It’s difficult to find words to describe all of today’s events. The highlight of my day spent in Soweto was that we spent it with the locals who have called that place house for years. Soweto is a township located not too far from the city of Johannesburg. Black South African’s were sent there and many other townships during the Apartheid. We had lunch with the momma’s of the community. They made us food and we ate together, learning how to eat correctly with our hands. We sat down and took turns asking each other questions about our experience in South Africa so far and what these momma’s had been through. My research is on the similarities and differences between our culture history and theirs. I was shocked walking through the different museums; especially the apartheid museum, that their past is quite similar to our own. One of the major findings in talking with these women is that they are not taught in school about their own history and the history of South Africa. The education differs depending on where you live and if you have access to it. Most of the history that people know who are not well off, is the history passed down by their family. This group of women learned about very common history stories from other countries, like Christopher Columbus but they do not know what their own history is. There is also a question of who wrote their history because many of them wanted to reject the Voortrekkers and the people who tried to colonize their country to begin with. There is a lot of anger but their is more hope for the future. These were some of the most loving and hopeful people that I have ever met. It was amazing for them to open up their home and life stories to us and I am grateful for the experience.
Another unexpected experience that followed was the tour we received of a mans home on the opposite side of the road. This town faced the Freedom Charters that were written to give Black South Africans the same freedoms and opportunities as the colored, Asian, Indian, and White people. His town was not your typical town, in fact it was a shanty town and it was heart breaking to see. Not only did many families that live there, but we also learned some heart wrenching reasons of what was going on there. A law had been passed that by the age of 12, a child, was able to have children. Teen pregnancy is at an all time high and the reason people will have many children is because the government will give them $28 per child per month. It is no where near enough money but it is something over nothing for income. There are many of these small houses and most houses have about 6 or so family members that live within. Walking through the town, I had never seen such joy and happiness on the children’s faces. They would come up to us and give us a high five or would give you a hug with a big smile, saying hello. Even when people seem to have nothing, there is so much hope and happiness for a brighter tomorrow. It was difficult to see and walk through this town but it was a big eye opener that many upper class South African’s turn a blind eye to or have no idea that this is occurring. Many more stories and events happened today and may rise during conversation about my trip when I return. For now I leave you with this thought, If you could do even the smallest act of kindness within your own community, do you think that could spark and small change in others around you, to create a brighter tomorrow?
