The Beacon School, NYC
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South Africa Trip 2006 Log

April 2006

Dear Parents and Friends of the Beacon South Africa Delegation, 2006,

In many ways, our return to JFK in February was not the end of our trip,
but the beginning. We came back with memories, photographs, stories and a sense of
commitment to the places we had been and the people we had met.

On Thursday, April 27, 2006, South Africa Freedom Day, we want to share
that journey with you. From 6-9 PM in the Beacon drama studio, we will serve dinner, preview a
film of our trip, display photographs, and hold an auction for various
prizes.

Admission for this event is $25.00 for adults, and $10.00 for
students. Proceeds from this event will go to Ubuntu, an organization in
Port Elizabeth, SA that builds self-sustaining communities through
wellness programs, AIDS education, and computer training.

Please share this invitation with friends and family who would be
interested in learning more about the struggles and progress of an
inspirational and vibrant nation.

And if you have items that we could use for the auction, please contact
Mary Whittemore at mwhittem@beaconschool.org.

 

Sunday, February 26th, 2006

We write this on our last full day in South Africa. Many of our students wanted to check in with you all directly, and we will send more news later this evening. We're looking forward to seeing you in just a couple more days.

From Ali Oppenheim
Have had a great time on this trip, and have learned a lot. Was very surprised about how friendly everyone has been, and enjoyed talking to local students. Can't wait to go home and show all of the pictures I've taken so that you can see some of what I've seen, because just telling you in this wouldn't do justice to my experience. Miss you lots. Please remember to forward this to Mom.

From Kevin Ballie
This is the first trip where I have not felt like a tourist. Out of all the countries that I have ever visited, I feel like I never actually got to know the country. In South Africa, we were lucky enough to really get to know the cultures, people and issues in South Africa. I have never had a comparable experience and this certainly has changed my life. Nevertheless, I look forward to coming home.

From Antonella Lentini
All I have is this image of us sitting outside with the locals at Port Elizabeth, the kids dancing and the drums beating. This has been an amazing trip and experience, seeing what we have learned has been for the most part touching to us all. We have had great opportunities to speak with inspiring people. It definitely is a trip I will never forget and will carry with me. As one of our guides, VUYO said, "We've got more stories to tell."

From Karla Chin
Hi everyone, how are you all doing? I still can~Rt believe that I am in whole different country that is not one of the islands. I miss everyone and I am enjoying myself a lot. I hope Kaylan is behaving himself and I will see you all soon. I have many stories to tell and I can~Rt wait to tell them. Later.

From Dantel Ruiz
Hello everyone back home! This has been an amazing experience all together. Getting to see first hand the horrible conditions that we read about in books brought to light all that South Africa has been through, and all that they have to go through to bring the standard of living up for all of its citizens. This trip has really awoken me to what I can do to make both their lives better and to make the life of people in the US better. Can't wait to see everyone on Tuesday. Bye

From Shafiqah Faust
Hello, hey, hi, how have you all been doing? Well, I am not as homesick as your think I am; I am actually enjoying myself. And I hope you are ready for me to come home because I have a ton of clothes to wash, plenty of stories to tell and lots of pictures to show. Mommy it would be great if you could meet me at the airport or even at school because I need a change of clothes. Love you always, and I can't wait to see you, actually I can. Love you to pieces and I will try to call you before we leave.

From Geoff Hunt
Just a few words about the last week or so before the students continue. Over the last few days I've seen intellectual certitude about unimaginably complex developmental questions; I~Rve seen indescribably happy children in the midst of what I'd have otherwise assumed to be crushing poverty; I've seen the beautiful web of a golden orb spider which just looked icky. Like most societies, SA is a bundle of contradictions, most of which will take ages for me to sort out. I've been sweaty, thirsty, hungry, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I look forward to telling you all more when I return. Peace.

From Madeleine Ostwald
Hi Mommy, Daddy, Joe, Olivia, Sibu, and everyone! Words cannot begin to describe how amazing of an experience this trip has been for me thus far. We have seen so many amazing places and met many wonderful people, I know it will be hard to leave. I will have many stories to tell and pictures to show when we get back in two days, and I miss you and love you all very much.

From Jessica Chin
Hello Ma, Dad, and everyone back home in NYC. I~Rm having a fantastic time here in South Africa. I have seen and experienced things that have definitely changed my outlook on life and as well as myself. As we explored different townships and met an array of people, it has broadened my perspective on South Africa that words can never do. I love it here and I wish to return in the future. And don't worry, Ma, I'm eating great!!! Viva South Africa and I'll see ya'll soon!

