Today was a good day. I was the leader today, so I was in charge of alerting everyone to today’s schedule and answering any questions they had. We first went to an African clothing store called Spook — I loved the unique clothing. Each piece of clothing had its own patterns, and I pictured a story behind each item. Such as the Dashiki I bought from there… it was very colorful, and it had many patterns. I pictured an African women wearing it to church, smiling and laughing, knowing there is still hope despite the poverty and crime in her community. I love clothes, and I always wanted a Dashiki, so I was extremely happy when I got it. I couldn’t stop looking at it.
After Spook we went to the Market Theater, and the Market Theater is a theater that focuses on social justice. We got a tour around the whole theater, learning the importance the theater holds. The importance the theater holds is in the self expression that’s shared, the art, the creativity, and the feelings and thoughts that are shared there as well. I learned that Barney Simon was the co-founder of the Market Theater.
We played improv games, and I enjoyed acting out as a “gangsta” in a creative way. I had to be interviewed by Ms. Malikkah, and we had to come up with a career as part of our improv scene. My career was a gangsta, lol. So, Ms. Malikkah (the pretend interviewer) asked me a question like “If someone payed you $10,000 to go and get revenge on someone, how would you do it?” and I responded by saying “they’ll get dealt wit.” Through it all, I enjoyed acting and making the audience laugh and smile off of a realistic issue in today’s society.
Because although it’s a serious issue, and it leaves a huge impact on many people, it’s good to bring the light of humor for a nice laugh once in a while. It’s good to know that it’s a theater that has ACTUAL history behind it. While the actors act out social issues they bring you thoughts and emotions whether they’re good or bad. I loved it!
After the Market Theater, we went to visit an organization called the Kliptown Youth Program, K.Y.P. for short. I got to know about another organization that helps out their community, similar to previous organizations we’ve visited. But, this one was different in a way — they saw that the youth in their community were lacking the skill-sets of education. Due to many reasons, such as a 30-minute to 1-hour walk to school, or not having food to eat at lunch. But, most importantly, only having one teacher teach a class of 50-60 students in one small classroom. Having the students lack the self-attention they need in order to gain that proper understanding of what is being taught to them.
It made me upset because it wasn’t fair how long it has been going on, and how it continues to go on. But, what lightened my day was when Tando, the co-founder of K.Y.P was describing the ways they help the youth in their community gain the knowledge that they deserve. The way I’m talking about is having 10 students in one room with one teacher and having that self-attention they need. They also have a computer room where they allow the youth to have learning time on the computer. Having games that teach them learning lessons on what they need to know.
They provide them with a breakfast meal before school, they pack them lunch, and they provide food for them after school. Providing 511 meals each day, when Tando told me and the rest of us that, it put a huge smile on my face. Because, not only were they learning and getting the education they need. But, they provided them homemade meals to help them get through the day. After, Tando gave us a tour of the kitchen, computer room, TV room, learning center, and the administration room.
He discussed the places that he and his administration have visited outside of South Africa. Such as, Thailand, China, France, Germany, and Washington D.C. where we’re from! It excited me to know that he was connecting with organizations that’ll help benefit them and their community.
After that discussion we got our “buddy” is what Tando called it. We met 14-17 year old boys and girls that we’ll be connecting and bonding with. Giving us the South African experience with youth around our age. My buddy was 16, she identifies as being a lesbian. I already felt a connection, just because she was a part of the LGBTQ community. When I, myself identify as a Bisexual African American young woman. I felt like I had sister from another mother and father but it was more than that. I see these 3 days with K.Y.P and with my buddy being absolutely wonderful and a great experience.
This is me, Brenet coming with my thoughts & feelings to YOU!
Brenet W., E.L. Haynes Public Charter School