Kiya's week in Jo'burg

These last few weeks have been amazing. I cannot describe how appreciative I am of the opportunities I have been provided with. The time we spent in Johannesburg was very informational. I learned much more about the events leading up to the fall of the apartheid government. I found the Hector Pieterson museum interesting in terms of its content and structure. The museum shed light on various accounts of that day which was beneficial for me. I appreciated the diverse perspectives because it helped me understand why people were acting and reacting the way they did. Another impactful historical landmark was the apartheid museum. As soon as I walk in I knew how powerful the events represented on the walls were. What I found most interesting was the videos displayed through the museum. There was one video that showed how violent black South Africans were post 1990. It made me think about what apartheid had done with in races as well. There was now a separation between individuals who were just fighting for equality together. It helped me understand the lasting effects the system had on the oppressed. Apartheid aided blacks in hating themselves and one another. It changed their opinion of the world we live in the damage done psychologically was permanent. There were no laws created that could possible heal the wounds.

Kiya at Soweto Boys & Girls Club

I also enjoyed spending my morning and afternoon at the Boys and Girls Club in Soweto. The children there were so warm and inviting.  It reminded me of being home. I thought it was cool that we were able to help with various projects at the club. I felt like my contribution was needed and it made my experience  there more fulfilling. I enjoyed playing with the children and getting to know a little about them. They were so excited to be in our presence and we were just as excited to be in theirs. I found the purpose of the club very important and vital to the children who were members. Organizations like the Boys and Girls Club are critical in communities like Soweto. The children really value their time spend there.

Lastly, the Sharpeville memorial was also an impactful place we visited during excursion. I heard so much about the massacre in 1960 and the trial where 6 individual were sentenced to execution. It made the events “real” when we were able to speak to people who were there and experienced being shot and imprisoned. Upon leaving Kruger I had a sad realization that my time was almost up. I reflected back to orientation and thought about all that I had learned and the many cuisines I was privileged enough to digest.