I am a citizen of South Africa
I am a citizen of South Africa and I am going to tell you a story.
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 details on how to volunteer on South Africa
Jo Lancaster
http://www.EDGEofAFRICA.com/
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The Big 5 Wildlife & Conservation Project
Rich, Else, Adele, and Michelle...we are the 4 volunteers;
We didn’t know each other but soon to be hard working peers.
Put together in the responsible care of Kim and Hein;
Given tents with proper beds...so clean, so fine!
A baby bushbok and an eland share our camp site;
Which also holds the boma where the elephants crash at night.
The camp site and reserve are virtually one in the same;
The electrical fence is merely mental protection from the Game.
If the animals want in, they can just come through;
The cheetah ate the last volunteers for all we knew!
But after a talk we were all quite calm;
Kim and Hein promised us no harm.
Up early for breakfast...7AM the days begins;
The Sun’s heat is accompanied by some very cool winds.
Orientation and photos were the plan in plus 90 degrees;
But then we were asked to plant some little baby trees.
With enthusiasm like ours how could we refuse;
Working gives us the excuse for the evening booze!
So this we did until we were beaten;
“How many days until these trees are eaten?”
We found most animals, but the cheetahs were hiding;
Was it the tarcking device or was it the guiding?
We balme on the tools because our guide Pete is pretty good;
Our thoughts for the time being...he does it better than we could!
Seeing the King and his ladies suffering in the drought;
Stimulated the conservation junkies...we gotta sort it out!
“The lions will have water before you know!”
“Gotta fix the pipes to restore the water flow”.
Towards the end of the day we had some slippery guests in hand;
Got to remember that snakes are also part of this promise Land.
Californian King, Puff Adder, and the Corn Snake were on the list;
But they’re not so dangerous...even if they’re pi**ed!!!
The day ended with some food in exchange for elephant tricks;
And to lead us into tomorrow, we satisfied our alccohol fix.
So now we’ve met Piet, we’re excited to start;
His first lesson for us was the definition of ‘Shart’.
A nice way to break the ice, we have to say;
Kept the mood light for a hard working day.
He then gives us news that one of us is to drive;
Another factor to lessen our chances of staying alive!
Attitudes change...we resign to our fate;
“Lets do it...lets drive through the gate!”
Our very first project was to cut and move an old dead tree;
Pretty hard work when we’re doing it for free!
A climbing frame for the cheetahs was our short term goal;
The first of our great ideas in our volunteer role.
It was so hot!...But the day had just begun;
Our next job would cool us from the heat of the Sun.
Pulling out reeds from a swampy muddy pond;
It seemed the girls would rather use a magical wand!
They didn’t stay in for long...10 minutes and they were done;
Losing their balance in the water wasn’t so much fun.
Rich stayed in just to save some face;
But it wasn’t too long til we left that place.
Before arriving at the reptile house, the cheetahs were found;
Our first photo opportunity of these beauties on the ground.
Then it was on to feed the snakes and give them some rays;
Time to discuss plans for the next few days.
The day is finished for our work in the sunlight;
But our work would continue with a game drive at night.
With torches in hand we drovce slowly around the park;
To find different animals which actually prefer the dark.
The rest of the week included various tasks;
Some of which left us with facial dirt masks.
Pulling down a small brick house construction;
Goes to show conservation can involve destruction.
Research on the net on insects and birds;
Reading up on tracking and different animal terds.
It was nice to supplement some animals during this drought;
But feeding the cheetahs gave Else some doubt.
Planting small trees for the lions also had her quite flustered;
But when taking Game counts, she was ‘keen as mustard’!
Reconstruction of reptile enclosures...so they look nice;
Meant that the snakes could enjoy their take-away...Sun-Fried Mice.
Our first week concluded with the weekend free;
Destination Mossel Bay...Sun, sand, and sea.
Sunday evening at the lodge for a nice big meal;
Our first week experience has been truly surreal!
Composed by Richard Pope - Norway
_____________________________________________________
Africa is crying out for a change
Africa is our child,
___________________________________________________________
The Big 5 Wildlife & Conservation Project
Rich, Else, Adele, and Michelle...we are the 4 volunteers;
We didn’t know each other but soon to be hard working peers.
Put together in the responsible care of Kim and Hein;
Given tents with proper beds...so clean, so fine!
