleasantly surprised when we know a phrase or two in Afrikaans. I hope to learn more to try and keep up basic conversation with them, which shouldn't be too hard because Afrikaans is so similar sounding to English.

The images we saw today continued to be centered around family and the students. Some stereotypical images of cars from the boys and flowers from the girls were also seen, but that is to be expected. At least they were talking about what makes them happy and making good social interaction. I've never seen so many smiles! Which is ironic, actually, because several children have drawn pictures of people that are either crying, angry, scared, or injured. The children draw these images and explain them with a smile on their faces, as if the emotion pictured does not match the way they feel. Some may have problems matching visible emotions to feelings, and may be autistic, but I think a great deal of it has to do with how they are told to behave in class and in public. I believe they are taught to say they are "good" or "fine" when asked how they are...I could be wrong, but it's just a hunch.

I also took some pictures in the class today and the children loved it. They just love having their picture taken! Here are some:






After lunch, Paul and I went into Rondebosch and went up to the University of Cape Town. We found the free shuttle service easy to use, but the campus was a little confusing. It was so gorgeous though! Every part of campus has a beautiful view of the city of Cape Town on one side and Table Mountain on the other. Here are some shots of that (taken with my not so great point and shoot, so I plan to go back to take better photos):


-k

First Day

Today was the first day of our placements. Emily, Paul, and I are at Mary Harding, a special ed school. We didn't know what to expect as far as the cognitive level of the children. We ended up doing three art classes, which was great! Normally we would do four, but apparently there was some sort of an assembly. It was a long day. The facility is amazing. These children have a pool, massages, and art available to them, among other things.

I guess the thing that surprised me the most (and it shouldn't have) was how little English most of these children spoke. Because they are developmentally delayed, most speak their mother tongue or the language of the schools, which is Afrikaans (dutch-based). Very few speak IsiXhosa (local original click language). The kids have a large range of cognitive abilities and range from medium functioning or learning disabled (dyslexic, etc.) to low functioning (downs syndrome, MR). They are ALL cute and full of energy and so excited that we are there to work with them!

For the most part they were very respectful to us, and although the teacher's word was final, they mostly listened to our directions. Today we worked on drawings, mainly as an introduction project and to see the children's functioning and imaginations! We saw everything from abstract images to soccer players and cars. The younger children seem much more open to drawing expressively, understandably. I found myself paying special attention to those in more need of attention. I also noticed how touchy-feely the children are. Nurturance is a key issue.

Hopefully soon I can provide an image of the area, and maybe the kids or their work. Tomorrow should be exciting. We have to make our plans now.

We also had our first language lessons today. Those learning Xhosa are going about clicking. I am learning Afrikaans, which is dutch based and pretty easy. I hope to be able to communicate with some of the children by next week (at least some simple phrases). That's it for today!


-K

Township Tours

Today was township tour day part of the orientation. We discussed our placements and how to approach the project, which is going to be a group mural to be done on a giant wall by an orphanage for AIDs children. I will be working at Mary Harding, a special education school that has a tech room that will be used as the art room. It looks as though we will be doing rather consistant art therapy throughout the day.

Part of orientation today was a physical tour of some of the local townships. The main one that we toured was Langa, a black township. In South Africa, race is treated with much less political "correctness" as in the states. People state their race as black, coloured, white, asian, etc. etc. First we viewed District 6. I would explain in more detail what it is, but I think wikipedia does a pretty decent job. The only part that was really left was a chapel and a mosque.

I could not believe how close together the houses were and how people were living in such poor conditions. Literally there were shanty upon tin shanty..some concrete houses were constructed by the government. Women and children popped in and out from the corners..Literally, a million or so people live in these townships. It's really indescribable. I will show some pictures..because my words can't do it...it was seriously depressing.

smileys
view outside of Vicki's B&B
inside a school


-k

Orientatation.

Today was the first day of orientation, as well as a tour of some spots in Cape Town. As I'm writing this, Danielle is reading over my shoulder and laughing. Nice, not intimidating at all. Tomorrow is orientation as well, but we will be touring the Townships as well (which should be really interesting!!). Hopefully by the end of orientation we will be somewhat prepared to work at our placements. Currently, I have no idea what we will be doing.

On our brief tour today, we went to Signal Point, a cape beach, and Leerdam fort. Table mountain and lion's head peak can be viewed from all locations.

Fort

Parliament

atop signal peak

toilet bowl - world cup 2010

-k

I felt the rain down in Africa

I may not have blessed it, like Toto, but I certainly felt it! I've finally been here in Cape Town, South Africa for about 7 hours now, sleeping off the jet lag and watching South African television. On right now is the SA version of Total Request Live, which includes the cartoon Ed, Ed, and Eddy?? I didn't know that was still around. Needless to say, the programming has progressed from South African Sesame Street, Takalani Sesame (in which Elmo - Neno - remains a constant character, I blame that on Tickle-Me-Elmo) to Soap Operas to TRL.

Takalani Sesame is actually vitally important, because it's where HIV/AIDs awareness was first promoted among the Sesame Street world, starting in 2000. This of course was recieved poorly by the ever-ridiculous American Family Association because they took it that Takalani Sesame was promoting gays. Lord forbid, i mean... they have a problem with programming that helps educate the masses about a disease that is afflicting nearly 80% of the SA population and affecting everyone?

I'm staying at a B&B called Little Scotia, a pleasant little place with a lion-sized german shepherd (i will try and get a photo of him later, he's a sight to behold!). This place is located in the suburb Rondebosch, near the University at Cape Town.

Thinking of eating at the Hussar Grill, down the street, for dinner. They have top rated steak. We shall see.

Here are some shots of inside the B&B:

skeleton keys! yes!

there's a cute african tapestry hanging on the wall. That's it for now!

-k