Medical & Community Project Knysna, South Africa August 2010

Medical & Community Project Knysna, South Africa August 2010

“I have been doing the Medical and Community project with EDGE of AFRICA & Medforce. My project lasted for four weeks. Before I arrived here I did not know what to expect. I was a bit nervous and a bit excited. However, my time in Knysna has been an amazing experience. Everyone, whether the staff of EDGE of AFRICA, the doctors at the Provincial hospital, or the home based carers, all have been very friendly and welcoming. I volunteered at the Knysna Provincial Hospital, the pre-schools, Sinethemba Youth Centre, hospice and also the THAT’S IT clinic. I have gained both medical experience and have also had the chance to contribute to the community. Through my work at the medical projects I got to examine patients with different illnesses and also learned about how the healthcare service works in South Africa. The highlights have definitely been watching the caesarean section and natural delivery! Working at the community projects gave me an insight into the social, financial and cultural backgrounds of the people living in Knysna. Overall, it has been an interesting experience, one which will definitely help me in my university application as well as my later life!”

Toozy Nanda, UK

"Volunteering with EDGE of AFRICA & Medforce has been the best experience of my life, at times it has been challenging but the challenges have definitely helped me grow as a person. I had never travelled to South Africa before or travelled anywhere by myself, in addition I have never had the opportunity to live in a house with 8 other people that I had never met before. I was encountering new situations that were already widening my life experience before I had even begun the project. I find it quite difficult to summarise everything I have done in Knysna over the past four weeks, however, the most prominent memory I have is from the Knysna Provincial Hospital. I was volunteering on the maternity ward and while in the labour room I met a patient, she was having contractions every few minutes that appeared to be extremely painful, therefore, I decided to talk to her so as to become a distraction.

The fact that I was able to just go up to this patient and start talking is an achievement in itself, this is because I was an extremely shy person before I came to South Africa which limited my experience as a volunteer in England. Since being in South Africa, I had become accustomed to the friendly nature of all the locals and this made me feel so comfortable in this new situation. Moreover, when I started to talk to the patient I only had to ask a few questions and from that she was so open with me that I learned about her whole life up until I had met her. The most inspiring aspect of this patient is that fact that she was a single mother who was also HIV positive. She told me that she had found out her status and that she was pregnant within a week of each other. Knowing all this, I was stunned by her evident mental strength; she did not exude any hostility or negativity towards her situation. In addition, she was very educated about the HIV virus and that was very refreshing and made me optimistic about HIV education for all South Africans. I became quite attached to this patient within a matter of minutes and spent the whole day with her, talking about her life, she was also curious about my life in England which seemed so simple and easy when I was telling her about it.

When I returned to the volunteer house that afternoon, I was in a very pensive mood. I was thinking about my life and any "struggles" I thought I had encountered and it all seemed so trivial. I though about that patient and how she was facing so many challenges in her life all at once, her positively was so inspiring to me. I have definitely matured as a result of volunteering in Knysna, before this experience I feel as though I lived in a bubble and was completely unaware of the struggling some people face in their lives on a daily basis. All the people I met in Knysna have positively altered my perception of life; they have shown me that no matter what adversities one faces, one will always prevail when you remain optimistic. I will never forget the time I spent in Knysna and am forever thankful to all those who made the experience so amazing for me."

Zahrah Dad, UK

Chester University’s ‘Jamie-Lee Hassett’ talks about her time with EDGE of AFRICA

Introduction and Background:

My name is Jamie-Lee Hassett and I am student going into my 3rd year at the University of Chester, studying Drama and Theatre. As part of my degree last year, I experienced 6 weeks of voluntary Work Based Learning during April, May and June 2010 in Knysna, South Africa. I volunteered for an organisation called EDGE of AFRICA.

EDGE of AFRICA is committed to ethical volunteering and responsible travelling - providing volunteer and internship placements in South Africa for gap years, career breaks, university internships, school groups and corporate team building projects. The organization comfortably accommodates to all ages, genders, races and religions.

