Sharing is caring

Two days behind in Lotus River! On Monday I visited with Africa Jam in local primary school and introduced myself to over 300 children, as well as had a small lecture to them how sharing is one essential part of human life under kindness and caring. My colleagues are amazing, some of them having already 25 years experience of working with youngsters, with all the professional skills and the needed compassion to make a change. I'm thankful to have an opportunity to learn from them.

In afterschool program I reached on Monday 10 and on Tuesday 15 children for the painting workshop. So sweet kids and wonderful paintings and maps of their city of Cape Town and more specifically Lotus River. I explained where I come from and first questions were 'How the snow feels like', and if I knew Lukaku form Belgium. Even if everyone of them more than loved soccer, still they all raised their hands when I asked if they liked to paint and draw too. Here is some pictures of paintings of places that kids like about Cape Town where they feel safe.

Lotus River is a colored neighbourhood having most of its inhabitants youngsters under 30 years old. Also, over half of the youngsters living there are unemployed. Main language is Afrikaans, but English is almost as common. Some of the kids have difficulties to stay in school because of the lack of positive role models around. Gang violence is unfortunately too frequent; this minority group is influencing to the feelings of safety and trust to the majority of the inhabitants. 

This is what the the program is aiming to change: not to give more space to the feelings of fear but to focus on reality and to offer different perspective for the kids to see life as well as to show options to the future. There is so much more in Lotus River than the fear and gangs, people are so friendly and the food is delicious; I tasted today the best samosas so far ever, from the main street of the town!

Lastly I want to show you something inspiring from South Africa, the song is from the Prince Kaybee (South African DJ) and these youngsters are fantastic!