News Archive November 2008

OUT OF AFRICA

Former St Mary’s student Amy Mallaby is taking a gap year before going to the University of Sheffield to read Law with Criminology.

Amy writes: I am in a town called Chintsa East, which is near East London.

There is a group of about 15 volunteers here at the moment and we are split up between 3 different schools. All of them are primary schools. The school I am at is called Bulugha Farm School. There are about 200 children crammed into 4 classrooms. The aim of the project is to teach the children ICT skills to help them to get better jobs when they leave school. The children themselves are absolutely fantastic. They have a desire to learn which is completely different to the UK. At lunchtimes they just want to play.

As well as working in the schools, we play sports with the children twice a week. This usually includes football and rounders as well as other games. This week we are hosting a beach olympics which the children love. It's not only the children that we help though. There is also an adult lit class which we run twice a week. This is for the adults of the village and is held at the school which is in the middle of the Township. Once again, they are so committed to learning and are so appreciative of the fact that you are helping them learn skills that will aid them in the world of work.

It's not all work though. On the weekends I have learnt to surf and sandboard and I have also been on horse trails across the beach. There are also plenty of weekend trips.

I have had such a fantastic time here and have learnt so much. The people out here are amazing and will do all they can to help you if you ever need it. The staff at the organisation are great and I have made so many great friends. I would recommend this project to anyone considering taking a gap year.

The volunteers here make the project a success. Without people coming here and giving up their time for the children, the project would not work at all.

The website address is www.volunteerafrica.co.za

The photo below shows Amy with the school choir.


Well done, Amy - you are really making a difference!