Happy Freedom Day!

Freedom Day is a South African public holiday celebrated on April 27.

Freedom Day is celebrated annually as a reminder of the struggle for a free and just South Africa culminating in the first democratic elections held in 1994, where South Africans of every walk of life participated in the making of our new country. Freedom Day commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa on April 27, 1994.

Freedom Day provides a milestone for all South Africans to collectively participate in the commemoration of the pain and struggle to build a non-racial, democratic and free South Africa in which we all have the freedom to prosper. The following is a list of Freedom Day acts or oaths, as described by the South African Government:

- Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidate democracy and promote cultural diversity and social cohesion in South Africa, as we celebrate living in a system that guarantees that never again will our humanity be taken from any South African, irrespective of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation.

- In commemorating all the hero and heroines and the role played by ordinary citizens in the country and abroad, government calls on all South Africans to unite in creating a better future for all.

- Nation-building requires all South Africans to live by example, ensuring that that the values and principles enshrined in our Constitution become a lived reality in the development of fully functioning communities.

- We celebrate the Bill of Rights, which distinguishes us among the nations of the world and guarantees all South Africans freedom from the repression and hatred that characterised our past.


~ Information located at: http://www.info.gov.za/events/2011/freedomday.htm

Volunteer Testimonial Published on GoAbroad.com

In recent weeks, South Africa Volunteer Nancy M. was kind enough to share her thoughts and reflections with individuals seeking volunteer opportunities on GoAbroad.com. Read on to enjoy Nancy's inspiring words and FEEL her excitement! You can also use the link below view all Global Volunteers Testimonials on Go Abroad OR add your own!


Nancy's South Africa Testimonial:
I spent a wonderful two weeks in small rural village called Malungeni (East Cape Province) South Africa. Most of our time was helping in the school; I helped Miss Thobeka teach Kindergarten and first grade. We also had daily "after school programs" at our guest house (tutoring, practicing reading in English, crafts projects, etc.) for all age kids. It was a magic time... walking to school in the morning, saying good morning to the people, the cows, the chickens and the geese. There was a wonderful welcome and goodbye party with traditonal songs and dance. I LOVED THIS PROGRAM!

Use this link to see all Global Volunteer testimonials OR add your own: http://www.goabroad.com/providers/global-volunteers/testimonials

Thank you, Nancy, and thank you all for your interest and support!!

And They're Off to Malungeni Again!!

Our second volunteer team of 2011 to South Africa will begin this coming Saturday, and many team members are flying over in the next few days!

This team will be led by Tanya Battista Crespo!! Please read on and/or use the link below to learn all about Tanya's vast experience with Global Volunteers. You can be assured that in Malungeni, or any of our host communities, you will be in good hands with our professionally trained country managers and team leaders.



Tanya Battista Crespo (photo above), Associate Director of Operations and Donor Relations Manager: "Tanya manages operations and preparations for teams led by volunteer team leaders. In addition, Tanya manages our development and sponsorship programs, and works with volunteer donors on special fundraising projects for host community needs. Tanya has Bachelor’s Degrees in International Relations and Spanish with emphasis in International Development and Latin American Studies. She has led teams to or served on Global Volunteers service programs in China, India, Jamaica, Brazil, Ecuador, Italy, South Africa, Texas and Minnesota."

To check out Tanya's staff profile on Global Volunteers' website, click here: http://globalvolunteers.org/organization/staff/operations.asp

South Africa Service Program on USA Today Travel!

Considering a service program in South Africa in 2011? If so, check out this great mention of Global Volunteers' volunteer opportunity in Malungeni in today's USA Today Travel.

Click here to read the article!!

Simple Reflections from a recent Volunteer

"So much to be done but only two weeks to do these things. We must remind ourselves that things we think are important may not be a high priority here or there may not be the resources required. It’s difficult to see all that needs fixing, changing, improving, but we must remember, we are the visitors, the helpers, this is not our country."

Laura, South Africa Volunteer

Laura's Thought for the Day: "Development is about planting trees – even if you never sit under their shade." ~ Rev. Spiwo Xapile

"Spring into Service" in South Africa!!

