My B2B journey has been the most surreal and amazing adventure that I have been lucky enough to experience and truly appreciate. Words alone could not do justice to how much this has taught me about the world and myself.
I’ve been in africa for 15 days now and left the township 2 days ago. Leaving the township was truly devastating as my journey there did not seem like enough time. I developed such good relationships with kids from all different age groups. I have learnt so much from them; not only about Africa but about myself as an individual.
One of my most important highlights from my time in Blanco would be the relationship that I built with Hano and Mietie. They are both the most amazing kids that I have been fortunate enough to have as part of my journey . These two made me feel like I could really take off my mask in Africa and be the person that I really am. Before I left I was worried that I wouldn’t know how to act with the children, that I wouldn’t have a good relationship with them because I’m not a very affectionate person and don’t usually let people in. But I believe that I was meant to meet these two kids because that is exactly what they helped me to do. They taught me that I can love and give love and more importantly that I am loved. For their age and circumstances they are extremely happy, determined and smart and we’re able to teach me so much about Africa and there way of living. This has encouraged me so much because even though they haven’t got a lot they are still the most loving,caring and happy children. I will forever cherish the memories that I have with these two amazing and perfect kids because they have left an imprint on my heart and have give me a new lookout for my future.
As much as leaving Blanco was devastating it was also very motivating for me. This is because Hano, Miete and the other amazing individuals I have met gave me the courage to continue to be how I was in Blanco for when I go back home, to continue to open up, be myself and care for others.
“ You cannot do a kindness to soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
I will never forget our final day in Blanco. This is because on the last day the township was filled with tears, smiles and laughter of not only the children but the adults who Rcity has made a positive impact and change within their lives. It really showed me the importance of this program and how lucky I am to be a participant within it. This program gave me the opportunity to make changes to people's lives and to learn the value of small acts of kindness whether it be by providing them with the things they need and cannot have or showing them hope and love which they are unable to get on a daily basis.
These last few days of my trip have been spent in Cape Town. It has been thought-provoking to take time within my team to wind down and reflect on all the things that we have experienced and learnt. We have been able to explore Cape Town and learn more about its history and the way people live here in comparison to Blanco. This has brought home to me the gulf between the living standards of those in the Townships, and others who live only a couple hours away; this has been extremely hard to come to terms with. I’m proud to try to understand it and do what I can to help. I have enjoyed every moment of this experience and will cherish it forever.
“ Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”