The organisation’s aim is to make a direct positive impact on the local community and environment, while enjoying first hand exposure to the colourful heritage, cultures and traditions, plus all the sights and activities this beautiful country has to offer. EDGE of AFRICA guarantees a life changing experience - in a safe, malaria-free, African environment.

The organisation approaches their projects with a mission: to create sustainable solutions through team work and with integrity.

Sinethemba Street Kids Project:

Whilst volunteering for EDGE of AFRICA I was working locally at two community centres: MAD about ART and Sinethemba.

Sinethemba is a community centre for homeless and disadvantaged kids and youth between the ages of 4 and 25. In the safe and picturesque township of Kayalethu in South Africa, this project aims to give these kids another chance in life!

Two volunteers from Canada, Sioban Goodyear and Melissa Jackson, travelled to Knysna last year with the EDGE of AFRICA. This year they returned again. On both trips they had the immense pleasure of also volunteering with the Sinethemba Youth Development Centre with me (Sinethemba, being just one of the many EDGE of AFRICA initiated programs).

Sinethemba is an outreach program for children of all ages; each one coming throughSinethemba's doors with a unique personality and a different story. However, with that said, most of Sinethemba’s children come from the streets, broken homes, and many other harsh and painful circumstances.

Sinethemba, as a word translates as "We have Hope", and Hope is something that you undoubtedly see in the face of every one of its children. When seeing the circumstances and situations that most of these children come from, and then witnessing how full of life and strong they are, you can do nothing but watch in complete awe of these truly amazing young people. The children and staff of Sinethemba welcomed us, outsiders into their hearts and family with open arms. They taught us, among many things, that unconditional love comes in all shapes and sizes and that "hope" is one thing that none of us, young or old can live without. Knysna, the beautiful little town and its precious people will always be home to me and the other volunteers.

MAD About Art (part of the Inspiring EDGE Community Combination Project):

MAD about ART is a charity that exists in the township of ‘Nekkies’ to unite children around the world in understanding and fighting HIV & AIDS through art and education. They provide a unique mix of innovative arts-based education and narrative therapy, designed to increase children's knowledge of HIV & AIDS and create more open communication as well as reduce risk-taking behaviour by increasing self-esteem and self-advocacy. Ultimately the aim is to reduce new HIV infections in children and young people.

Whilst I was out there volunteering I worked with 2 other volunteers putting together a short drama, music and dance performance for an event.

There were 3 of us volunteered at this centre including myself, Chelsea Shorrock and Emma Russell, and our job was to teach drama, music and dance to children aged 10-14 who attend the centre, which is dedicated to HIV awareness and therapy. The moment I stepped in the building I knew I was somewhere special. The children had an overwhelming enthusiasm and incredible kindness. I had 3 weeks to create a performance with the children which they would perform at an event at the end of my trip. Each child came from a really challenging background, experiencing things on a day to day basis that I’ve never even come close to back home. Despite this, they gave the performance everything they had. At the event, watching them perform their piece, named “When I grow up I want to be...” was a moment I will never forget.

In that moment the children showed that their dreams should never be forgotten. I came home with an inevitable need to go back, and I am already planning my return in June 2011.

EDGE in Talent 2010:

The talent competition "EDGE on Talent" was an event which took place in Knysna as a result of two other volunteers, Ennis McAvera and Sarah Desjardins (Events Management students at the University of Chester). The only proposal they were given for organising an event was the urge to bring together the townships with the local people of the town and to encourage unity between the two. They had only 2 weeks to organise an event, in an estranged town to them, with no contacts, and no budget whatsoever.

What seemed near impossible to them, became the most memorable day of all of our lives. Thanks to the extremely kind donations and support from the local businesses and all the volunteers, their hard work paid off. The volunteers took advantage of the many talents they came across at the different township schools and youth centres, and showcased singers, dancers, drama acts and poets in the centre of town by putting on the "EDGE on Talent" event. The town was brought to life that day by the miraculous kids, releasing every type of emotion in the audience and even the passers by... as well as giving the kids a fun day out, with many prizes, give always and activities for them to do.

Knowing that they were the organisers of this amazing day, gave them an indescribable feeling of pride for the kids and knowing that they had left a lasting mark in Knysna - in particular with talk of it becoming an annual event. The volunteer experience has been invaluable, with not only life experience, but invaluable memories and unforgettable precious relationships.

