A great experience in Cape Town for Alex
Hello, my name is Alex Gilbert, I’m 20 years old and am here
in Cape Town on a 6 month teaching internship.
Two days of travel and time changes took me from my home in
Winnipeg, Canada to the far off country of South Africa upon arrival I realized
wow was that worth it!
Once I was settled into our house in Gordon’s Bay, I started
to really take in my surroundings. Blue skies, sparkling ocean and beautiful
mountains surrounding this whole new world I just entered. No matter how many
times you say to yourself, “I’m in Africa” it never quite settles in.
My first project placement is at ACJ Primary School. I have
been teaching numeracy to Grade 6 students. I was joined by my roommates Kyle,
Brad and Will who were teaching sports, surf and English. We became fast
friends. School was a whole different experience. I quickly learned I had to be
prepared for anything to happen and often activities I had planned would not
take place. Whether it’s a dance filled school event, kids not showing up or
just goats running through the school play area, this is Africa people so be
prepared for the unexpected.
Now I am currently 3 months into my placement and like most
volunteers South Africa has captured me with its culture and beauty. I find
that now I thrive on the unexpected and relish new challenges that ACJ has to
offer me. I’ve taught numeracy, surfed South Africa’s waves ad taught cricket
to endless amounts of students. I’ve driven the garden route, bungeed the world’s
highest bridge and walked 80km from Cape Point to Table Mountain to raise money
for ACJ. All these experiences I have done with friends from all over the world
– Canada, USA, England, Finland, Sweden, Germany, France, Switzerland,
Australia, New Zealand, South Africa – I have experienced so many different
countries and cultures. All of this done in only 3 months! I’m half way through
and I cannot wait to see what South Africa still has to throw at me.
Alex Gilbert
6month Intern
Winnipeg, Canada.
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