Wednesday, July 4 – This is our second day working with R-Labs on human centered design. We went on a tour around Athlone and Bridgeton with our tour guide, Bradley. Around the neighborhood there was a lot of mixed-race people also known as “coloured.” Some members of the community find it offensive to be referred to as “coloured.” They find it offensive, because that name was given under the apartheid government. It’s kind of the same like how in America some Black people prefer to be called “African American” rather than “Black” or vice versa.
During the community walk, Bradley talked to us about the issue of gangsterism in the community. He told us there are 50 operating gangs in the townships. He was once a part of one of the most notorious gangs, the “Americans.” I was initially confused about why they would call the gang the 
“Americans.” Bradley then explained they were influenced by American culture. They wanted things that they didn’t really have, and everything they thought Americans did have. They basically thought that Americans have it easy, because we are “the land of the free.” They did not know it isn’t really like that.
After the tour we went back to R-Labs and collectively identified social issues in South Africa. We also talked about what we received from the tour. In the midst of our discussion, I realized how much we have in common. We primarily share the same struggles. The people from R-Labs were also shocked that we were similar to one another. Prior to our discussions, their assumptions about America were all positive. I am glad their assumptions are now facts and their questions were answered.
Jada S., Paul Public Charter School