A baby bushbok and an eland share our camp site;
Which also holds the boma where the elephants crash at night.
The camp site and reserve are virtually one in the same;
The electrical fence is merely mental protection from the Game.
If the animals want in, they can just come through;
The cheetah ate the last volunteers for all we knew!
But after a talk we were all quite calm;
Kim and Hein promised us no harm.
Up early for breakfast...7AM the days begins;
The Sun’s heat is accompanied by some very cool winds.
Orientation and photos were the plan in plus 90 degrees;
But then we were asked to plant some little baby trees.
With enthusiasm like ours how could we refuse;
Working gives us the excuse for the evening booze!
So this we did until we were beaten;
“How many days until these trees are eaten?”
We found most animals, but the cheetahs were hiding;
Was it the tarcking device or was it the guiding?
We balme on the tools because our guide Pete is pretty good;
Our thoughts for the time being...he does it better than we could!
Seeing the King and his ladies suffering in the drought;
Stimulated the conservation junkies...we gotta sort it out!
“The lions will have water before you know!”
“Gotta fix the pipes to restore the water flow”.
Towards the end of the day we had some slippery guests in hand;
Got to remember that snakes are also part of this promise Land.
Californian King, Puff Adder, and the Corn Snake were on the list;
But they’re not so dangerous...even if they’re pi**ed!!!
The day ended with some food in exchange for elephant tricks;
And to lead us into tomorrow, we satisfied our alccohol fix.
So now we’ve met Piet, we’re excited to start;
His first lesson for us was the definition of ‘Shart’.
A nice way to break the ice, we have to say;
Kept the mood light for a hard working day.
He then gives us news that one of us is to drive;
Another factor to lessen our chances of staying alive!
Attitudes change...we resign to our fate;
“Lets do it...lets drive through the gate!”
Our very first project was to cut and move an old dead tree;
Pretty hard work when we’re doing it for free!
A climbing frame for the cheetahs was our short term goal;
The first of our great ideas in our volunteer role.
It was so hot!...But the day had just begun;
Our next job would cool us from the heat of the Sun.
Pulling out reeds from a swampy muddy pond;
It seemed the girls would rather use a magical wand!
They didn’t stay in for long...10 minutes and they were done;
Losing their balance in the water wasn’t so much fun.
Rich stayed in just to save some face;
But it wasn’t too long til we left that place.
Before arriving at the reptile house, the cheetahs were found;
Our first photo opportunity of these beauties on the ground.
Then it was on to feed the snakes and give them some rays;
Time to discuss plans for the next few days.
The day is finished for our work in the sunlight;
But our work would continue with a game drive at night.
With torches in hand we drovce slowly around the park;
To find different animals which actually prefer the dark.
The rest of the week included various tasks;
Some of which left us with facial dirt masks.
Pulling down a small brick house construction;
Goes to show conservation can involve destruction.
Research on the net on insects and birds;
Reading up on tracking and different animal terds.
It was nice to supplement some animals during this drought;
But feeding the cheetahs gave Else some doubt.
Planting small trees for the lions also had her quite flustered;
But when taking Game counts, she was ‘keen as mustard’!
Reconstruction of reptile enclosures...so they look nice;
Meant that the snakes could enjoy their take-away...Sun-Fried Mice.
Our first week concluded with the weekend free;
Destination Mossel Bay...Sun, sand, and sea.
Sunday evening at the lodge for a nice big meal;
Our first week experience has been truly surreal!
Composed by Richard Pope - Norway
_____________________________________________________
Community-based conservation
Often in the past conservation projects have been based on the idea that conservation and community are two separate things and often conservation efforts have resulted in the exclusion of local communities; however these days many conservation initiatives are taking a new direction and often aim to include local communities in order to ensure their success.
There are many ways in which local communities can be involved in conservation – it could be through a direct involvement in a conservation project which brings the community a direct benefit; or through educating local communities about conservation and the environment, which in turn encourages understanding and respect for the natural world.
If I think of community-based conservation in Knysna there is one project which really stands out for me – the Khayalethu eco-trail.
Nestled in the middle of the Khayalethu Township South Africa Khayalethu River basin
This piece of land had previously been covered with Pine tress and other alien invasive species and the river was extremely polluted. The Rasta’s initiated the rehabilitation of this eco-system and has turned it into a sustainable community project. They are creating walkways and removing alien species (which in turn is allowing the natural vegetation – fynbos – to grow, and attracting back indigenous wildlife).
