" Its time for Africa "
The arrival of July marks many endings here in South Africa; the final matches of the World Cup, the shortest days of winter over with, etc. With the close of June also comes the end of my month with GVI and my end of my first ever holiday program at Paarl.
But as we left the H.O.P.E CENTRE on Friday, it was hard to believe anything was ending. As heart- wrenching as it is to leave, it´s hard to be melancholy when I think about all of the exciting things happening in Paarl, and all that we have achieved our first month there.
For the past four weeks we had the pleasure of working with about thirty 7- 10 year-olds from the surrounding neighborhoods. Although sometimes rambunctious, these children amazed me everyday with their intelligence, humor and dance moves. It was incredible to see how fast their English improved, their vocabulary expanded at an unbelievable pace. We structured our days around 4 lessons Arts and crafts, Drama and music, literacy we taught them a dance Shakira´s Official World Cup song and performed it two Fridays ago. These children didn´t care that they were wearing silly costumes made from bin-liners or that audience only contained 3 people. Their smiles were contagious.
Besides, taking away so much learning experience and wonderful memories in Paarl. I will be taking away an unbelievable excitement. There is so much potential there; from the awesome GVI staff and volunteers, to our passionate local partners at Miqlat and off course the downright wonderful children. And judging from now how well the first month went, there is a reason to be excited. I know I will be staying in touch!
But as we left the H.O.P.E CENTRE on Friday, it was hard to believe anything was ending. As heart- wrenching as it is to leave, it´s hard to be melancholy when I think about all of the exciting things happening in Paarl, and all that we have achieved our first month there.
For the past four weeks we had the pleasure of working with about thirty 7- 10 year-olds from the surrounding neighborhoods. Although sometimes rambunctious, these children amazed me everyday with their intelligence, humor and dance moves. It was incredible to see how fast their English improved, their vocabulary expanded at an unbelievable pace. We structured our days around 4 lessons Arts and crafts, Drama and music, literacy we taught them a dance Shakira´s Official World Cup song and performed it two Fridays ago. These children didn´t care that they were wearing silly costumes made from bin-liners or that audience only contained 3 people. Their smiles were contagious.
Besides, taking away so much learning experience and wonderful memories in Paarl. I will be taking away an unbelievable excitement. There is so much potential there; from the awesome GVI staff and volunteers, to our passionate local partners at Miqlat and off course the downright wonderful children. And judging from now how well the first month went, there is a reason to be excited. I know I will be staying in touch!
By Emily Krochmal
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