From Samantha Herr
Hey Mom, Dad, Adam (and probably Gaga). Well I don~Rt have much to say because I spoke to you all a few days ago, but I will say that Port Elizabeth was really amazing. When we visited the school I was blown away by the kids and just the whole community, Port Elizabeth and the rest of the places we visited. I can~Rt wait to come home and start an Ubuntu club in school and enlighten the rest of New York. I also can~Rt wait to come back to South Africa this summer, hopefully it'll be more then just visiting family, and I can backtrack some of the places I went during this trip and experience and help more. I'm really tired and looking forward to my bed and bath, but will miss it here. All the times I've been to South Africa, I've never seen or experienced the things I've learnt here. The people I've met are amazing and now I'm being screamed at for writing too much, so I'm out! Love you all.

From Natalie Wengroff
Hey shell shell, dad and Melissa. Hopefully you guys are doing well in the city. The weather is so nice here except it rains wherever we go. The best way to describe this trip is an experience, both emotional and intellectual. We definitely did not do the touristy things except for the safari. Well I have to make this quick so, I will see you tomorrow. Get excited for the fun stories. Love ya tons.

From Francis
Hey mommy, hope your having fun in Trinidad. Guess what the bag broke. I bought a new one. Miss you Nadine.

From Nathalie Almanzar A.K.A PLATANO
Hola sion mami, sion papi, hi batata, and michelly belly. Come estan todos? Espero que todo esten bien tengo cuentos que contarle a todos por que. Anyways espero que todo por aya este bien y espero verlo pronto. Hey mami tengo 2 semanas que no como me guardan un chin de abichuela con arroz ensalda un banquete. Hahaha. Los quiero mucho besos a todos y los extrano bastante. muahzz

From Tanya Singer
Hey mom, dad, Seth and everyone else. This is the best time I have had in a long time. It has included both educational experiences as well as some laughs. I FEEL MUCH BETTER!!! So don't worry. I hope you are all ready for amazing stories that I have to tell as well as some goodies to give out. Much love and see u in 2 days.


Friday, February 24th, 2006

News From South Africa Part 4:

Last we checked in, our group had just arrived at the Ubuntu offices in Port Elizabeth where we got a rousing and inspirational overview from Jake Lief, the co-president of the organization. Jake told us about the mission of Ubuntu (ubuntu-- an African word that means 'to judge yourself by how you treat other people) which is to help set up sustainable structures so that areas that have been impoverished from years of apartheid can become self-sustaining and not dependent on hunge NGO's and charity. Jake sees Ubuntu as an organization that allows people to invest in the welfare of a community. As he says, "The success of the South African democracy is incredibly impotant to Africa as a whole."

From there, we splashed around by the Indian Ocean. An impromptu football game made most of us sandy and wet and ready for dinner at a local fast food place. We returned to our B&B in New Brighton Township to get ready for two days of hiking.

Like last year, we ventured into the Groendal reserve for two nights. (South Africa '05 -- if you are reading this -- you will be pleased to know that the medium hike from last year was officially upgraded to the DIFFICULT hike this year!!). We all camped together after taking a swin in a beautiful swimming hole. We ate by a campfire and waited for the most amazing display of stars any of us had ever seen. In the morning, we separated into two groups and went on our respective hikes. A few people battled weak stomachs and fatigues, but we all prevailed.

Later, we drove to the Kragga Kamma game park where we saw cheetahs, rhinos, and a personal favorite-- the wart hog (aka -- Poomba from the Lion King)

Finally, we are in Jo'burg. We have already toured Soweto, had an exchange with students in the area, and talked with Mandla Mabuza, a major policy coordinator with the ANC. At lunch, students carried out various role plays where they had to demonstrate various interactions common in their culture. Judy Connor from the TALK project talked to us about what we see in the body language, gestures, and tone etc. that are hallmarks of the culture.

Just now, we were treated to a two and a half hour conversation with Mandla Mabuza about the policies and future of the ANC. Tomorrow, he will guide us through the Apartheid museum before we head to the Market Theater for a play about what it means to be a man in South Africa.

We miss you-- everyone is doing well. Spirits are still strong. See you Tuesday am.

- The South Africa Group


Monday, February 20th, 2006

News From South Africa Part 3:

We are now in Port Elizabeth. We left Cape Town yesterday morning in somewhat of a panic having woken up to a power shortage affecting the entire city. With much trouble-shooting, we were able to bundle into a van and do three roundtrips to the airport. It was cramped to say the very least.

On arrival in Port Elizabeth, we were met by the wonderful UBUNTU organisation, headed by Jake Lief. We are staying at a fabulous Bed and Breakfast on the very edge of the New Brighton township. We were nervous about heading into another township and it was made all the more easier with our wonderful guides, made up of Ubunto workers, staff and children from the nearby Vusisizwe Trust School. As before, we were moved by what we saw in this township--the shacks and lack of adequate shelter. In the middle of all this, we were faced with an incredible new structure--the Red Location Museum, a memorial and depiction of the apartheid story. It is yet to be opened and so we were lucky to have a brief tour.