Kadiki Kids Project:

Louise Charmley and Laura Holden, two other volunteers from Chester University were working on a project called Kadiki Kids, volunteering within pre-schools. They worked within two separate pre-schools, which were both amazing and such a unique experience. The children were 0 – 7 years of age and were such a true inspiration.

Over the period of 4 weeks, they planned various literacy and numeracy activities for the older children. The children thrived from this experience and developed rapidly, which was amazing to witness. Educational resources were bought with fund raising money that the girls had been so lucky enough to bring over to South Africa. As you can imagine, when the children were given the opportunity to play with new toys such as, skipping ropes, balls, cars, paints, jigsaws etc, they were extremely grateful. The whole project was a life changing experience for every volunteer involved, bringing home wonderful memories from such a beautiful place.

Tourism Internship (Work Experience South Africa - WESA Program):

Other projects included volunteers spending 2 days a week working at Knysna Tourism, and the remainder of the week split between spending time on the Khayalethu Eco-Trail project in the Rastafarian community of Judah Square, and the Judah Square edu-centre working with children aged 7 months to 7 years.

This experience was invaluable to the volunteers for their future, as they got to experience both what it was like to work in the tourism industry, and what it was like to work in the field of international aid and development. As a result of this one volunteer has now decided that her future career path will be as an international aid/development worker, which will entail working with similar communities to the one in Judah Square to help them achieve a better way of life. The volunteers on this project also felt that as though they had returned home with a completely changed outlook on life, and a greater sense of gratitude for what they have.

The people the volunteers were working with in Judah Square gained a substantial amount from their time there. Along with one of the other volunteers, Emma Hitchen putting together a tourism development plan, which will help them to transform their current eco-trail project into a tourist destination, thus, helping them to create a sustainable income for themselves. The children of the Judah Square edu-centre benefited from the students’ visit, as they also intend to keep a close connection to them, sending money over to help them in whichever way they can, and keeping up to date with any projects that are going on there helping the causes from home.

Hospitality & Tourism Internship (Work Experience South Africa - WESA Program):

Another student, Abi Lewis, who also volunteered for EDGE of AFRICA completed a 4 week tourism placement in Knysna, aspects included working in a 4* star hotel, creating an eco trail development plan for a Rastafarian community, to a preschool in the township. On starting the placements she was very apprehensive of what to expect, only knowing she wanted to help and learn in whatever way possible, without actually being aware of what this entailed.

On deciding to volunteer in South Africa Abi just hoped she could make a difference in any way possible.

During the time here the volunteer met so many people in situations which she could only imagine to have gone through - was at sometimes difficult, however they showed to her the real meaning of happiness in people, and what is actually important in life. What shocked the volunteer the most was their willingness to learn and how enthusiastic the people were. Abi realised that EDGE of AFRICA’S volunteer projects were truly inspirational and helped the communities in Knysna in a great way.

Summary:

Since being away and having this experience the volunteers have learnt a lot about themselves; I feel this is to do with the amazing people we all met whilst there, from those in placements, volunteers we met and the EDGE of AFRICA staff. They all inspired me in many ways, and allowed me to have an invaluable and unforgettable experience which I can never thank them enough for.

Volunteering for EDGE of AFRICA gave me, and the other volunteers, the opportunity to learn more about the extraordinary work that takes place within the town and townships, allowing me the chance to be involved with and support this inspirational cause.

I enjoyed every single minute I had over in Knysna and decided that 6 weeks was not long enough for me, so have decided to go back in June 2011 for a year, volunteering again!

Thank you to everyone that joined me and helped me with this experience!

Jamie-Lee Hassett

April/May 2010

Chester University, England

Local Support for a New Vegetable Garden at Knysna’s ‘HIV Clinic’

Local Support for a New Vegetable Garden at Knysna’s ‘HIV Clinic’

Over a month ago EDGE of AFRICA volunteers initiated a vegetable garden at the ‘HAART (Highly Active Anti – Retroviral Treatment) Clinic’ at Knysna Provincial Hospital.