“Spring into Service” with Global Volunteers to receive a special limited discount offer for our March and April teams!

Four or more volunteers who apply by January 31 for any of these 28 teams in 16 countries will receive a discount of $200 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for one-, two- or three-week international programs or $100 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for USA programs. No other discounts apply.

Please encourage others to volunteer in our five fundamental project areas: education (especially promotion of girls education), labor and community infrastructure, health care, child care, and food and nutrition.

Call us at 800-487-1074 for details and we'll assist you every step of the way. Our worldwide host communities can’t wait to welcome you!!

Check out this link for more details & service program dates: http://globalvolunteer.org/special/springspecial.asp

South Africa Service Program Dates, March & April Teams:
5-Mar-11 to 19-Mar-11

Vote for Global Volunteers!

From November 15 - November 21 the Star Tribune newspaper is holding a contest entitled 'Full Page Project' amongst MN non-profits and the winner will receive a free full page ad in the paper!

Please vote for us this week ~ you can vote once per hour!

Here is the link where you can register and then vote for Global Volunteers (please copy and paste the link): http://startribune.upickem.net/engine/Registration.aspx?contestid=22815

We would also encourage you to pass this link along to your family and friends, and post it on your personal Facebook page. Let us know if you have any questions, and remember voting goes until 5 p.m. Sunday!

Thank you for your support.

Team Journal, November 15

Monday, November 15, 2010 (Mark)

Laura, Tai, and Mar went off to the tree project and with Sikho, Lumkile, Hilda, Nokhaya (2 ladies) and Mzuyanda dug 20 post holes and 20 posts and braces for 5 tree plantings In the afternoon Tai, Olga, Laura, and Mark spent several hours in the Bakery “designing” the water supply system and making measurements. Later it was back to the Guest House for “tutoring” and games. Lily went off to Grade 1 at Mbange and Susan & Betty went to Grade 4 there. Lily had her class until 1PM. At 4PM, it was dance practice with the boys. In 4th grade Susan found that half the class misunderstood how to draw a 5cm line. They were lost with perimeter. But they had a fun time with hand sanitizer before lunch. After dinner, we had a visit from the President and VP of the boys club. They had a very well thought out and detailed plan and request for assistance from GV. Also, Wilfred, a gentleman from a nearby village met with the team and Olga for possible assistance in the future. The night was topped off with a very vigorous rain, lightning, and wind storm that ripped the door off the outside cabinet.

Message of the Day: (Lily)
"Make the most of your life as meaningful as possible, that you think less about your own concerns, and more of others. In doing so, you will find you enjoy peace and happiness yourself." Dalai Llama

Team Journal, November 12: A Creative Entry!!

Friday, November 12, 2010 (Susan)

Off went Betty, Lily, and I
To preschool with Mrs. Gebsai
Songs to sing
Games to play
See time go quickly by

Older children, six to ten
Had sums practice, then
Memory card games
Catching a ball
Coloring with pencils again

The most favorite play
Was the balloons, I’d say
On which Betty drew
Flowers, stars, and suns
For we “teachas”, a fun day!

Our labor team was free
As happy as could be
With Mark, Laura, and Tai
Sikho, Mzuayanda, and Mr. L
To fix cages around each tree

Holes repaired in net wire
Wit gloves, hammer, and pliers
Topped by wire with barb s
All hauled by wheelbarrow
Don’t you know they were tired

Ah, Friday, end of the work week
Driving through potholes deep
For our stay at Coffee Bay
With hot showers to enjoy
Watch out for the sheep!! Beep! Beep!

Message of the Day: (Mark)
You can out distance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you (Rwandan Proverb)

Team Journal, November 10

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 (Lily)

