Experiential Learning: House of Resurrection, Missionvale Care Center, Pendla Primary School

The opportunity to volunteer while studying in South Africa is another reason why I chose this program. I believe that what you do and how you apply yourself outside of the classroom is just as important, if not more, than what you do inside the classroom.

You could learn everything in the book but if you do not use your knowledge to help others then what good is it? 

We toured the three locations that we are able to choose from while we are here. The first was the House of Resurrection, more commonly called House. HIV|AIDS is the main focus. They take in orphaned children who are either infected or affected by HIV|AIDS. They house the children and offer the necessities of survival. They also help the children with their education.

The second place we viewed was Missionvale Care Center. The founder of Missionvale is Sister Ethra who immigrated here from Europe. The center is surrounded by a township that holds around 100,000 to 130,000 people. The main housing in Missionvale are shacks, however within the past year a few houses have been built. Unfortunately, the houses have no running water connected to them and the electricity in the entire township is on-and-off. You never know if you will have it or not. There are 13 water spouts dispersed around the township where the people can go and grab water. Of course, 13 isn't very much for a group of 100,000+ people so the lines become very long while waiting for water. Considering the limited amount of resources the people have, the center is extremely beneficial. Missionvale offers food, education, a health clinic, and a safe place for children. The center dispenses a half loaf of bread with a cup of soup powder which can be mixed with water during lunch. If there are children who do not have parents they are given a family pack that is made
up of two cans of beans, soap, and few other pieces of supplies. This is supposed to last a week. To get the food, the people must bring a piece of trash to recycle considering trash litters the entire township. Furthermore, the center has formed multiple gardens that allow people to grow their own food. There is also a small school that helps educate the children so they are able to move onto high school someday. The clinic is there to help with checkups and emergencies. They have equipment


that allows them to check blood pressure, draw blood, administer shots and medication, and more. There is a doctor, a few nurses, and a pharmacist. The doctor and pharmacist are unable to be there everyday, though.

Finally, the third spot we saw was Pendla Primary School. Pendla is a school located in New Brighton, South Africa. It has students from Pre-K to 7th grade. Upon entering the school I wasn't sure how I would feel about volunteering there considering I had my mind set on Missionvale and its clinic. However, I am torn because the joy I felt meeting the kids, teachers, and ShiShi (pronounced She-She), the principal, was like nothing I have ever felt. It was truly amazing being there and learning all about the school. We toured the small library and cafeteria where the food is made. Both, combined, make up the size of my kitchen and living room back home. So these buildings are fairly small. The classrooms are a little bigger but hold an unbelievable amount of students. The 7th grade has 60 students in one classroom...and you thought your class of 25 was bad. The first few grades have a little less but are still full. We were introduced to each class and grade. When we walked in all of the children stood up and sang us a song. Fairly certain that my heart melted and I'm not afraid to say that. It was one of the most incredible experiences I have had and each child had a wonderful voice. After our tour, some of the teachers made us sandwiches even though I felt that we should have been making them some. The bread they used was a type of brie bread with cheese and butter on it. It was very good. 

After touring each location was must choose one to work at for the remainder of the semester. For me, it is between Missionvale and Pendla. I am unsure of what one I will choose, but come Monday I will have to decide on one. I can't make a bad choice because either one would be great. 

Remainder of my day: The group and I will be celebrating the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics tonight! It will be very fun to watch the opening ceremony and all of the events while in another country. I will be rooting for both the USA and South Africa from here on out.