Mandela Center, Nkanyezi, and Community




This morning, we left St. Martin's parish early to visit the Mandela Center in Rosebank for a meeting with Verne Harris, a historian, co-founder of the Mandela Center, and close friend of Mandela. We arrived and entered a meeting room where we would be able to speak to him for about 45 minutes and ask any questions we had. With all of the questions, we were able  to get another telling view of the Apartied Era. I remember one of the questions where someone asked Mr. Harris if he believed South Africa was free. He simply responded with "No." From his response, we all were able to see that although the most oppressive regime in South African history was over, the racial divide and cultural stigmas have not progressed.



Most everything Mr. Harris told us was extremely eye opening and and he provided a new viewpoint we had not encountered yet. Besides speaking with him, the Mandela center houses both an exhibit on Mr. Mandela as well as his office that has been preserved since the last time he stepped out.


After out time at the Mandela Center, we went back to Nkanyezi School to help serve lunch  and spend more memorable time with the children there. I believe that our time with the children with special needs allows all of us to embrace our differences while still treating them with the same love and affection as we would with anyone else. Along with this, it allows for us to appreciate all of our own blessings, especially our education.



When we returned from the school, we decided to take a walk around the community surrounding St. Martins and meet the local people. Not long into this, we were surrounded by the local children who were excited to meet us and and play ball and chat. It was amazing to see how quickly we all became friends and the amazing times we shared with each other. At 6:30, we attended mass with the parish youth group and continued our converstaions over dinner consisting of local foods. I am still impressed by their welcoming environment and genuine interest in learning about us and our own culture.

 -Alex Cala

Comments

  1. Rocio ArangoJune 7, 2019 at 4:00 PM

    Thank you posting so many details. You allow me to imagine what your day is like over there. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lisa CalaJune 7, 2019 at 9:21 PM

    Great job, Alex! Didnt realize this was yours until I finished reading. Sounds like a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 9, 2019 at 6:28 PM

    We'll see you tomorrow at SFO!

    Robby Sr.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Katie ZazuetaJune 10, 2019 at 2:49 PM

    What a great closing post. We miss you all and we know your life is now changed forever. Safe travels. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. Katie ZazuetaJune 10, 2019 at 2:49 PM

    What a great closing post. We miss you all and we know your life is now changed forever. Safe travels. xoxo

    ReplyDelete

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