Karen's week of many realizations

This past week has been quite interesting! I've been facing new challenges with my internship, and have been thinking a lot about white privilege. I notice the presence of me being white in a lot of situations. This week specifically, the teachers at my internship actually asked a little bit about how the school system in the USA is, compared to South Africa. I realized it's hard to explain because we are so fortunate to get funding from the government (not all of the USA, but fortunately I was able to receive funding growing up), therefore I was given access to more resources and opportunities than the students here. Apart from school, I grew up with a great family and plenty of positive influences in my life. My neighborhood and friends also positively impacted me. I wish every child in the world could experience the same situations that I have had. The learners (they call "students", "learners" here) have so much potential. They just need to be reminded that they are important and that they can make a difference if they stay dedicated.

Apart from the internship, I am getting excited for all of the opportunities I have on this trip. We've hiked a little bit, gone surfing, and explored a little bit more by ourselves. I am lucky to be able to afford these excursions. I've noticed that most of the time when you take a taxi or Uber and ask the driver if they've been to table mountain, their answer is no. It's sad because these people drop people off to hike or take the cable car, and they have never been there themselves. 

 

Karen walking across Rondebosch Commons with Table Mountain and Devil's Peak in background

There are many little things that i'm looking forward to. There are also many little interactions i've had with people that continually make me have faith in humanity. I've especially been trying to remember to not have pre-assumptions about people. More than anything, i've had my guard up while being in South Africa (safety wise) and almost all of  the time I don't need to be so on edge. People genuinely want to help. People know i'm not from around here, and some are curious to just talk and get to know somebody else. 

Poverty does not mean thief. Poverty does not mean lazy. Poverty does not mean dumb. Poverty does not mean dangerous, stupid, or anything of that sort. Poverty means people are victims of something tragic. I've had a new look at poverty. I've come to understand more in depth that the system needs to change. 

We're all human beings who just want love and compassion. If we treat others with worth, then they will believe it and start to make changes. With the systems help, great changes can be made.