The long-term aim of this project is to develop the tourism aspect by running guided tours and night walks in the trail. The idea is for the tours to also include other areas of Judah Square
The Khayalethu eco-trail is a truly unique project and the Brothers and Sisters of Judah Square are extremely dedicated to it, therefore EDGE of AFRICA makes every effort to support this project through volunteer participation. This project was initiated by members of the local community and is very much community based – a fine example of how successful community based conservation can be!
EDGE of AFRICA firmly believes that conservation relies on community appreciation and understanding. Thus the creation and running of conservation themed workshops is one of the main priorities of Conservation EDGE.
As part of EDGE of AFRICA ’s Everything Elephant Project, international volunteers are responsible for putting together Elephant workshops, incorporating topics such as anatomy and behaviour, as well as threats to elephants and conservation strategies. These workshops are then run in local schools in Knysna, working with children from age 3 to 16.
The children of Knysna are also exposed to other conservation topics such as biodiversity and tidal systems through EDGE of AFRICA ’s holiday workshops. Not only is this a valuable learning experience for the children but it also gives them a chance to visit the tidal pools and the beaches, and many other places that a lot of the children wouldn’t normally get the chance to visit.
By Jo Lancaster
'Today I Am a New Person' by EDGE of AFRICA Volunteer Ibrahim Jadoon
...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 EDGE of AFRICA ).
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 EDGE of AFRICA ).
...Today I am a new person.
Ibrahim Jadoon (EDGE of AFRICA Volunteer August 2010)
Local Support for a New Vegetable Garden
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 the immune system.
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
Local Soccer Clinics Take Shape in Knysna!
Local boys Rushaad and Cheslin are pursuing a life long ambition of running their own soccer clinics for people in the Knysna area. Rushaad and Cheslin have always been soccer crazy and in 2009 had the privilege of taking part in the Homeless World Cup, an annual international soccer tournament which exposes underprivileged young people to experiences and places which they normally could only dream of. Taking part in the Homeless World Cup involved 2 months of intense training in Cape Town and took them on a journey to Italy
Now thanks to a generous donation of soccer equipment from Nathalie Van Erkelens (an EDGE of AFRICA volunteer from the Netherlands ) and with the backing of EDGE of AFRICA , Rushaad and Cheslin after years of dreaming are finally able to begin running their own soccer clinics. Like many young people in Rushaad and Cheslin haven’t always had easy lives and this opportunity has empowered them to take control of their own lives and do something that they are very passionate about.
Over the last month they have been running daily soccer clinics for...well just about any one in the local community who wants to join in! In the future they would like to extend their clinics to involve local schools and perhaps in the long term these soccer clinics will expand into a successful business for them.
Often in schools where funding is limited sports is the last priority; however sports can be an excellent tool for social and personal development, as well as being something very enjoyable for young people. It is this which inspires Rushaad and Cheslin to run their clinics – they want to give young people in the local community something that they can be passionate about; something that makes their lives more enjoyable; and ultimately something that will help them develop as a person.
The strength and ambition of these two young men is an inspiration to all and we are confident that they will be a great success.
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Africa
Its people, its animals, its earth and skies
Travelling through the main street of Knysna , South Africa
And our children of Africa need us
Often in schools where funding is limited sports is the last priority; however sports can be an excellent tool for social and personal development, as well as being something very enjoyable for young people. It is this which inspires Rushaad and Cheslin to run their own soccer clinics – they want to give young people in the local community something that they can be passionate about; something that makes their lives more enjoyable; and ultimately something that will help them develop as a person.
The strength and ambition of these two young men is an inspiration to all and we are confident that they will be a great success.
Now can we stop, look, slow down and give back what belongs to us all
Give Africa the chance to build up again!
My family has lived in here 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.
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.
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. 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?
Can we right the wrongs?
The wrongful treatment of our mother
Our Home
Our Future
Our Africa
For volunteers interested in working directly with people in hands-on projects, there are the community-based projects. Many of these will be based in the local townships, the poorest areas of the country, where you will be helping the residents to work their way to a better lifestyle, helping to educate the children, or maybe using any skills you already have to improve the lives of these people e.g. building schools. And then, of course, there’s everything in between. No matter what type of project you’re looking for, South Africa
