For those who may not know I am currently in Cape Town, South Africa on a volunteer mission for the next six weeks. I am working in the Capricorn Township just outside of Muizenberg. The township is considered a "shack" town where the houses are made out of pallets, metal scrap, and pretty much whatever can be salvaged. The township is full of waste with many of the people in the community having no desire to clean the streets up. It is very common to throw things on the ground or street. There is garbage everywhere you look. In this particular township there are approximately 30,000 tenants. Some have electricity and water, but not all of them do. Many stray dogs roam the streets and many of the shacks also are comprised of gang members. The township is not a safe place to be alone. We must always be with at least one other person so that we can look out for each other.
In my first week volunteering I have been able to work in two projects. The first is the original project I signed up for which is an Arts Project. I am working three days a week at a Primary School with children ages 5 to 13. I get to spend a portion of each day doing art projects with each of the classes; and I love it. The children are very active and have such a need for some type of attention and/or affection. The second project I have had the opportunity to do is orphan care at another center about two blocks away and it has also been SO wonderful. For those who know me, they know how much I love children. This orphanage has about 220 children ages 2 to 5. It has only been one week and I have already grown quite attached to many of them. I wish I could take them home with me!!
One of the great things I have learned about these children is that they LOVE having their photo taken. As a photographer that has been so wonderful. These children often do not get a lot of love and affection and they are so greatful for so much as a hug or even just looking at the photo I have taken of them. They are so greatful for even the smallest amount of attention you can give to them that I sometimes am overwhelmed with emotion that they have so little.
I have also been able to visit some of the sights in South Africa and I am learning how beautiful this country is!! Sorry for such a long post, but I hope you enjoy some of these photos! ~es
These are great pictures, Erica. Some of them resemble works from Time Magazine. That makes you somewhat of a photo journalist. When I look at these pictures, I can't help imagine you holding a camera on the other side. Will I see your reflections in these children's eyes?
ReplyDelete