Sarah's Human Rights Training Weekend

 

Sarah (far left) with some of her housemates and new friends from the Human Rights Training Weekend.

I haven't written in a while . . . and have quite a bit of catching up to do!  I think it's now been just about a month since our weekend in Malmesbury. We traveled from Cape Town to arrive at an olive farm, where our Human Rights weekend was held. Just when I thought South Africa's natural beauty couldn't be more stunning, it was! I have seen nothing still to parallel the rolling hills and endless shades of green. Far and away, however, the best parts of the weekend were the people and the discussions. The program was run by the NGO Africa Unite and our history professor Vincent Williams. Besides our group of 26 American students, young people from all over Africa came to participate in the training.  It was quite amazing to hear perspectives from all over the world regarding the meaning of human rights.  It was also the first time on this trip that I've really gotten to learn about other countries in Africa. I never would have known, for example, that in Uganda, laws were passed just recently that persecute those who show homosexuality in public. Or that in Rwanda, there is currently a major economic crises coupled with staggering rates of unemployment. We discussed the difference between civil rights and human rights, and later the distinction between basic rights and access rights in South Africa. I think what was most enlightening about the weekend, though, was reflecting on the way in which we think. 

In one activity, we were divided in five or so groups. Each group was assigned a country in Africa. We were then given the following information: Earth was destroyed and human life would die if we stayed on the planet. Two of the five countries had already moved to the new, safe planet and settled in the inhabitable space there. Three countries were left behind on Earth and needed to leave if they were to survive. We were then told to break into country groups and discuss proposals to move to the new planet. 

Instantly, the two groups whose countries had moved safely began debating under what conditions they would allow the other countries onto "their" planet. They sought out what could be "in it for them."  Simultaneously, the three countries still on Earth began debating. What would they willingly concede? Citizenship? Property access? Voting eligibility? Within two minutes, the discussions turned to weaponry and war strategy - just in case, of course, war might be necessary to obtain space on the viable planet. Never mind that just twenty minutes ago we had defined human rights as a group. We had discussed the value of civil rights. We had discussed the danger of unbalanced power relations. We had discussed recent tragedies, where fellow humans seemed to forget that their enemies were human too. And suddenly, somehow, we were back to encouraging war and rights deprivation. It happened that quickly, that subconsciously. When we reconvened as a group, we were reminded that no countries had been given official ownership of the new planet - we had falsely assumed this. Our groups had found ourselves locked into a system of thinking based on power and privilege. And this was despite the fact that we had agreed to honor the principles of acceptance and equality only minutes earlier. How easily we turned to war while at a human rights conference certainly leaves a lot to reflect on . . . 

For the rest of the weekend, we participated in similar group activities. And also great fun. There was socializing, dancing, dress-up, singing, eating, and laughing. And I enjoyed a night under the stars amongst friends - yes we survived without being eaten by anything but mosquitos. Being in such a rural area, the olive farm was absolutely gorgeous at night. I've never seen the Milky Way so bright! After camping out for the night and three hours of sleep, I greeted my sore back with a sunrise hike up the mountain with Walsh . . . because why not take the opportunity? By the time we got to the top, I was glad we'd dragged each other out of bed (or up from the ground, that is). The view made a peaceful goodbye to our time at the olive farm. 

I'm happy to say we later got together with a few friends from human rights weekend, who introduced us to the infamous Mzolies. We chowed down on delicious braai meat - lamb, chicken, Boerewors, and beef - and sang to Shakira’s “Waka Waka" while enjoying the buzz of the place. Isaac was also gracious enough to welcome us into his humble home in the township called Europe. His section of the neighborhood is composed of shacks, portable toilets, and one water spicket. Isaac’s family is actually a fortunate exception - he recently built his own bathroom within the confines of his home and was proud to show us.  His wife and child will no longer have to travel in fear or in darkness to relieve themselves at night. Isaac also proudly showed us the foundation of his house, built so that "rats don't eat my babies!" Despite the overwhelming poverty present, Isaac reminded us of the strong sense of community he has amongst his neighbors.  It was evident in the kindness we were greeted with during our brief stop. We met his adorable children and friendly neighbors before heading back home to the comparative luxury of Loch.