At present the garden is small but it is growing beautifully! It comprises of cabbage, spinach beetroot and spring onions.

The idea for this vegetable garden came from Dr. Laurel Giddy; she would eventually like to see all the grass area surrounding the ‘HARRT Clinic’ covered in veggies!

The purpose of this garden is that people attending the ‘HAART Clinic’ will eventually be able to take a selection of veggies home with them as they leave the clinic. All the veggies that will be grown and that are currently growing are of high nutritional value to increase a healthy diet.

With any chronic illness and when taking regular medications a good, balanced diet is imperative. We hope that by establishing this vegetable garden we can assist people who may not have the financial means to buy fresh vegetables essential for such a diet.

The next phase of the garden is going to be a ‘mealie’ garden (as in Corn on the cob!)
We have had a lot of support from the people of Knysna and I suppose this would be as good an opportunity as any to thank these people.

Thank you to Beth Wilkinson from that’s it and also to Margaret and Bronwyn at Hedges Garden Centre.

Eavanna Maloney
http://www.EDGEofAFRICA.com/

Blog Awards - Should EDGE of AFRICA win?

Responsible Travel Tales - A Profile on EDGE of AFRICA

1. Who are you? Brief description of trips you offer

Roger Wynne-Dyke, Co Founder EDGE of AFRICA | Volunteer in Africa

EDGE of AFRICA is committed to ethical volunteering and responsible travelling- providing volunteer and internship placements in South Africa for gap years, career breaks, university internships, school groups and corporate team building projects.

2. How do you define Responsible Travel?

Recently volunteering has become a worldwide industry. Deciding on which company to choose and which specific project to support can be quite overwhelming.

It’s difficult to know beforehand whether you will be contributing to a sustainable, long term project, whether the company is ethical and whether you will actually be making a tangible difference to the country’s heritage.

Our Ethos is to encourage ethical business by promoting sustainable development through responsible eco-tourism.

EDGE of AFRICA continuously aims to:

• Assist with conservation, community and sports initiatives in Africa through volunteer involvement, skills development, empowerment, research, education and manpower.
• Raise international awareness of the real situation in Africa - establishing and supporting ethical projects and exposing volunteers to the beauty and resourcefulness of Africa and its people.
• Educate the community to recognize the ecological potential of natural areas and the benefits of their preservation. These benefits extend from aesthetics to hard currency from the sustainable utilization of resources. Education is fundamental to this awareness and EDGE of AFRICA places heavy emphasis on this.

3. What does your company do to make sure it travels responsibly?

With EDGE of AFRICA, you can be assured of the following:

• Becoming part of a growing team which works towards sustainable and meaningful projects
• Working in a safe and well researched environment
• A fulfilling experience, with exposure and opportunities to see some of South Africa's most famous sights and experiences
• Continuous project and personal support by trained staff and friendly project coordinators
• An overall life changing experience!

EDGE of AFRICA boasts a high return rate of volunteers and overall very positive feedback. Our volunteers leave here feeling satisfied that they have contributed to empowering the local people and / or to the conservation of the South African environment.

4. Tell us about a successful initiative. And an unsuccessful one - what did you learn?

Because we aim to give our volunteers a unique and fulfilling experience in exchange for their hard work and dedication, we have won the 2010 Welcome Award for South Africa's most welcoming volunteer organisation. Only nine categories qualified as providers of consistent, outstanding service and authentic South African experiences. EDGE of AFRICA was also runner up for this award in 2009.

Although it has not proved an unsuccessful project, the start of our ‘Youth Soccer Clinics’ and subsequently our first ‘Summer Sports Beach Festival’ for underprivileged communities was held on 17 December 2009, however it will take a tremendous amount of support both locally and nationally for this project to become a successful annual event.

5. What’s some advice you can offer to travelers wanting to travel responsibly?

If you are considering joining a volunteer program in South Africa then the likelihood is that you are the kind of person who wants to make a positive contribution, be it to conservation or to a community in need. However, before making the decision about which project you want to join there are a few things that you may want to consider…

Does the project have a genuine need for volunteers?

