L is for Langa

Yesterday we went on a tour through the township of Langa, our tour guide was a man called Chippa, who firstly took us to the community centre. As we were walking around we got shown how the locals from the township made pottery, mugs and bowls and home made housing items; all decorated the designs of the 'Big Five'.

After we left the community centre we went through the township and saw all the different housings around the area such as well built foundations and man made housing but during this tour we went to the local Museum and one local man told us about the history of the township and it's old perks.

As we were having our tour of the township we got lead about the area made up of shipping containers that were 4x4 and split in half and six people live in one half and live with bare essentials of life. This was hard hitting for pupils who are used to living in a two bedroom house, it showed us how little we had to complain about.

When we going through all the housing areas we saw local women gutting chicken, which didn't bode well for the vegetarians in the group! And made a living out of selling chickens and also sheep heads.

We were also able to visit the townships 'local pub' where the men (with the exception of a few women)  enjoyed their homemade beer which they kindly allowed us all to try too. Most of the group tried it and everyone who did really enjoyed it! Apart from the colour which Miss Roslender described as looking like dirty dish water, it tasted like 'bud  light ' - matt Johnston.

In conclusion when we were walking about the township all the kids wondering about all happy like nothing going on going from day to day. They seemed to be so happy to see us and wanted to hold our hands, touch our hair and hug us! We showed them love and they showed us some traditional African dancing using wellie boots and hard hats! We were then put on the spot to reciprocate and we showed off the hokey cokey and head, shoulders, knees and toes!  We were all amazed that we were able to choreograph a dance (in under 10 seconds)...

Sad to the fact we couldn't take the kids home, we left, sobbing due to the new found friends we will never see again.  Despite the fact the children had very little, to see their faces light up: their happiness and acceptance overwhelmed us.

All of us left with a new found outlook on life.

Matt,Makayla,Nik