We left the Guest House exactly at 8:45 AM and our first stop was the Mandela Museum at Mthatha. It took us an hour to reach the place. There were only 7 of us who visited the place. That included Tai, Olga, Mark, Susan, Laura, Betty, and yours truly. This is what I learned after the museum. Let me quote what Mandela said about his country. “My country is rich in the minerals that lie beneath its soil, but I have also known that the greatest wealth is its people, finer than the purest diamonds”. He added, he can only rest for a moment for with freedom comes responsibilities and he dare not linger for his long walk is not yet ended. I was really impressed by Mandela. Then, the group separated and went in different places. Mark, Tai and Laura went to the bakery and then to buy materials in order to fix a leaking faucet. Tai and Olga must have gone to a grocery too and the three of us (Susan, Betty, and I) went to a department store to look for school supplies, battery for my flashlight. It took us a long time to find the right battery. Our guide thought it had to be Duracell, but quite the contrary. With Susan’s help, she suggested Ever Ready battery could replace Duracell. So, one problem was solved. Then Betty went to a fabric store together with me. From there we separated and I joined Susan who was buying some school supplies and some soda and cookies. It was lunch break and our guide brought us to a coffee shop. We brought our lunch so we did not have to order. Then, the waitress approached us that we cannot sit in that place without ordering something. Luckily, Betty arrived and ordered a can of soda and that saved the embarrassment. Later, Mark came and Sue offered him soda which she bought from the supermarket. I’ve observed they are a loving couple. Then, we went to the bead shop with Betty and Laura. Betty bought a lot of stuff for her class in beading and sewing. Laura also bought something for herself. I did not realize Laura is a “Jack of all trades” and so is Betty. After the long day, we decided to leave for home. The rain stopped - for a while – and drizzled again. It was a day to remember because we were able to accomplish a lot of things despite the inclement weather. No time wasted. Most of all, each one in this Team 13 has something special to offer to the people of Malungeni and that includes our team leader too, Tai. Olga bought a lot of food on behalf of the youth and joined us in the van. Tai had our groceries and we all helped in bringing the stuff to our Guest House. Instead of relaxing upon arrival, we still wanted to do some dancing. Sue and I danced to Chatanooga Choo Choo to the music of Mark’s radio. Betty and Koena (our cook) joined us too. So, the day ended with everybody happy.

Message of the day: (Laura)
Development is about planting trees – even if you never sit under their shade (Rev. Spiwo Xapile)

A garden is one of the things in prison that one can control. To plant a seed, watch it grow, to tend it, and then harvest it, gave me a feeling of simple happiness (Nelson Mandela)

Team Journal, November 9

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 (Mark)

After 7AM breakfast, job assignments were made. Tai had administrative duties – report writing, budgeting, coordinating the new fence poles, and then swept goat “deposits” from the Community Center. Lily went to pre-school, where only 3 students were in class probably due to the bad weather. Betty went to Mbange Jnr Second School 4th grade. Bingo sight words were a big success. They worked on nouns/verbs and got locked in twice. The “instructor” did better than on the first day. Susan went to the same school 9th grade, where they had 24 students. They started with math, but soon said “we like to do English”. They also did logic games and reading. The last 20 minutes they entertained Susan with singing. Laura and Mark worked with Sikho, Pila, and Mzuyanda adding barbed wire higher on the tree planting cages until rained out about noon. Then, they went to the Bakery where they attempted to repair a leaky faucet and discussed the water supply and vent problems with Olga and Tai. As we were having an end of day discussion, we had a long visit with the local Police Commander, Kettaldas and his two assistants. They provided some Xhosa names: Tai = Nomvula (Rain Lady), Betty = Noxolo (Peace Lover), and Laura = Montombi (Good Lady). After their visit, Olga gave us another isi Xhosa phrase lesson. Then, Bonke, a male nursing student dropped in and we had a nice cultural exchange visit. After dinner, we played “musical chairs” with the electricity and candles due to the rainstorm.

Message of the Day: (Lily)
You can’t change everything, but you can always change something for the better, including the way you look at it.

Team Journal, November 8: First Day of Service!

