Yesterday we just came back
from our amazing spring break to Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. It was
the perfect mix of education (interesting and thought-provoking museums and
memorials) and fun. I honestly can’t think of a week that has gone by faster in
my life!
Sharpeville was my favorite
stop in Johannesburg. It evoked not only a surplus of emotion, but
understanding and education as well. We so often learn about history and not
only is it white-washed, but we are so conditioned to feel little if any pain
when we learn about human deaths around the world whether it happened yesterday
or hundreds of years ago. Not only this, but we rarely remember these events.
Actually going to the scenes of tragedies or triumphs like these, and hearing
from victims and their families really solidify this knowledge. I loved how we
were instantly greeted by singing youth as well as by our kindhearted host who
led us through the pictures documenting the massacre, along with a descendent
of one who passed away as a result of it. We watched an informative video that
provided a well needed perspective on the thoughts of the living victims. It
touched on what they believe should be learned, its importance, and how it was
upstaged by Hector Pieterson despite the fight beginning with them. They also
portrayed the anger some still had as well as the forgiveness that others had
given their perpetrators. One of the things that stood out to me was how before
entering, our host said that America is where everything is and where everyone
wants to go. I was taken aback. Though I know of the United States’ status in
the world, especially with the number of massive flaws today, I can’t imagine
someone saying a statement like that. I spend much of my time with those that
are either unfazed by my birthplace or have more negative views towards it, so
this was a new experience for me. Walking through the memorial with the white
columns with the names and ages and the fountain that washed away the blood
that was shed was unbelievable to see and to feel. This was followed by a fifteen-minute
theatrical dance that the same singing group put on for us which was
unbelievable. They were able to portray an entire story with just a few people,
zero props, and only their voices as music. With just their bodies they were
able to emote so clearly and bring people to tears. Having been a dancer for
twelve years of my life, I have a special place in my heart for anything involving
dance and this was no different. They were looking for funds to bring their
group to perform on a different stage and I could not help but applaud them. I
have never seen youth so passionate and educated on historical matters, but I
wish for that to change. Afterwards we went to visit the graves of the
sixty-nine people who lost their life that day. Before lunch we drank a
traditional Zulu (leopards) beer from a calabash (heavy clay pot) as was
traditionally done after a visit to the cemetery to connect with one’s
ancestors. I was excited to be a part of a long standing tradition and was
eager to try. Before I left, I was able to connect and exchange contact
information with our host to keep in touch. I have never been so touched and
brought to tears by a memorial as I had here. This day will never be forgotten
just like the massacre itself.
The Hector Pieterson Museum
brought similar emotions. It was crazy to think how a twelve-year-old child
could be so politically active. I think back to my childhood and how little I
knew was going on in the world at that time. I can’t even begin to imagine
myself protesting let alone putting myself in a dangerous situation for a
worthwhile cause like he had. The courage and bravery that this child had is so
admirable. At Constitution Hill I was shocked by the living conditions and
further disgusted to find the differences in diet between the different races. This differing treatment in jails among races relates back to the
differing treatment set under apartheid. The Apartheid Museum and Freedom
Square were added reminders of what the courageous South Africans fought for
years ago and the price they paid. From visiting these historical landmarks, I
have a better understanding of what it took to achieve the level of equality
that exists today.
Another highlight was The
Boys and Girls Club we were able to visit for a day. I was amazed at the ease in
which I had conversations and built bonds with the kids here. I got the number
of one of the girls who was telling me about her upcoming Easter performance that
the club puts on every year. She talked about how hard the kids rehearsed and
said she would send a copy of the final show which I am excited to see. Everyone
I saw was so eager to talk or play which made the afternoon so fun. I heard the
kids’ aspirations, their difficult schooling, and the impact that the program
had on them. Despite the large number of kids, the kids knew everyone and were
one big family in a home away from home. When we got on the bus to leave, many
of the little kids came out and started running beside the bus waving goodbye.
I could not have asked for any more love or care from the kids or staff.
Kruger National Park was absolutely huge! One of my co-educators told me that it was 19,600 sq km and if that doesn’t already sound huge, its bigger than the entire country of Israel! We were able to see a wide variety of animals including plenty of impala and kudu, a heard of buffalo, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hyenas, lions that walked beside us, a hippo, and an elephant among others. I was able to go on an early morning drive, a sunset drive, and a late night drive which provided a good variety of sights. Being in such a secluded location without internet was so relaxing. With only three weeks left of the trip, I hope to finish it off as best I can.
No comments:
Post a Comment