Week 6 - Personal - Living for the Weekend

View of seals from boat

Ready for another action packed weekend, five of us set off in our rented 1980’s citi golf towards Plettenberg Bay. Plettenberg, a small coastal town built on a hill surrounded by beach, reminded me in many ways of childhood holidays with family on the North Coast of Ireland. When we arrived at the backpackers where we were staying, we soon realised the wide range of activities on offer in Plettenberg and were determined to fit in as much action as possible!

Despite getting washed over some pretty sharp rocks, swimming with seals was definitely one of the coolest things I have ever done! After a short boat trip out to sea we were greeted by hundreds of seals splashing and swimming in the water. It is difficult to describe in words the sheer adrenaline rush as a seal brushes past you, touching you while you swim, or the feeling of exhilaration as a huge bull seal swims right below your legs.

I think everyone’s eyes lit up when they noticed the brochure for Monkeyland and Birds of Eden in the backpackers. Still buzzing from our seal swimming experience we decided to check out if the brochure really lived up to its words – it definitely did! A guided tour brought us within touching distance of hundreds of monkeys as we walked through their enclosure. Most of the monkeys had either been unwanted pets or had been born in captivity – Monkeyland was a chance for the monkeys to learn how to survive on their own again. One monkey which was particularly special was Atlas, a white gibbon. Watching Atlas swing from trees and along railings was a truly hypnotising sight! Birds of Eden gave us a chance to see some of the most colourful and beautiful creatures I have ever seen in real life. No picture can fully describe how magnificent some of these birds look as they fly around you.

Stopping off on Boat Trip

Saturday saw a group of over 40 more international students from NMMU come to experience Plettenberg, and there was no better way for everyone to do this than a boat trip up river, between some incredible mountains. A fleet of over ten boats controlled by ourselves sailed up the river, occasionally swapping passengers along the way – this being Africa, health and safety wasn’t a pressing issue. We often use the abbreviation T.A.I. – This Is Africa! Soon the time came for many to conquer their fear of heights as the opportunity to cliff jump came! I must admit that I never thought I had a fear of heights until I got to the top and thought to myself ‘what am I doing’??!! Nevertheless I jumped and I wanted to go again, which I did several times! It was nice that as a big group of international students we were able to do something together as we hadn't really had the chance until now. I was actually surprised by the amount of new people I met as I thought I had met all the international students.

On Sunday I got to do something that I have wanted to do for a long time, hold a snake. In actual fact we got the chance to hold several of them as our Snake Park guide explained to us the different types of snake and where they are found. One of the most impressive was the yellow python which was surprisingly heavy!

Our time here has being going so fast and I feel more determined than ever to fulfil my list of things to do while here. Stopping at the world’s biggest bungee jump at Bloukran’s Bridge on the way home for a quick look has made me ready for adventure again!

Living the Dream,

Glenn

Flamingo in Birds of Eden

On the Beach

The Backpackers where we were staying

Week 5 - Challenging Culture

In this week’s blog I am going to share with you some of the things I have experienced this week and discuss how South Africa has changed and transformed itself into the country it is today.

On a Sunday afternoon while waiting for pizza in a local bar with friends we got talking to an older white South African man. While the man may have had one drink too many his words were a powerful insight into a darker side of South African history. When the man asked if we were enjoying our time in Port Elizabeth we said that we were having a fantastic time. The man laughed and commented how ‘things were better years ago when we were in charge’ – referring to the apartheid era. His comments about the culturally diverse and accepting South Africa of today were not what I expected to hear.

Tuesday night is karaoke night at Captains, and that usually ends up with a bunch of international students on the stage singing ridiculously. This Tuesday night while on the wooden deck to the front of the building my friend asked an older black man for the lend of his lighter. The man immediately said no and rubbed the skin on his arm. As we turned to leave and ask someone else the man’s daughter apologised for her father’s behaviour and invited us to sit down. This was the first time I had experienced this kind of reception while here. I explained to the man that most people my age do not judge someone by the colour of their skin. The man apologised and explained that ‘it’s hard to forget the past, because it happened to us’. There was something powerful in this statement that brought home how the past can influence today.

While observing a Life Orientation class on racism I was taken back by a comment by one of the white children in the class. He commented how black people were not capable of running a country properly. After the teacher questioned his opinion, it became apparent that this was what his grandfather said, showing how a culture of racism can be passed through generations.

However I believe that these people represent a South Africa of yesterday and that the majority of today’s young South Africans represent a change in attitudes and a change in culture. Young people here, whether black, white or coloured, see neither colour nor creed as a barrier to friendship. I believe that the young people of today are able to forget the past and are able to even joke to each other about it. More powerful is the thought that the changes we make today can influence the world of tomorrow.

As a teacher it is inspiring to see how a generation can be transformed so dramatically. It is a powerful thought to think that as an educator, it is not only your responsibility to lead the change but also to create the change. I think of the boy in the Life Orientation class repeating his grandparent’s words and feel the responsibility of challenging misconceptions. It is an inspiring thought to think that my future career as a teacher can positively influence so many lives.