Monday, November 8, 2010 (Susan)

Our first morning of work began with an ample breakfast of oatmeal, eggs toast, juice, tea, and coffee. We had a brief team meeting with the assignments for the day, The labor team Laura, Mark and Tai were the first off with wheelbarrows, they transported trees to the planting sites, about eight helpers from the village under the guidance of Sikho planted 16 trees. Wow!. Planters included Pila, a 17 year old student and Mzuyanda a young man with cerebral palsy. This was done on a 30 degree Celsius day, very impressive. Olga our hard working volunteer coordinator and a driver delivered the rest of us Lily, Betty and Susan to schools. Lily at Mbange school became the lone teacher of 28 Grade R students who were treated to reviewing the alphabet, numbers, singing and dancing “Here we go around the Mulberry Bush” Betty also at Mbange worked with Maxwell’s class of 5th and 6th graders. She was the lone teacher some of the time, teaching English, Betty was surprised at the level of English proficiency of the students, Expected was the students curiosity about her. Susan worked at Upper Mdumbi School with Mrs. Beauty’s 4th, 5th and 6th graders. These students were writing exams in Xhosa so Susan was an extra pair of eyes. The students are helpful and respectful to their teachers. The single long building of several classrooms was in need of repair but the teacher’s workroom had many cabinets of donated workbooks and supplies, the organization of which might make a future project.

As we all gathered back at the guest house to share experiences there was laughter and tiredness. But it was not the end of our adventure. A truck delivering bags of food was being unloaded and stacked so we volunteered to help. A serious wind and rain storm blew in which necessitated moving the food under shelter. Now we really feel part of this community.

Submitted by Susan

Team 13 Journal, November 6

1) Team Goals: Team 13’s goals:

• To have fun and work at the same time
• To contribute to community
• To experience community
• To share specific skills
• To make friends and build relationships

2) Characteristics of an Effective Team

• Every person has a voice
• Be flexible
• Team work – support each other
• Reach Consensus
• Communication/discussion
• Co-operation
• Understanding our differences
• Have same goals
• RESPECT
• Aggressive towards our goals
• Mean what you say, say what you mean
• Laugh
• Be willing to compromise
• Stay focused
• No cross talk

Photo Contest Submissions Encourage Volunteerism in South Africa!

This fall, Global Volunteers asked our amazing volunteers to share some of their favorite service program images with us. We have been thrilled and encouraged by the response, and have already used many of the photos on our website and in new printed materials!! Now, we would love to share with you, a few of our favorite submissions depicting our volunteer service program in South Africa. ENJOY & thank you volunteers!!

Today has come too soon...

Friday September 17th, 2010

Created by: James

Some final day thoughts……

Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do – only if it’s goodbye forever!

Today has come too soon. Just as we have started to get into the flow of things our short program has come to its conclusion. We have made many connections not only within our team, but also with the local people and children.

We are humbled to have been in this position, where we were able to share a little glimpse of our life and be immersed in two weeks of life in rural South Africa. A place that continues to struggle, with sickness and ‘mental slavery’. There are some success stories and there are some who continue to raise their hands to grasp the seeds that we sow. We leave Malungeni with the hope that there will be great yield from these seeds and that people will see some benefits from dreaming and see it within their reach to achieve these.

Malungeni – Enkosi Kakulu! Thank you for your friendships and hospitality. We wish you all well and prosperity and good standing for your people and children – The leaders of tomorrow.

Usale Kakuhle – Remain Well…..

Enjoying our last moments in SA

Thursday, September 16th 2010
Created by: Teresa Donovan

Our days are full and often exhausting, yet we aren’t ready for this experience to end. It seems each day brings more children to the classroom and to the community center, yet our volunteer numbers remain at four. How can we divide ourselves up to properly interact with and enjoy our precious moments with each child – not to mention the adults?

Teta’s class is now up to 42 children. Her teacher controls the children through physical punishment – hitting them on their hands with a stick if they are absent, late, or take too long to fetch the water. Teta and brood also coughed their way through today’s lesson as a field fire crept ever so closely to the school.

School was cancelled for Upper Mdumbi today so Dot, with James as her escort, took a stroll through the village. She found her walk to be a much better view of village life than her view from a car window. She was able to get photos of women washing laundry by the stream and was surprised by the rondevelds with satellite dishes. A highlight of the walk was meeting Obama and Zuma – well fed local pigs. James also enjoyed meeting up with some local lads (his words), using a photo op as a means to divert the boys’ attention away from harassing a dog.

Teresa and James met with Olga in the morning to brainstorm about capacity building projects – from training to beadwork to costing out bread production to motivating people to work. She book-ended her day by meeting with Bonke to discuss personal goals and budgeting and the challenges he may face in his marriage.

