We are Learning - Siyafunda

I am learning...We are learning...Siyafunda

It was the 12th day in paradise for me! Even if i was here for the Everything Elephant conservation project, I still love the community work.

The 15th October 2010 was the Siyafunda Pre-School re-opening! Siyafunda means "we are learning“. Siyafunda is a school in the Knysna township in poor condition. The pre-school originally had one big class room for all of the kids, however with some effort, and some sponsors (from Italy) it was rebuild within three months! Now, they have 5 classrooms, 1 kitchen, and 2 toilets! Not enough, well EDGE of AFRICA built a cute kiddies playground, with a slide, see-saw and a gorgeous little Porsche(toy one of course) to play with.

So now, today is the day of the opening! The teachers are all dressed in their traditional dresses, with their faces painted. They started a dance before the official procedure started witnessed by the mayor, the sponsors from Italy & EDGE of AFRICA, and several more people with a lot of cameras.

The kids learned a few songs, and danced and sung all together in celebration of the event! Wait, what´s that noise? Oh, yes, the extreme fast sound you know out of the TV, which you could never ever repeat out of your own mouth without years of practice! "Lulululu" really, really fast!

After the really cute songs, the official presentation begun. First the mayor, then the sponsors (the principal was already crying), then Dayne from EDGE of AFRICA handed over their donated sign, made possible by two Chester University volunteers.

Now it's time for group pictures, but quickly interrupted by a comical moment of the Siyafunda principal reaching for her ringing phone from it's home in her bra! All the pictures nearly had her reaching for her phone and still with tears in the eyes! How funny and lovely is that?

After the presentations a buffet of food was served for the children and guests - snacks including spring rolls, wraps & drinks! EDGE of AFRICA was first, sorry, we were very hungry! The kids got lots of cake - their favourite!

Nadine Ballester - Germany

EDGE of AFRICA Volunteer

September/October 2010

For more details on EDGE of AFRICA community projects visit: http://www.EDGEofAFRICA.com/