arrived to help out at the village's school. They are
from the United Kingdom and spent a week
(group in photo above).
They basically continued with the project of painting
the school buildings that was started last year but also
repaired school desks and cafeteria tables that were
in dire need of fixing.
This group was fantastic, capable and willing to do
whatever they could to improve the school. They did
quality work and as a result of their efforts the school
is beginning to shape up.
The group consisted of 16 young men of high school age
and they also had a few matches of soccer/fotball with
some of the learners from the school.
It was a two game/match affair with the first game
tied at 5-5 and the second a close defeat at 3-2. Of course
the learners here had home field advantage and in this case
it meant something. The main reason is that the soil here is
best described as sandy.
They played on our new field which is about 60% grass at
the moment and hopefully will improve when the rains come.
The grass here is a runner type plant so if it establishes it holds
together even in the dry season.
So, the guys from England were doing something similar to
playing beach soccer. Needless to say the learners here were
accustomed to playing on the sandy surface.
But in the end it isn't about the actual score which decides who
wins or loses. It was a winning situation no matter what because
for the kids here in the village to be able to socialize with outsiders
gives them a great life experience.
Other news in the village ... well ... we are experiencing something
that could be called a miracle ... the village generator hasn't
broken down in almost a month. Don't know how that is
happening but the good part it gives us a chance to show our
behavior change type videos. The people actually love them
so hopefully they will get the message.
The dormant support group garden is becoming de-dormented
as they are showing up. Only problem it is about 2 months later
than they should have but ... the old better late than never applies.
We did double the space from last year and now it is really
about totally full. So, success is never absolute here, not trying
to sound doom and gloomy but the truth is what it is.
The young San group is still rocking along and too bad the
internet connection here is too weak to upload anything
substantial. If I do get a decent connection one day I will upload
a clip of the group.
They are practicing for next week's trip Botswana to perform
at a huge regional cultural festival. For these kids it ought to
be something to remember. Almost all of them haven't even
been to a big city yet so, this should be a real life experience
for them. It is a great thing and I am sure they will show the
people what they can do.
The older San cultural group is going up to the capital (Windhoek)
to perform in front the presidents of this region of Africa. I am
not sure how many presidents are going to be there but a bunch
is my best guess. It is a tremendous opportunity to show the
San (Khwe) culture. Hopefully they do their people proud.
Well, that's it for this week. Gotta go as I can hear the young
San group warming up. They practice about 100 meters from
where I live so it is just a hop, skip and a jump to see some
great cultural dances.
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