SOUTH AFRICA 2009

Robin Otagaki

TWBSA veterans said that this trip would be a life changing experience. Without reservation, it was. I was moved by the obvious fact that so many in South Africa have so little, but continue to step forward with visions of unity and hope vested in their children’s future. Joyful singing and heartfelt prayers are ways that reflect their joy of life, an appreciation of what they have and an enthusiastic vision for change that will bring a brighter tomorrow.

One cannot ignore the Black peoples’ struggle to stay alive, retain their culture, and their pride as a people. Even as they recognize the painful gains of being legally equal to whites, they are aware that these are just words which are not reflected in the social, economic, and educational reality of South Africa. Their cause is placed squarely on the shoulders of the next generation to continue to move forward and gain real equality for their people. I believe this motivates Black teachers to provide a better education for African children.

Although the South African teachers I worked with were weak in science content, I wasn’t entirely successful in being able to expand on their scientific understanding because of the short time we had to work together. Instead, I offered a fresh understanding that science doesn’t always need test tubes and microscopes as much as a sense of curiosity and appreciation for nature’s revelations, and that examples of the principles of science are in the skies above their heads as well as beneath their feet. I hope I motivated them to seek an understanding of the world around them in order for them to illuminate the discovery of nature’s wonderland in their students.

Personally I was deeply moved by the people I met and those I simply observed during my travels and visits along the way. Observing small bands of trekkers walking through grasslands with loads of wash or wood on their heads, I wondered where they were coming from and where they were heading. There didn’t seem to be a reachable destination in sight. I became acutely aware that I come from a place of modern conveniences and plenty to a place where many of the Blacks do not have running water, a stove, a refrigerator, a washing machine, or even electricity. When they have electricity it is to light up one or at the most two light bulbs in their mud huts. Would I trade places with them and give up my creature comforts? No. And yet here were these people whose lives would be turned upside down if we were to trade places. Would they be happier? I’m not sure.

My journey to South Africa has ended. I’m back home amidst my creature comforts and the trip seems so far away and in the distant past. When I was there everything happened in a short time frame. I suppose that happens where there is so much to do and everything is fresh and new. I miss our team; we started off as separate pieces but blended together like the gears in a watch. I miss the time we spent together but will forever carry each one in my heart.