Today we visited the Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) Institute. The Bafokeng tribe is the richest tribe in South Africa because 75% of the world’s platinum is mined from their mines. Their reluctant king, Kgosi (king) Leruo Molotlegi , took reign only five short years ago after both his father and his older brother died. Kgosi Leruo never intended on becoming king, in fact he studied to become an architect and live as an ordinary citizen. Kgosi Leruo invests the wealth of his nation into his passion, education. He established the RBN Institute to create a child-centered community of creative, independent thinkers and problem solvers (taken from their 2020 Vision statement). The RBN Institute focuses the curriculum on mathematics for grades K – 12. During apartheid, math was not taught to the black students, so it is critical to bring the next generation of students up to speed. Ironically enough, one of the biggest stumbling blocks is not the children (the classes are packed beyond capacity), but the teachers. Finding teachers that speak one of the 11 official languages here is challenging enough, but also finding among them those whose math and language skills are commensurate with the higher grade levels have proven to be difficult. With the help of unsung heroes like Dave Ryan, the Chief Director of Mathematics, the Royal Bafokeng Nation is molding the next generation of the world’s greatest minds. BTW…Ladies the Kgosi is single.
Our next stop was the Tapologa HIV/AIDS hospice. Tapologa has nine clinics around South Africa where they administer home care services, anti-retroviral treatments, in-patient hospice services and orphaned and vulnerable children assistance. Additionally, they offer psychological counseling and spiritual health. During the visit we also learned all about the construction and maintenance of the mud brick buildings that make up their main campus and the various sources of funding they receive. Back in 2003, they started with just 200 patients. Now their staff performs 6000 home care patient visits per month, administers 1350 anti-retroviral treatments and currently house 16 patients in hospice. The heartbreaking moment of today… the little boy (maybe 3-4 years old) who was abandoned at a taxi stand, taking a break from picking his flowers to shyly wave hello. This was a tough visit. It took all my energy to stop the tears from flowing.
The final stop of the day, Sun City. The Palace of the Lost City was incredible and the views from the King’s Tower were breathtaking. 9 star resort hotel. Enough said.
The contrast between our last two stops made for interesting conversation over lots of wine.
P.S. Yes I’ve taken lots of pictures, will post them…eventually.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Karen – what an amazing trip, I’ve learned so much through your eyes and those of your fellow travelers. I love the wines of South Africa, but I have a new appreciation for them! Christine misses you, but we are both thrilled for you!
May 21st, 2009 at 11:16 am
Hello Karen – what a wonderful story you tell. I believe that I am there and going throught your experiences in South Africa. Thank you so much for the details, I can actually see and feel things thru your eyes!!!! I pray that you are having a wonderful trip and I can’t wait to see you when you get back. Don’t forget the pictures!
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:19 am
I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
June 10th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Yes you may
October 29th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Hello,
)
i’m pretty confused, but is this a good place to say “Hi”?
(I’m new here
cheers,
______________
roagree
mail order soma
http://board.muse.mu/member.php?u=127208