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
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