Day 6

The weather this morning was a little more like what we were used to. It rained hard but warm rain seems so much more acceptable! School is very busy with the gold and blue uniformed pupils moving around between classes. The pupils all love having their pictures taken. I was lucky enough to take part in a maths lesson today but had to finish quickly when the air raid sounding siren sounded to indicate the end of the lesson.

We all had to take part in a cookery lesson today. I think that teachers make the worst learners, especially Mr Rees. It is worth noting that Mr Jones-Williams could be the next star on the popular TV show “Come Dine With Me” with Milk Tart as a winning pudding. The group was then treated to a personal tour of Macassar with Vincent who had been held prisoner with Nelson Mandela. We went into some of the shacks that have been home to families for many years. This was quite a shocking experience for us all.

On our return to school we popped into a class where pupils were making music with some of the instruments that our school had brought on a previous visit. Great rhythm, laughter and sound by the class. In the evening we attended a South African themed restaurant where we had traditional face markings put on our faces and danced to the beating music. At one point we stopped eating our springbok and went outside to watch a fly pass of the International Space Station. We had quite a crowd of people who joined us and it was a champagne moment for me watching it pass in front of the Southern Cross.

Speaking with my host later was very interesting too as she told me about her experiences of apartheid whilst she grew up and went through the education system. She was NOT allowed to study Physics because of her colour. Some incredible stories, that really do shock and take you from your comfort zone. I wonder what emotions and experiences tomorrow will bring?