The Improved Day 3 (title: A Leap Into Connection)
Hello blog!
This is Miki and Sofia writing about our day in Langa! The days prior were filled with sights of animals, stunning views of the coast, and wonderful sunny weather, but we remember day three as a smooth segue into taking initiative on the reason why we are in Cape Town after all. We transitioned into a new type of exploration: strolling in the vibrant and charming Langa township as well as interacting with students at Leap High School.
Our day began with our drive to Langa where Siviwe talked to us about how highways and golf courses were used to divide the white areas from the non-whites, and how there have been recent reconciliation efforts to give back the land, as well some of the pushback it received; in fact, this historical lesson reminded us of the redlining laws in Los Angeles, further expanding our perspectives on racial segregation in distinct communities. Prior to walking through/around Langa, we had the privilege to visit the Langa community center containing a myriad of pieces of art with different techniques such as mixed media, sand paintings and the use of recycled materials like pull tabs of cans. Listening to Siviwe and observing the artists helped us realize that being resourceful and honoring sustainability can further enhance and unify communities through the arts, especially communities as tight-knit as Langa. We walked into the town and embraced the immediate welcoming vibe as the locals reciprocated a wave and a smile.
After walking through the town and seeing the various housing situations in the townships, we made our way to LEAP HIGH SCHOOL!!! As soon as we got off the bus, we were greeted (especially Mr. Caragher and Mr. Martin, who had met these students from the last South Africa GIP trip) with a warm welcome. We started by pairing up one-on-one with the Leap students in order to jumpstart close bonds and gain insights on their academic endeavors and get to know them as people. This experience was an influential step into successfully taking action on the reason why we came to Cape Town in the first place: to form an impactful, relevant, and creative curriculum for iThuba students.
To begin this process, both us and Leap students split into groups based on interests such as English language, dance, sports, and STEM. Here, we had the chance to collectively and formally communicate these passions and future ideas of the iThuba curriculum. Miki chose to join the English group because she really enjoys writing and reading, and Sofia joined the dance group since she enjoys the performing arts.
We went to an African restaurant for our dinner- a place called Mama Africa. Here, we indulged in traditional African food from all regions of the continent. Miki personally liked the fufu and beef stew, as well as found the vibrant colors that embellished the restaurant’s enjoyable interior.
To put it simply, the day ended powerfully. Observing art, walking in the township, and meeting the students served as new and empowering experiences that we wish to never forget.
Sincerely,
MC & SFC