On return to our B and B, we were treated to a fabulous show of song and dance. Several of our students joined in--Jake, Kofi, Tanya, Natalie W, even Geoff Hunt showed us what he could do! It was great fun and certainly a much needed pick-me-up.

Today we have been at the Vusisizwe Trust School, greeted by hundreds of smiles and hugs. The kids there were incredibly friendly and so eager to speak with us all. OUr Beacon kids lit up and had, I think, a tremendous time. They swapped several gifts as well as addresses and phone numbers. We all felt very lucky to have spent time there today.

We are now at the Ubuntu offices where we are hearing more of what this organisation does to help young people. Tomorrow we head off to the wilderness where we will camp out for two nights! Please do not expect any emails from us for the next couple of days.

We are all safe and well, and everyone sends much love from here in Port Elizabeth. We have so many photos and stories to tell you all when we get back.

More news soon!


Saturday, February 18th, 2006

News from South Africa Part 2:

We are still in Cape Town and still just a few streets away from this funny little internet cafe. We are off to Port Elizabeth in the morning so who knows when whe'll be able to send more news.

Today has been a moving and somewhat emotionally draining day. We started with a return to Langa township only this time we delved further into the town, and further into the reality of life there. Within just a few steps, we found ourselves in shanty towns that we'd probably only read about. It was shocking and moving--we were all at a loss for words. Even now it seems impossible to articulate the time we had there.

Again, we attracted the interest of all the local children who are now very accustomed to these kinds of township tours. Langa appears to have a great system set up for visitors and we were certainly very welcomed with smiles and waves. The kids chased us and our cameras, completely beside themselves to find their picture on the digital camera. We were all a bundle of emotions by the end of the trip, shocked by the depths of poverty in front of us, but also heartened by the genuine smiles and waves we received. As one person pointed out, money does not necessarily make us happy in the U.S so why should we assume that poverty makes for unhappy people?

We left the township of Langa for another one close by--Gungulethu. Here we visited the Amy Biehl Memoral - a small headstone marking the spot where this young American student was murdered by local youths in the early 90s. Standing by the side of the road, we listened to how the town had been shocked by this murder and how theAmy Biehl's parents visit the town each year in order to donate money to the community. Yet again, we listened to such a remarkable story of forgiveness.

Further along the road, we learnt about yet more murders--those of 7 men now known as the Gungulethu Seven. In 1986, these men were murdered in the street, right where we stood, and planted with weapons by the local police who had shot them. It was a horrific story and again, there was something eerie and strange about standing in that very spot.

So it has been a heavy day! We were all anxious to have some more upbeat time, and we indeed found that at the beach! Having been treated to the best of weather for the past 2 days, we found ourselves in a hazy sea mist. However, this did not deter many of our hearty Beacon souls as they raced for the water. The more creative among us opted for the sand castle to beat all sand castles.
Shafiqua, Maddie, Kevin ring-led the creative process and engaged nearly all the group in a determined effort to beat the tide.

I write this now, in what has become our local internet cafe, while the troops are back at the ranch making dinner. It feels as though we have been here for ages. People told us that this would be the trip of a lifetime, a life change, and I certainly see signs of that in all of us. All this and we still have 10 more days to go...

Peace,

The South Africa Group


Friday, February 17th, 2006


From: South Africa Group

Dear Friends And Family:

We write to you at the end of our first full day in Cape Town. After a long but uneventful journey, we arrived in Observatory, Cape Town late last night.

Today, our first full day here, kicked off with an incredible trip to Robben Island, the prison where Mandela was held. We were given our tour by two ex-political prisoners who were once imprisoned there. Needless to say, it was an intense and provoking time. We saw the cells in which these men, including Mandela, were held, and were completely swept away with the stories of these ex-prisoners. One in particular, would look at us all and repeat, "Do not look so sad. We are free now." I think that was something that we will remember for a long time to come.

Later in the afternoon, we travelled into a local township where we played with many small children from a local youth center--run by LoveLife.com. With photo opportunities galore, all of our students completely fell in love with the bright and cheerful faces of these young kids. They chased after our taxi-vans when we left, some a little too closely at times, but we left them with waves and smiles.

This afternoon we were also treated to a talk and discussion with a worker from Lovelife.com who gave us an explanation of the work that LoveLife does to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS in South Africa. While we were already aware of some of the statistics is was still horrifying to hear them out loud. Nevertheless, we were heartened to hear about the amazing work that Love Life does, and the strategies they adopt to help young people make better, wiser choices for themselves. I think we were all filled with a mixture of shock and heart.

So we are here, and we are all doing well. We are struggling to find phonecards and touch base with you all at home, so for the meantime, please keep checking your emails and the Beacon website. We are not sure of the frequency in which we can find internet cafes, but we will try our best.

Peace,

The South Africa Group