The highlight of the day was the community center which was filled inside and out with children of all ages. Outdoors, children squealed with delight as they attempted to fly a kite. Indoors, the cacophony of children’s voices was unending as some played tag, some hula-hooped, and others gathered in various corners to play games, read, color, or continue developing math and map skills. Even Olga and Beauty took a lesson or two from Teta and played a game of Dominoes.

Teresa was delightfully surprised by Oleni – a young boy who often hung outside the community center – finally came inside and sat next to her all afternoon. He was teased by the other children, but they soon stopped after it was clear to them he was welcome and given equal opportunity to share in the English lesson.

We all enjoyed having Bonke as our guest for dinner where the conversation focused on the use of corporal punishment in the schools – which, although forbidden, still occurs.

Teta and Dot spent the rest of the evening sorting through all the donations and teaching materials. They restocked the resource cabinet and organized the mounds of donated school supplies which Olga will distribute after our departure.

It is hard to believe that our two weeks of service is coming to an end. It is even harder to believe that we forged such strong friendships in such a short period of time. How does one say goodbye to people who have touched our hearts? How do we say farewell to friends whom we may never see again? Our one comfort is knowing that a part of us will remain in Malungeni and Malungeni will have our picture to prove it.

Addendum to previous day’s journal since Teresa did not give James a chance to speak:
James wants it on record that using a flush toilet and a running tap at Mike’s Kitchen the other night was a true “on top” moment for him!


Thought of the Day - Dot
Maybe,
Someday,
We will all join hands and live together . . .
Helping each other,
Loving each other.
Maybe,
Someday,
We will all make the world
A much better place . . .

Each day is a gift...

Wednesday September 15th, 2010


Wednesday turned out to be a different sort of day for all four of us. Teresa stayed at “home” to work with Olga on evaluating some of the proposed or past business ventures in Malungeni. In addition, she worked with one student who had left school early and had come to the Guest House to find her. James served cookies and tea to both of them.

Teta was impressed with how beautifully the children sang their national anthem. She taught them to play London Bridge as an antidote to the difficulty of the fractions the teacher was working on with them.

Dot finally got to teach the science lesson she had bought props for last week. The children seemed to enjoy tasting the sugar, salt, and fruit drink they had dissolved in water, and hopefully they understood the process of solution.

At Dorothy’s school, there was no classroom instruction after the long lunch break, which began at 10:40. After lunch, chairs were moved into a double classroom and all the students gathered for their weekly religious service, which was led completely by students. There were several prayers, brief “sermons” by students and one teacher, and a great deal of spirited singing. When the worship ended at 1:00 p.m., school was over the day.

The most exciting part of the day began when the team took Olga, Kwena and Sam, the Guest House caretaker, to Umtata for dinner and to do some other errands. Teta, Dot, Kwena and Sam enjoyed a visit to the Nelson Mandela Museum. James, Teresa and Olga visited a bakery where Olga was able to establish excellent contacts for guidance in getting the Malungeni bakery going. They also shopped for some items to give to the children at the farewell celebration and were delighted when the shop owner who gave them numerous items free.

Dinner at an Umtata restaurant was very good, and the three staff people seemed especially happy to be there as our guests. The evening was the high point of the day for all of us.

Thought of the Day – Teresa Hartman

‘None but ourselves can free our mind’
-Bob Marley

~Building relationships~

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

We started off another day with a wonderful breakfast care of Koena. Off to another day of school where we finished up with the word search/unscramble. James stopped by Teta’s school for a few pictures.

During the morning recess several of the older girls had asked the teacher I’m assisting if they could talk to me ALONE, they were curious about American slang…couch potato, having a cow….they told me what they wanted to be when they grew up. There was a teacher, doctor, psychologist, actress. I have neurofibromatosis (NF) which causes bumps on my skin and they asked about it. The most frequently asked question of the ladies is “do you have a husband?” “Do you have children?” they are surprised when I say I have neither. It was really great…very smart girls. We went back to guest house for prepare to tutoring at the C. C.