The whole idea of volunteering is for you to make a real and significant contribution to a cause through your specialist skills, or simply through your hard work and enthusiasm! Be sure that the project/organization is recruiting volunteers because they have a genuine need for them – any ethical organization should be interested in finding volunteers to assist with projects, not creating projects to attract volunteers.

Is the project sustainable?

‘Sustainability’ is a term you come across a lot these days and is definitely something you need to consider when thinking of volunteering. If a project is not sustainable then however much you may put into that project in the short term, in the grand scheme of things what is that project really contributing? Sustainability will help to ensure that the project achieves its long term goals...and that all your hard work won’t become meaningless. Always think about the BIG PICTURE.

What is your motivation for volunteering?

Question your own reasons for choosing to be a volunteer. For example, if you are thinking of volunteering for a conservation project ask yourself ‘Do I really want to make a genuine difference to conservation, or do I just want to play with cute cuddly animals?’ Obviously any animal lover would be thrilled by that, but if you want to make a real contribution to conservation then just be sure that it isn’t your only motivation – if your dazzled by the idea of all those fluffy animals, there’s a chance you’ll skim over the actual purpose of the project and what it contributes to conservation in the long term.

Is the organization/project ethical?

Do some research, look at the way in which the organization describes its projects; for example if you’re looking at doing a community project (particularly in a developing country) look at how the organization is portraying that community – any ethical organization shouldn’t be telling you that you will be changing the world or suggesting that this community can’t function on its own, they should be inspiring you to come and work together with these people to help them achieve their goals and develop as a community.

Simply look at how much information you are receiving about the projects you are looking at – if an organization has good, ethical projects then they don’t have anything to hide and therefore should be able to provide you with all the information you need about what the projects involve and what your role will be.

Finally, one always has that niggling feeling that you can’t entirely trust the information that any organization is giving you...because it’s the information they are choosing to give to you! So if you’re not 100% convinced by the information you’ve received through them then have a look for reviews or blogs from past volunteers, or ask the organization to put you in touch with a past volunteer. That way you can get a volunteers perspective on what that project is like.

Obviously for most people choosing to become a volunteer isn’t a completely selfless act, it’s about you too– you want to see new places, meet new people, experience new things; and that’s great, volunteering doesn’t have to be solely about contributing to a good cause, it can also be about you having a new experience and growing as a person…but take your time to do some research so you can be sure that you’re signing up for a meaningful, ethical project. That way you’ll get far more out of it in the end!!

For more details on ethical volunteering visit www.facebook.com/EDGEofAFRICA or for information on volunteer projects see www.EDGEofAFRICA.com

Read the full article at http://journals.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/story/61820/South-Africa/Fast-Five-Profile-Edge-of-Africa?sms_ss=facebook/

I am a citizen of Knysna and this is my story by Jo Lancaster

I am a citizen of Knysna and I am going to tell you a story by Jo Lancaster,

My family has lived in Knysna for generations. As a child I would hear stories passed down from my forefathers of days when this place was a paradise, a Garden of Eden; stories of days when we lived peaceful lives - days when my family was free.

I find it hard to imagine such a place now. Maybe an outsider looking in would still see a paradise but not me. All I see is a prison.

Everything started to change for my family once they came - the ones who believed us to be beneath them. To them my kind was nothing but an inconvenience. They too saw this place as a paradise, a paradise that they would take for themselves.

Over the years that followed my family suffered greatly. We were pushed out, forced to live in isolation. Many were killed, some for trying to defend their land, some just for fun.

There was once one that tried to speak out against the wrongs that were being done to us but his pleas fell on deaf ears.

My own father was killed. He had been excluded from the land that he had once called his own. He tried to take back some of what he saw as his and so he was shot.

I stand here now in this place with the few remaining members of my family and I wonder will it ever again be that paradise my forefathers spoke of?

So I ask you, how do you feel when you hear my story? Are you saddened? Are you outraged at the wrongs done to my family?

How about if I told you that I am an elephant of the Knysna forest...do you still care?

I am a citizen of Knysna and this is my story.

