Here are some pictures of the children I work with at Baphumalele! The time I spend with them each week is just such a meaningful part of the trip, and I already can tell I will be devastated to leave them.
After a game of animal bingo the students are practicing writing the names of the animals.
Thembi (left) and Sishle (right) are very serious.
Mosie working hard. She is one of the brightest students.
Nxo Nxo! He is missing his two front teeth and I love him. His name is pronounced with a Xhosa click on the "x" - ask me to say it for you!
Mandoza is a sweetheart and always does a great job with a big smile on his face.
We have a nice space to work at...right now we are in one of the cluster home's kitchens.
Sipho is the one I want to take home with me. He was feeling sad today because he wasn't going to earn his behavior prize, and so he refused to look at the camera. But I love him to death and always have long cuddle/tickle sessions with him before the study group begins.
Me and Nxo Nxo
Fololo being silly and making me help her eat her after school snack
Unelana is a sweetheart
Fololo (right) and Sishle (left)
As I mentioned, we are given a cluster home where we can work. Cluster homes are mini orphanage houses that simulate family living with a permanent care giver and about 10 to 12 kids living together. They eat their meals together and share a small living room and bathroom. The teenage kids live in dorm style living, and the very small kids all live together in a nursery. The cluster homes tend to be reserved for kids from ages 6 to 10.
There are nine students that I work with in my group, and they are mostly 7 and 8 years old. We work on homework, practice English, do arts and crafts, and play games. I definitely miss working at Weemes (my elementary school in Los Angeles), but the time I spend with these kids each week has been really special and rewarding.
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