On the journey to Johannesburg, I planned to stop by Drakensberg again on the way, but this time I planned to visit a school since it didn’t work out the first time. Drakensberg really gave me a good feeling as it is a very traditional South African area. With a plan in my head, I managed to inspire three more travelers that I randomly met in a hostel. Here, I will tell you about a very exciting school visit in South Africa and what should not be done.
THE EXPERIENCE
We were welcomed by the school director, Ms. Imonian, and she was really nice – almost appreciated our visit. She started telling us about the students, how the classes are separated, the age range of the different classes and what they are trying to teach. I was surprised how open minded they were, showing strangers like us the school just like that.
We then started going to the different classes, beginning with the smallest students, which was really interesting because they had a song to sing for us when we walked into the classroom. It was really nice. At the end of the visit, we shared some chocolate and sweets with the kids, which made them really happy and, more importantly, made them smile. They were so cute when they thanked me – it really got me. It was quite shocking to see how they teach in different places with no tables and chairs.
We then headed to the teenage classes, soon-to-be graduates, where they again sang for us and performed a very traditional dance. I asked them some questions about their future plans. I shared pens and notepads for the answers – a pity that I didn’t have enough for all and I had to give some a #sadface. Then it was the time to ask us questions which were pretty basic such as: How did we get to South Africa and what is our profession ?
I really liked the answer Mrs. Imonian told them that we worked hard to be able to travel here; she encouraged them to do the same and put in all the effort needed to follow their dreams. The song they sang for us was almost heartbreaking because it was so beautiful. I was happy for this experience and how it worked out so perfectly not having planned it beforehand.
On the way to the exit, the director showed us a computer room with some very old computers; it seemed that she wanted to give us a hint about donating some money. I thought that if I donated money, it would never be invested in that room, so I didn’t catch onto her hint. Before we left the school, we all thanked them for showing us around.
Don’t do it
Before we drove back to the hostel, I realized that I still had some crisps in the boot of the car that I didn’t need so I thought of opening them up and letting some kids on the street share it between them. What happened then was out of control because the one kid to whom I gave the crisp pack didn’t want to share and they all had a big argument and pushed each other. That was the moment to leave as quickly as possible – sorry my bad, I do not recommend doing something like this.
Watch my VIDEO SUMMARY about the whole experience with students dancing and singing:
I TRAVEL FOREVER’s VIEW & RECOMMENDATION
The school visit was very interesting and one of my highlights of being in Africa. For my part, I’m really happy to have visited the school because I think people in our world can make a difference even with little things. I’m also very happy that the other guys enjoyed it as well and thanked me for asking them to come. With that experience behind me, I highly encourage anyone who has the desire to do the same.
An incredible experience with a unique song to remember: “singing melodies in my heart”
#TW