For more details on volunteering with elephants visit http://www.edgeofafrica.com/volunteer/project/everything-elephant/

'Living on the Edge' A journal of the African Big 5 Wildlife & Conservation Project by Terri Dekker

Living on the Edge, Lessons of Life, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world, remains” Miracles are waiting everywhere…. Don’t Audit life…just show up and make the most of it. Life in Africa, by Terri Dekker

South Africa, 2010 It began as a dream, years beyond my memory. It’s now my reality, a destiny of a life time. It seems so ambitious, somewhat selfish and crazy to some…to leave my family, and those I love, to travel across the world on my own, to a faraway place of risk and uncertainties. It’s temporary, yet so exciting. Go ahead redirect your responsibility, for two weeks, for four weeks, step up allow yourself a once in a life time experience. Humbly give your time and energy to another world, to another life, to make a difference. It may be a small part of an ambitious goal, but it’s yours to give.

Life isn’t Fair, but it is still Good Life isn’t Tied with a Bow, but it is a Gift. To give the Gift of your Life, to Make Good for Another is my depiction of The Circle of Life.

I have never considered myself a scholar or a literary writer in the least. It’s just a temporary passion, a method to find meaning among the reams of notes that I have taken over the days and how they will shape or reflect my life going forward. They are the voice that I cannot speak.

This, my journal is my illustration of my life’s journey to South Africa. I don’t often share the pages of my journal, until now, just this time. I offer my journey to you, All My Friends, My Family, My Children And those considering an incredible journey with Edge of Africa

Every vision I share, be it through the words you read or the photos you see, every word and picture is real.

I arrived in George South Africa on Saturday July 17th, it was 20 degrees C. Yes very cold!!! The security customs at the small airport was so brief, such that I thought I had not passed through them. I was welcomed with a sign displaying my name held by Josh.

I’m safe was my first thought, my next was “now take me to the animals”.

I met the other volunteers, who have traveled from various places around the world to give a piece of them-selves. More about my new friends later, once we master the hurdle of our different languages and accents.

The Volunteer house, much nicer than I expected, of course despite the common perception, there is running water and a toilet, while it was bitter cold (winter in Africa can be) we were welcomed with our own hot water bottle. First I thought it strange, soon to realize how valuable a warm bottle could be. I slept with it between my feet, and plunked it on various spots of my body throughout the first cold night. We all adjusted, quickly and it became no big deal.

We were all hungry, as we chatted and egged one another’s excitement of the days to follow. A hot meal arrived to the house. It was traditional, plentiful, it complimented our new environment.

~ Although not every day’s journal leaf is offered, today’s entry goes…

My Aspiration;

A Safari

Save the children who are lost,

Save the creatures that are living but not human;

My safari or journey this time is different,

It is an excavation of My Spirit, My Soul, My Being.

It is 7am and slowly I make it to the common area of the volunteer house. Soon discover that “initiative” will be the key to survival. The coordinators are wonderfully kind, but emphasize it’s up to you…each of us, what we take out of the project, what we give to the project. “It’s not boot camp, but we will gladly accept your opinions, your energy, your hard work won’t be rejected”

Beyond the description and direction within our elected programs and the concern for our safe well being You must step up to make a difference. Food is provided while basic it will address our needs. We made our way and unconsciously developed as a united group, a team approach to all the tasks at hand. A group of individuals, new to each other, who quickly became united for a cause, we quickly became a family.

Project Two: August 2010 Albertinia, South Africa, The Garden Route Game Lodge

African Big 5 Wildlife& Conservation Project

The first week was off to an exciting start. The Big 5...Incredible, beauty at its best! Sleeping in a tent isn't so bad after all.

