TABSA Reflection 2016 – Jim Metz
I would like to begin with hearty congratulations to Yunus for putting together TABSA 2016. Despite numerous obstacles, he persevered and the project was a success. If anyone needs proof, simply listen to the four talks at the closing of the first workshop in Swaziland. In my dozen years with Yunus, this is no doubt the best collection of speeches that confirm what TABSA is all about, a testament to the success of our methods. The maths and science teams exceeded expectations. What a credit to his leadership and the work of the team. I was proud to be part of TABSA again this year.
The support staff this year earns special accolades for all they did to make things happen so seamlessly. In Port Edward I took a midnight ride with Thokozani to follow Yunus to the school so we could know the route and the travel time required. Thokozani managed to perform tasks that were seemingly impossible, and he always did so with such a joyful smile. He was simply amazing, as we have grown to expect over many years of service. I was happy to be able to spend quality time with a person who has done so much to make TABSA a success. There is only one Thokozani.
Our youngest member Grant behaved as a veteran professional. Within minutes of any request, Grant would have copies of papers or information we had requested. His work on the DVD was exceptional. He was always patient and cheerful. Of course, in return we had to always let him win at cards.
Yaseen, a nephew of Yunus’s, was simply irreplaceable. He is one of the most thoughtful and considerate human beings one will ever meet. Kindness runs in his family. He kept us all in good spirits, driving everywhere at each site to get us food or last-minute needed supplies. One day in Nelspruit he asked us what kind of coffee we would like as he was planning to make a coffee run just for us. How thoughtful! Every morning he had a 6-pack of water waiting for us. He was always asking, “How’s it going? What can I get for you?” He always commended the team. His positive attitude and friendly manner added so much to our experience.
We were fortunate to have Mikail visit us in Nelspruit. I can still picture him hauling in loads of chairs from the dining room to the conference room as the crowds swelled to biblical numbers. He did so cheerfully and efficiently. I can’t say enough about how much it meant to have him helping us. We all enjoyed his good humor, as there was never a dull moment with Mikail around.
Having Laurie with us in Swaziland was a real treat. I am certain that she was invaluable in helping Yunus through some particularly challenging times. She has a constant smile and enjoys so much of life. Her laughter is infectious. I am so glad she could spend time with us and help us through the last two rather demanding weeks.
I had some personal highlights also. I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions with the teachers and firmly believe we all had a positive impact. I am gratified that we accomplished our primary goal.
Another highlight was teaching math to the counter ladies at Debonairs Pizza on a slow Sunday afternoon. We had stopped to pick up lunch and Yunus asked me to help them in math. They learned the best deal on the 3 sizes of pizza and I showed them how to multiply on their fingers. As we were leaving, I could see them and their manager with their hands in the air doing multiplication. I enjoyed spreading the gospel of math.
At the Hippo Haven, Carl and I were walking near the riverbank and I spotted a beautiful three-foot long South African river leguaan (Varanus Niloticus). I was not afraid since I knew I could out run Carl with his bum knee. Alas, we found no hippos, but nature certainly abounds in southern Africa. Over the course of our time we were treated to all manner of wildlife including a close encounter with elephants, chimps at Jane Goodall’s Eden, two journeys through the SANBI botanical gardens (no crocodiles but splendid trees), and we enjoyed yet another hike up Sheba’s Breast.
I also enjoyed playing Frisbee in the parking lot with Mindy, the daughter of one of the hotel workers. It was her first time to throw the Frisbee and she seemed so delighted. Thanks to Veronica for making this possible by bringing the Frisbee and playing with us.
We packed much into our 5-week experience. I was fortunate to spend a few days at the end with the family of Dr. Ravi and Firdoz Ahmed, long-time friends and supporters of TABSA since inception. I was also rewarded with a visit with Yunus Chamda and his wife, who helped start the South Africa project with Yunus so many years ago. I am so fortunate to have experienced so many wonderful people over the years. Thank you, Yunus, for making all of this possible. As Frank Sinatra was fond of singing, “It was a very good year.”