The transformation of this country into the ‘rainbow nation’ of today poses challenges to us all. How should we change ourselves personally, our thoughts and opinions, and how can we transform elements of our own society or our University for the better. In Stranmillis people tend to stay within their own click of friends and are inclined not to leave that bubble. Indeed I feel many tend to judge first before knowing the person. I think we are all guilty of it at times. I think it’s the little changes that have the biggest influence and I think that it’s important to question ourselves, our society and our culture. The transformation of this country is far from complete, but it can certainly be an inspiration for us all!

We finished our week with a visit to Bay World in Port Elizabeth. Along with a trip through the museum we got the chance to see penguins crocodiles and turtles which were all within touching distance - needless to say we didn't reach for the crocodile! 

Until next week,

Glenn

Week 4 - Professional - South African School

In this weeks blog I am going to reflect on my first experience in a South African school. I will be teaching a subject called Life Orientation which is similar to Learning for Life and Work at home.

Cape Recife, the school at which we have been placed is a co-educational special needs school situated fifteen minutes walk from our accommodation at Annie’s Cove. I will be teaching in the secondary department which encompasses a wide range of special educational needs, from conditions such as cerebral palsy to ADHD and visual and hearing impairments.

Front Gates of Cape Recife

During my first day of observation I noticed some significant differences between the education system here and in Northern Ireland. Initially the most obvious difference is the language of instruction, varying between English and Afrikaans. Perhaps the most striking difference is the style of teaching and the methods used to deliver lessons. There is a much greater focus on textbook based activities due to limited resources, which at times seems quite boring for the pupils, particularly those with behavioural problems and low attention spans. Limited resources and lack of technology such as computers, projectors, interactive whiteboards and the internet leaves teaching less exciting. While the lack of technology poses challenges, it also offers opportunities to think in a more creative way, using resources that are available to make lessons more exciting and stimulating for pupils.

The South African education system is pursuing inclusion in their schools; however it is significantly behind that of Northern Ireland. In my opinion there are many pupils in the school, who with the correct support would succeed in mainstream schools. I know already that the experiences I will have while teaching here are going to be greatly beneficial in my teaching career.

Reflecting on my own education and the Northern Ireland education system it is clear to me that the pupils of Northern Ireland benefit considerably with advances in technology – something that many South African students do not. I have realised how fortunate we are to have the education system that we have, despite its problems. I realise the challenge of teaching in this school in a few weeks time, dealing with not only the special needs but also adapting my teaching methods and style to solve the limited resources in the school.

Steven Mazunga School

During the week we also had to opportunity to visit a Township school here in Port Elizabeth called Steven Mazunga School. The purpose of the visit was to try and set up a volunteering programme between the school and international students through a local NMMU student called Bantu. Walking through the Township to get to the school was at times intimidating but we were welcomed warmly at the school. After meeting with the principle and the Board of Governors we hope to set up an after school ICT club.

Backpackers at Jefferey's Bay

At the weekend a group of us decided to travel to Jeffery's Bay for the weekend. We rented three cars, two from friends and one from a company. Lynsey and I were given the responsibility of driving as most of the others were not familiar with driving manual (or stick as the Americans call it). I was pretty chuffed to have my friends 2012 Golf! A combination of good friends, surfing, braaiing and our beach front backpackers made for an awesome weekend

Enjoying every moment!

Glenn

Ryan and I with our awesome car!

Personal - The Adventure Continues!

This week saw the beginning of our classes in the University, providing an interesting insight into the education system here in South Africa. Classes here tend not to run as smoothly as in Stranmillis, with many classes being either cancelled or re-scheduled at the last minute. Despite this the lectures easy to follow and speaking with our lecturers made what was required of us much clearer. It was also reassuring to know that the lecturers were as approachable as those in Stranmillis.

You don't see this at home!

Starting classes has also provided us with the opportunity to get to know some locals from our classes, all of whom are very friendly and are keen to learn about Irish culture – I have even been asked to speak in Irish (Gaeilge) several times! After speaking to a group of students in my Life Orientation class, I have gained a greater appreciation for the educational opportunities I have been blessed with. They explained to me that in South Africa, to get into third level education you must work very hard and have the financial support needed to pay fees etc. For many keen to pursue a career at third level the realities can be an impossible barrier. I believe it has almost become a cultural thing to go to University at home – an experience I feel we often take for granted!

Traditional music and dance

Valentine’s Day is a huge event here in South Africa with roses, cards and chocolates on display in every shop. In the evening a group of us were invited to the Township to share in some traditional food and dance. Despite the troubled history between black and white people here we were warmly welcomed and were made to feel at home. We truly had an experience you simply will not find on the traditional tourist trails, although I did hesitate before eating the Ox and Goat tongues. It really was an experience I will not forget for a long time to come!

Perhaps the most exciting day of the week for me personally was Sunday when Lynsey and I, along with some American friends went on a road trip to Seaview Lion Park where we got to hold four month old lion and tiger cubs. We also got very close (a little too close) to some wild animals including zebra and giraffe.

During the week we attended the Sharks vs. Kings rugby game in the Nelson Mandela Stadium which played host to many of the 2010 Fifa World Cup games – a magnificent piece of construction and a wonderful atmosphere! Despite the beauty of the stadium, it was difficult to ignore the begging children outside the stadium gates, bringing back the reality of life for some people here.

I would encourage anyone reading this blog who is considering the international experience for next year to go for it! I am sure that it is an experience that you will not regret and the chance to experience another culture and meet people from all over the world is incredible. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by!

Until next week,

Glenn