Day 1

Off to feed the elephants!! What magnificent creatures, huge would understate their body mass. They are beautiful, simply roaming in search of today’s winnings from the Bakkie (pick up/safari jeep) wagon. Buckets on fresh offerings fruits, oranges, pineapple apples and lettuce leaves left over trimmings from the lodge restaurant. That’s still not enough so in their Bomas, waits whole trees and leafy branches. About the size of four Christmas trees! As we approached, fear set it for some but I could barely wait to touch, to befriend them, to understand them By God they are big brilliant animals. They quickly and independently find their space within their Bomas. They immediately flipped their trucks expecting the droppings of sweet fruit. Impatience set in and they began the dominant tangle. Who would get more and who would get the remaining pieces from the buckets? They used their large weight and trumpeting voices which escalated with demands. It was truly amazing to be a part of their lives for that moment. Expecting free roaming, soon you learn the sadden lives of capture and circus behaviour…it’s what they know. It’s what we are about…putting the wild back into their lives that was taken away by human. Our goal – Rehabilitation to the Wild, Protect and Reproduce

The day was lovely.

Day 2

Mholo, Unjani (hello, how are you) if u could hear as I type u would hear roaring lions. I'm in my tent...they feel just a little close! Today is Bitter - Sweet an e.g. of the “Circle of Life”. I began as routine feed of elephants and clean their bomas – a very physical task but not difficult. Feed the giraffes, a clear site of beauty. A mother and her newborn café, we must stop and observe, photo after photo. They are incredibly elegant and swiftly move to the Aloes that we have topped with flakes of lush green hay. While they roam freely, she needs a supplement and extra nourishment for her off spring. The dominating buffalos also are feed due to the lack of greenery caused by the months of drought. The game count begins, the reserve has recently increased the game, but missing are 4 zebra and 4 Kudu. We found most, but sadly ta baby zebra didn’t make it. We were able to locate her, she was young and beautiful her life cut off short. As devastating as it is, she becomes the saviour to the lion. The lion that due to human intrusion did not learn when they were young to independently hunt and fend to their needs. While they have their natural instinctive behaviours to chase and hunt they quickly give up and sadly are dependent. The young Zebra is its saviour.

The circle of life!

Day 3

Whew…I made it, the day started off great. We began our routine fed Ellies, Giraffe & Buffalo. We were able to track the 3 zebra and drive them to the main zebra herd. The radio blares …Yikes a cheetah roaming freely at the Game Lodge...where guest reside while on their vacations. The day’s routine is quickly ended and our tasks are re-prioritized. This could be dangerous. We located the young cub who clearly was able to manipulate the fence structure. We used chucks of dripping meat to lure him back the breading area. Three rangers and myself who is still very new and green in knowledge, worked together to get him back to the enclosure. The meat worked. I quickly discovered a match to my fear. Time to fix the fences...Umm you want me to what…in the enclosed cheetah domain - tools & 3 hungry cheetahs…8 feet away.

Breathe...

Day 4

Today’s entry goes...Start off on routine…feed the ellies, the radio blares…all else has to wait…again! Another cheetah that is still not ready for the wild is out. And so the search begins...feels a bit like “the hunter becomes the hunted“ you know how the story goes…encourage him to follow with chunks of dripping meat...my heart is beating fast – I realise I have beads of sweat a long my forehead…thank goodness, he’s in , success! Fences need repair again, something a little more meaningful. The guys and I are up for the task. Struggling with wire, cutters and a skill I’ve yet to master, I continue to fumble yet my eyes don’t leave the cheetahs…well for just a second! I drop my .work gloves 5' from me and a cheetah sneaks up and takes one...check out the remains in the photos!

Day 5

So the coolest thing happened tonight...I went to feed the elephants "ellies", and they still have not decided if they trust me or not, so usually every night Kidbone draws in a bunch of dirt and sprays it at me EVERY NIGHT...finally tonight I said NO, it's not nice. She literally laid down, on all fours, turned her trunk so I could hand feed her...OMG- beautiful!!! It's 2:30 am it’s time to get up, an unexpected off-load of 7 wildebeest and 2 kudu, off the Bunkie (truck). It’s pitch dark outside and somewhere in the middle of the reserve we meet the truck and trailer. We manipulate the latches, as our adrenaline runs high. The gates are open, some quickly and boldly unload and hit the ground running, while others drift slowly off the trailer. Sadly one wildebeest gave way to the struggle and stress of the translocation. She didn't make it...circle of life once again.

What a week!

'Today I Am A New Person' By Ibrahim J.

“ Today I met a man who had not seen his family in 61 Years. Yesterday I couldn’t wait to see my family after 4 weeks.

