South Africa WCS Projects Tour, Part 2

A happy bunch of Canadian travelers continue their South African trek, headed east from Capetown to Port Elizabeth.  The scenery is breathtaking, intermingled with rural communities and informal settlements, we call shantytowns. We enjoyed Nysna, situated on a beautiful inlet from the Indian Ocean.  Our hotel had a water view and many interesting things to see within walking distance along the waterfront.

Everyone enjoyed a delightful boat cruise across the bay to Featherbed, a nature reserve located in the mountain range.  After going up the mountain in a tram, participants enjoyed a leisurely walk back down through the bush and along the cliffs.  The pictures  share that beautiful scenery.

Next was a visit to 'Monkeyland', where many animals are received for rehabilitation back into the wild.  We were told that several had previously been in the entertainment and organ grinder industries because they are easily trained.  Monkeyland attempts to replicate their natural environment, while providing protection for the animals. Next was  an Ostrich park providing education on these birds including members having the chance to ride and enjoying Ostrich racing.

We arrived in Port Elizabeth and then flew to Durban where Rotarians greeted us warmly.  Once again each room had a beautiful ocean and beach view.  Durban activities were limited due to safety concerns in this crime ridden city, but local Rotarians took great care of us with visits to some of our Rotary projects.  They also invited our members to their homes for an enjoyable dinner and hospitality evening.   

An exciting experience was the opening ceremonies at a CDCC (Community Development Care Centre) project.  District 7080 was instrumental in helping with formation of this centre which is one of 18 projects overall that we have worked on.  As we drove into the countryside we saw thatch and tin roofed shacks.  Anticipation grew as we drawing closer to witness this long-awaited event and saw a throng of colourfully dressed residents waiting patiently to greet us.  It was apparent the community had worked hard to prepare for our visit, which was an important day for them.  They were excited to host us at their new facility and show their appreciation to the Rotarians who had contributed to their future well being.

After warm greetings by community leaders and residents, everyone was drawn to the children's centre.  They too, were excited because they knew special guests were coming.  Special clothes had been sewn for them to wear on this day.  They were so proud and so immaculately clean, as they ran to the open arms of complete strangers sharing with us the only things they had: hugs, heartwarming smiles and bubbling laughter.

This CDCC or 'Crèche' was formed to assist AIDS orphans or single parent children.  Funding for construction was covered by income from an innovative project called 'Soul of Africa'. In this joint venture with local Rotarians, the community ladies stitch sandals. The project employs, among others, women with HIV/AIDS and gives to them the dignity of work in a sustainable environment.

Through a sponsor, Clark's shoe company, they market the footwear and use the proceeds to help fund construction for the building(s).  Rotary then provides furniture, fixtures and other supplies through the matching grants.  The government funds the teaching staff, and another NGO, called NOAH oversees sustainability with the local resident committee.

Included at the ceremonies where local dignitaries, community members and wonderfully talented students who sang and danced for us.  A particularly exciting part of the event was when Rotary project chair Pat Draper officially handed the keys of the Crèche to the director, Beauty Memela. 
 
Overall it was a wonderful day of joy and great satisfaction for the Rotarians who had traveled around the world to witness the huge return on our Rotary Foundation investment and the enormous difference we have made in the lives of these unfortunate people.

To see pictures of these activities, go to:  http://picasaweb.google.com/DougVpics 

Submitted by Doug Vincent