We spent the morning learning about the city’s current social structure from a panel of professionals that reside here in Cape Town. They each expressed to us the progress this city has made since the ending of the apartheid, and explained that even though there are challenges still to be met, Cape Town’s people have an enduring faith that will push through them all.
Later in the afternoon we were able to see the townships first hand.
Shock.
Disbelief.
A sense of urgency and a tug at the heart.
These sentiments were what all of us felt as we drove through the township not far from the hotel in which we are staying. Just a short drive away is this other world – just a short drive away is this place filled with people who know nothing else but this poverty-stricken life. This, indeed, is reality here in Cape Town for 80 percent of its people.
….We aren’t in Athens anymore…
Curious faces.
Bright smiles.
Proud teachers.
They all greeted us as we arrived at the primary school in the township. In all honesty, I was surprised with their ability to have such a strong spirit. They were proud to show us their talent whether it was through dance, song or instrument. Members of the Amy Biehl foundation, these kids dedicate their efforts to developing their talent in one of these artistic ways. The kids invited us into their lives, even if it was just for an afternoon, and we all saw their own passion radiate. Without question, these kids blessed us today. They invested in us with their acceptance in humility. Now it is time for us to do the same for them – to make an impact as they managed to do with us in two short hours.
Later in the afternoon we were able to see the townships first hand.
Shock.
Disbelief.
A sense of urgency and a tug at the heart.
These sentiments were what all of us felt as we drove through the township not far from the hotel in which we are staying. Just a short drive away is this other world – just a short drive away is this place filled with people who know nothing else but this poverty-stricken life. This, indeed, is reality here in Cape Town for 80 percent of its people.
….We aren’t in Athens anymore…
Curious faces.
Bright smiles.
Proud teachers.
They all greeted us as we arrived at the primary school in the township. In all honesty, I was surprised with their ability to have such a strong spirit. They were proud to show us their talent whether it was through dance, song or instrument. Members of the Amy Biehl foundation, these kids dedicate their efforts to developing their talent in one of these artistic ways. The kids invited us into their lives, even if it was just for an afternoon, and we all saw their own passion radiate. Without question, these kids blessed us today. They invested in us with their acceptance in humility. Now it is time for us to do the same for them – to make an impact as they managed to do with us in two short hours.
-Amanda Abbott
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