Lawrencia and Wynberg Schools

Hello! What a day! We began with what has become or will soon be a tradition for this SA group as we departed the hotel and went to our favorite gas station/convenience store to get Diet Coke. While I had said earlier that I would not divulge the names of these Diet Coke fanatics, there is now photographic proof. Be advised the Lynne is merely there to make sure the students and adults make it across the road safely.

Our day at Lawrencia was pleasant. There seems to be a core crew of people who work in the kitchen, as the adults want the students to have as much contact with the students (and, frankly, that's what the students want!), so we increase the number in the kitchen as we get to the minutes before the Lawrencia students arrive to eat, but other than that, we have a skeleton crew who does the prep work. That group is directed by Shawn (Sean?) who is a caterer who planned the meals (with kids in mind), purchased the food for us, and is taking charge of what is being served when. He is great to work with and understands what these kids need and that they have to have some fun with their meals. Today we served corn flakes and apples for breakfast and Sean (Shawn?) grilled sausages for the younger kids and chicken for the older kids. Both had a tomato-y pasta along with that and a passion fruit beverage. Once again, we raced through the washing of the dishes from the first seating to accommodate the kids who were chomping at the bit to get in for the second seating. This time, because of the addition of a beverage, we had 130 styrofoam cups to wash along with the spoons and dishes. This task was made easier by the dish towels and soap that Cricket purchased for the school.

Kids spent time in classrooms, the computer room, and the library, as yesterday, and were pleased to read to and be read to by the students. Students are learning to read in both English and Afrikaans. In speaking with Mr. Peters, I learned that although the school recognizes that it is very important for the students to read and write English fluently, in order to become literate, they need to be able to read Afrikaans, as well. To that end, we will continue to purchase books in both English and Afrikaans for the library.


After lunch, several students organized a game of Duck, Duck, G00se, because who doesn't like that game. I enjoyed witnessing the vigor with which Lawrencia students chased each other down and, when close enough to tag the other player, how they frequently resorted to the much more fun hard tackle rather than just that gentle tag.

Our photographer in residence, Mr. Wood, brought several digital cameras for the Lawrencia students to use. It was a mad house when he brought the cameras out. The kids love having their pictures taken and love to take pictures apparently. Mr. Wood will make CDs of the photos and send them back to the school.

Our Chatham Hall soccer players held a soccer clinic for the girls of Lawrencia. Many girls played in this spirited game. Mr. Wood shooed off any boy who dared set foot on the field (and there were a few) so that the girls could have this time together. the Lawrencia girls exhibited their skills from one to two o'clock, with classes ending a little bit early to accommodate the clinic. The students are all appreciative of the energy that our students put into their activities at the school. At the end of the day, students come right up and give wonderful hugs as we promise to see them again tomorrow.




As soon as we returned to the hotel (well, after some gelato) we prepared to visit the Wynberg Girls' High School, located about 30 minutes from our hotel. We drove up and out of the city, enjoying beautiful vistas and the calm of the residential areas that overlook the city. We arrived at the school at about 5:30 and were greated by very friendly students who took us on a tour (as I do not have permission to use the names of the faculty and students of the school, I will not) of the large school (mostly day, with 70 boarders from Namibia) beautifully situated near the mountains. The schools flag appears to the right.



A warm welcome from more students, the head of school, deputy head, and several faculty members began a relationship that we hope will continue. From the melodious and full sounds of the chorus that sang two selections to the marimba band (I have been assaulted by students wanted to start a marimba band at Chatham Hall) that wowed us, to the cultural quiz, language puzzle, and the gumboot dance demonstration (Chatham Hallers - remember the African dance group that visited last year did a version of this dance?) and lesson (Go, Akeila!), and a lovely dinner, we all felt at ease and among friends. The Chatham Hall group recited the Pledge of Allegiance, sang the Star-spangled Banner and the Chatham Hall Alma Mater, and answered questions from the students and faculty of Wynberg.

A few moments were taken to recognize the winners of the different contests. Akeila won for her ability at the gumboot dance. Her table tied with the faculty table (Go faculty!) on the cultural quiz. Great thanks were given to those who helped out -- and I would like to offer a special thanks to Lynne and the wonderful Wynberg teacher who organized the evening. She will be in New York this July, so if you see her, make sure to say hello.




Prior to our departure, student exchanged e-mails and had a chance to chat more before Mr. Wood led us all in singing "We are the World." No, that's not right. He organized a group photo about which teachers from both school commented that the girls all looked great together. Chatham Hall students (and faculty) would love to have a visit from these girls!










As we left the school, students were somewhat put out that we were having to leave, but we have another early wake up tomorrow (can't leave too late or we can't stop for the Diet Cokes!) and the Wynberg students probably had homework. It was with heavy heart that we left, but with Facebook and other manners of communication, I'm pretty sure that these kids know how to contact one another. So thank you, Wyneberg, for a very enjoyable evening!

Okay, time to see if I have time left in order to add photos, or if Internet time will run out (I am prepared with a new code) and if the code they gave me will actually work. If it does not, I'll be going down to the lobby in my pajamas to ask for a new code. It's okay, the staff are used to it...I did it last night! Twice!