Reflections of TWB South Africa 2005

Jim Metz, Kapi'olani Community College

My third trip to South Africa with Teachers Without Borders proved to be just as interesting, exciting, inspiring and rewarding as my previous journeys. I still cried when I had to leave.

I was naturally pleased to see such an array of old friends who have so ardently supported the project since the beginning. These include our matriarch, Yunus's mother, who treats us as if we are her children; his brother Gora and his family who opened their home to us, and who taxied us around the country and entertained us; the good Dr. Razvi and his delightful family; the effervescent and optimistic Yunus Chamda; and the indomitable Pauline Duncan. One would be fortunate to know any one of these people in a lifetime, but we had the privilege of the entire crew!

Once again, Yunus Peer assembled an outstanding team of educators from Hawaii to conduct the workshops for learners and teachers. Working with such talented and dedicated professions was truly gratifying. Returning Captain Mike and rock star Melissa formed the other two-thirds of our math triad, while Ralph, Debi and veteran Erin took care of the science. Much of our success is a function of teamwork, and of course excellent organization and preparation by Yunus and his counterparts in South Africa. So much work had been done prior to our arrival that we were free to teach unencumbered by the myriad of details that could have interrupted our work. At the start of every workshop after initial brief introductions, Yunus would dismiss us with the mandate, "We have much work to do, so let's begin." It was so refreshing to be able to walk into a classroom full of eager teachers or learners and start doing mathematics.

Once again the participants were enthusiastic and hungry to learn. They helped each other, presented their solutions, argued with each other, explained their logic and laughed often. Within a few minutes, they realized that they were the focus of the workshop and we were there to let the learning happen. There were no spectators. This year we enjoyed spending a spirited three full days with the learners in Port Shepstone. I think we all felt that most of our learners took away information that would enable them to do better, some would be able to pass the Matric Exam when they otherwise would not have, some simply learned more that they knew before, and certainly almost all had more confidence and optimism about what they could achieve. By the end of each day everyone was exhausted but still smiling.

The Umtata Experience (the uppercase is intentional) was again extraordinary. We were warmly greeted upon our arrival at sunset, with welcoming signs everywhere, and the frequent question that we heard often during our week there, "What do you need that we can do for you?" The emotions certainly surfaced at the closing ceremonies as the teachers sang so sincerely, "Take off your coat and stay awhile!" We were so deeply touched.

One of the highlights of the final week was an after-class road trip to the childhood home of Nelson Mandela. Along the way I had just remarked, "It doesn't get more rural than this, does it?" when we rounded a corner and I had to correct myself with, "Well, it just got more rural!" I was amazed that entire communities appeared out of nowhere after miles along a desolate dirt road through the hillside. The feeling of standing on the spot where Madiba was born was indescribable. I was also glad that other South African teachers were able to experience the feeling with us. They were visibly moved. Enduring the rough road was certainly worth it. Sometimes it is the destination, not the journey.

Perhaps most amazing is how close one can feel to others in such a short time together, and how the depth of feeling is measured by the sadness of our parting. There is rarely a day now that I don't at some time have an image from South Africa

I can imagine no experience one can have in the teaching profession that is as real, as intense and as gratifying as that we all experienced with Teachers Without Borders South Africa. May goodness prevail upon those good people who have endured so much and taught us so much. I have been profoundly touched by those whose lives we touched ever so briefly, and I can assure you that part of my heart will always remain in South Africa.