Dumela! We are Elisa and Laura and at the moment it’s our great pleasure to be part of the project Godisang of Tsibogang Christian Action Group as interns in the kindergartens and After School Program. Meanwhile, almost 3 weeks have passed since our arrival here in Mafikeng, South Africa and we had plenty of opportunities to dive into the African Culture, both in a religious, culinary and social way.
Already at our first drive on African roads we noticed characteristics of the country: the circle shaped cornfields, free roaming animals of all kinds, the traffic which for us as Germans is rather chaotic and the vigorious road traders who sell everything from cooked food to clothes and even animals. Over the time we could add more and more experiences to those first impressions and develop something like a deeper understanding of the country’s nature.
Everywhere we went, we were greeted with open arms for example when Undine took us to one of the Mongoose basketball tournament, where we were instantly accepted as the new fan crew, or when we went to church for the first time, where after introducing ourselves in front of the whole community we experienced a very warm welcome from everybody.
And then of course in the kindergartens …for both of us, Laura in Godisang and Elisa in Rebaone, lots of big curious eyes were waiting. Although our skin colour seemed something rather unusual for the children, they were pretty open and we could quickly develop a closer relationship. On the second day they already started calling us “Mama” and instead of shy touches we got big hugs and cuddles. The communication with them is surprisingly easy even though we are not able to talk in Tswana to them. But sign language doesn’t work better with anybody else than children, right? We know the easy sayings like “Tla ya” (=come!) or “bona” (=look!) and at a pinch there are always still the other teachers to whom we developed a good friendship by now. With their help it was easier to get into the kindergarten’s routine especially into the Montessori-Concept and to find our own role. It doesn’t take much to make children smile. This is why our presents balloons and bubbles were obviously the highlight of the week.
Other things like music and dancing which don’t have any language barriers make the kids very happy to and they are glad when we teach them German songs like “Aramsamsam”. In the afternoon the children are getting picked up and instead the kids for the After-School-Program are coming who are able to talk English to us. Next to homeworks we are doing bible study, child protection and aids-prevention or activities like, sports, drawing or reading. In exchange, it’s always a pleasure for the older kids to teach us some Tswana or traditional songs and dances.
Yes, we have indeed a very awesome time and it’s hard to believe that almost half of it is already over. Although there have been quite a few adventures like a snake visit in the house or a safari in the Mafikeng game reserve, we are still looking forward to more exciting adventures.
until then, sala sentle!
Laura & Elisa