The Meaning of Home - June 13th, 2019
Today was an especially eventful and significant day. First, we visited the District 6 museum. District 6 was a neighborhood in which a large amount of families were evicted from their homes and forcibly moved to various townships around Cape Town. The museum was extremely informative and moving. One aspect of the museum that was really impactful was a cloth filled with various quotes about their views on apartheid and District 6. We really enjoyed this part because it was so personal and thought provoking. Forcing us to think about what it means to have a home? What would it be like if our homes were taken away and destroyed? Additionally, calling us to question our meaning of community and belonging. Overall, the museum was an opportunity for us to empathize with the people and their stories. On our way to lunch we saw some shops and asked if we could get watches. It is great being able to not have to ask people (i.e. Mr. Caragher, Ms. Huley, and Mr. Martin) what time it is.
For lunch, we visited Eastern food Bazaar where we had flavorful Indian food. Afterwards we walked around and saw the plain where Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech after being released from prison, that was also in the movie A Long Walk to Freedom. We then walked to our bus and headed to Langa. In Langa, we were given the opportunity to visit the homes of the iThuba students with our LEAP partners. In most cases, the LEAP student and iThuba student lived in the same part of Langa. What amazed us was the sense of community in the township. Every corner you turned, you would find children playing together and interacting with each other, which really sets Langa apart from Los Angeles. Some of the homes we visited were shacks and some were flats or apartments. The sense of pride was present and vibrant in every single home. It was amazing to see how they all make the best out of what they have and how what they have does not change who they are. Overall, the whole day and this experience was truly eye-opening and we hope to bring back that same sense of pride and community.
-Aleen and Ellie
For lunch, we visited Eastern food Bazaar where we had flavorful Indian food. Afterwards we walked around and saw the plain where Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech after being released from prison, that was also in the movie A Long Walk to Freedom. We then walked to our bus and headed to Langa. In Langa, we were given the opportunity to visit the homes of the iThuba students with our LEAP partners. In most cases, the LEAP student and iThuba student lived in the same part of Langa. What amazed us was the sense of community in the township. Every corner you turned, you would find children playing together and interacting with each other, which really sets Langa apart from Los Angeles. Some of the homes we visited were shacks and some were flats or apartments. The sense of pride was present and vibrant in every single home. It was amazing to see how they all make the best out of what they have and how what they have does not change who they are. Overall, the whole day and this experience was truly eye-opening and we hope to bring back that same sense of pride and community.
-Aleen and Ellie
Before heading into District 6
The sign in the back says- "All Who Pass By: Remember with shame the many thousands of people who lived for generations in district six and other parts of this city and were forced by law to leave their homes because of the color of their skin. Father FORGIVE US"
An example of a typical bag that people in District 6 were able to bring with them before their homes were destroyed
A quote within the museum
Spicy Bunny Chow at Lunch- half a loaf of bread, hollowed out and filled with curry
Post lunch swag
Preparing for home visits
Poly x LEAP x iThuba
Posing before home visits
Playing games before home visits
Smiles before home visits
More smiles
Hugs and smiles
"The Egg Crew" post dinner