Today I met a 36 year old man in the hospital; stroke, with no risk factors, the right side of his body fully paralysed, married only two weeks ago. Yesterday I was worried about what to do after college.

Today I met a blind woman with diabetes, breast cancer (one mastectomy later) and hypertension and she greeted me with a smile. Yesterday I had trouble getting out of bed.

Today I met a four year old girl in the hospital, abandoned on the streets and abused with cigarette burns lining her arms and neck; all she asked for was piggy back rides and some music to dance to; her laughter filled the ward like a fireplace warms a room. Yesterday I didn’t want to play with my brother because I was busy.

Today I met a carpenter, six weeks stuck in hospital, metal weights rearranging his hip bones and back, after his boss forced him to attempt to repair a weak roof and he fell through. Yesterday I did not know pain .

Today I met an HIV Positive man who had come to the hospital two days ago with a headache; today I carried his still warm body into the morgue. Yesterday I was afraid to say hello to someone on the street incase they didn’t like me.

Today I met a Zimbabwean man working a full time job during the day and earning a degree at night, sleeping four hours per day; today before he left work he took time to have a chat to me. Yesterday I felt too tired to call my Mom because I stayed late at a friends house. Joash (Project Coordinator EOA).

Today I met a boy about my age who lived in a township; when he went into a bar down town to say goodbye to a close friend, he was asked to leave because his clothes weren’t nice enough, he left without lifting a finger. Yesterday courage was only a word to me.

Today I met three wonderful women who had dedicated their lives towards the betterment of the world they inhabited. Yesterday I had only Known such Kindness in Angels. (Dayne , Jo and Eavanna EOA).

Today I am a new person”. Ibrahim Jadoon (Edge of Africa Volunteer).

‘Day in the Life’ of an EDGE of AFRICA Medical Volunteer

‘Day in the Life’ of an EDGE of AFRICA Medical Volunteer by Eavanna Maloney.

Its 07h00 and our EDGE of AFRICA volunteer wakes to another day at the EDGE of AFRICA volunteer house and sits down to a light breakfast of cereal, toast, tea and fruit. Breakfast at the volunteer house is a crazy time consisting of running around, laughing, shouting, eating sometimes simultaneously and sometimes resulting in the odd collision!

At 07h45 our volunteer is transported to the Knysna Provincial Hospital where she spends the day assisting various medical staff on the Pediatrics Ward with their daily duties. At about 11h00 after her tea break she takes time out to sit, read and play with the children in the ward. Today, one of the kiddies is lucky enough get a piggy back ride! Which she thoroughly enjoys! This is a time when the children can forget that they are in hospital and they can really just enjoy themselves!

At this time other EDGE of AFRICA Community Medical volunteers are walking in the local township of Kayalethu. They are visiting locals and helping Hospice Home Based Carers with their rounds. This is a great opportunity for EDGE of AFRICA volunteers to meet local people and learn about the cultures of Knysna.

At 14h00 after a satisfying packed lunch it’s time for our HIV/AIDS & TB Awareness volunteers to go to the Sinethemba Youth Development Centre in Kayalethu, a centre of hope, development and learning for local kids, to conduct an HIV Awareness workshop with some of the teenagers. In a fun, relaxed manner the teens ask questions and express their views while learning about the virus and how to protect themselves.

After the Workshop at about 15h30 our EDGE of AFRICA volunteer plays games and talks with the children and teenagers that are attending Sinethemba. The teenagers have really enjoyed the workshop and say they have learned a lot.

As the day comes to an end our volunteer returns to the EDGE of AFRICA volunteer house to enjoy a traditional South African meal, and everyone’s favourite – Bobotie (traditional South African Cape Malay dish).

At 19h00 all volunteers are treated to a discussion by Dr Laurel Giddy - a local HAART (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy) Clinic Doctor. Volunteers have found this discussion interesting and very informative.

For those not ready for bed then a local DVD, ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’ – a South African classic!

For those really not ready for bed ….. a night out on the Knysna Tiles! Usually visiting, Swing Café, Harry B’s and the Shabeen. But not too late another busy day looms!

Until next time…

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