I mostly played a form of Domino’s with several of the older boys and one game was really incredible… 4- ones, 4-twos, 6-threes, 5-fours, 5-fives, 5-sixes…what a game. I had the boys add the numbers together – 3, 6, 9, 12 etc.

Koena prepared another dinner. Olga had gone to East London personal business and it was an extremely HOT day…39 degree in East London and because Olga is still in mourning she has to stay completely covered (and wear green). On the way back to the compound she was kind enough to share the car back to Mthatha with an extremely over weight woman and her two small children and infant. Olga developed heat stroke/exhaustion. Teresa #1 and I became instant nurses and applied cold compresses, we made her lie down, put her feet up. We found ice packs in a couple of the 1st Aid kits and we took turns checking on her until her son Daniel could come over and take her home.

Dot’s on top – making headway with the children at her school. My on top was the Domino’s game. Teresa’s on top was a four year old little girl asking/telling her she wanted to write. James’ on top working on math problems at the Community Center and seeing the light go on over the heads of the children he was tutoring as they caught on to the multiples of 10, 100 etc. Good Night.

Thought of the day – Teresa

‘I don’t believe in just ordering people to do things. You sort of have to grab an oar and row with them’
-Harold Geneen.

A day of special moments...

Monday 13 September 2010

Created by: Teresa

Today was a sharing of special moments which reflect the many types of experiences we have had since arriving in Malungeni. Blessed with a cohesive team, supported by a flexible team leader, we have found our sense of humor helps us address most situation.

Dot decided to ignore her teacher’s established protocol and thrust herself into the classroom setting. Garnering momentum from this, she then interacted with the children during recess rather then join the teachers in the staff room. She found more pleasure today than in all the days combined. She took on a large student in a game of tug-of-war and another guided her to the shade of tress because she was “white.” What touched her most was when a child selected her to be in the middle of a ring of students singing “I love my Teddy Bear.”

Teta continued to improvise with the children in her classroom. Although the teacher was more present today, Teta managed to communicate well with minimal Xhosa. The children who know even less English still flock to her to receive encouragement for their work. Teta is definitely achieving her goal of making children smile, laugh, and learn. She was quite moved though when a teacher informed her that some older girls would like to meet with her alone. We await the topic of this conversation. Stay tuned . . . . . .

Teresa recorded the presentations of the 9th grade class and enjoyed sharing positive remarks as well as areas for improvement. At the end of the school day she had a chance to sing many interactive songs with all the children. The girls played with her hair and she ended up with cornrows for the rest of the day. Teresa’s special moment was at the community center when a young girl she taught last year ran up to her and jumped in her arms, giving her a huge hug around neck.

James is just glad he did not go over budget with our team. But we hope he is pleased that we are happy to be here and with our accomplishments. We feel we are meeting our goals for the most part and only wish we had more time in the Malungeni community.

We were off to bed early once again to rest up for the next day’s special moments of which we are sure there will be many.


Thought of the day – WE SEEK….. ‘A world free of war and threat of war…
A society with equity and justice for all…
A community where every person’s potential
may be fulfilled…
An earth restored.

End of week one, off to the coast!

Friday September 10th - Sunday September 12th, 2010

Morning dawned with alternating sun and clouds. The breakfast treat which Kwena greeted us with was chocolate chip muffins to go with our eggs.

Friday at our village schools is only a half day, but there were lessons for us to teach. Teta was left without the teacher to teach fractions. Since the younger students do not speak English, this was “fractions by pantomime.” Dorothy taught classes in English, math and reading with varying degrees of success. Teresa had a new group who needed practice in English conversation. She successfully did this using her photo album as a means of getting the students to share information about families, foods, and sports.

At the school where Dorothy and Teresa are posted, the last hour was free time when the teachers sat and talked in the staff room and the children just hung out outside. Dorothy and Teresa joined the children, and Teresa organized some games. Soon the children were organizing their own games.

James spent the morning doing paperwork and working with Olga on planning.

After a quick lunch at the Guest House, Dorothy, Teresa and Teta left with a driver for a three hour drive to the coast for a weekend at Port St. Johns. James stayed at Malungeni for the weekend to catch up on paper work and planning, and, hopefully, to rest.

Thought of the day ‘Your dreams need YOU to make them real’