A Symphony of Smiles

Today we went to Symphony Primary School in Belhar. When we arrived we were greeted by some of the upperclassmen who were prefects. We then were welcomed by the principal of the school who gave us a wonderful talk about the purpose of the school and their school motto,”We strive to achieve excellence.” Walking into the courtyard, the children, aged 6-14, sat waiting in their blue uniforms. After a brief welcome by Carmen’s friend and school teacher Lameez (whom Carmen previously hosted during Lameez’ previous trip to Boston), we were serenaded by the Symphony Primary School Choir and Junior Choir. Then it was our turn to perform. With the sun beating in our eyes we went through our repertoire, including Woke Up This Morning With My Mind (Set On Freedom), World Rhythm Ensemble and the Jamaican Folk Song Medley. After the performance we had the real treat, we were able to play outside and interact with the kids, after having a lovely snack and seeing some cards that had been made by the children.

(Caroline) : I met a girl named Chanel who showed me around the school grounds and introduced me to her friends. She is in grade 5 and is 11 years old. She asked me about Boston and told me she wanted to become a nurse. She said she was motivated to work hard and help people from all around. The children of South Africa have such a special joy. They come up to you and hug you, smile and wave, and hold your hand. They are full of fun and laughter and friendly banter/play. Towards the end of our time Evie and I were in a clump of children surrounding us holding out their arms for us to sign our name.

(Evie) : The prefects led me to a room filled with 6 and 7 years olds in the middle of learning how to write by tracing letters in sentences in a large blue book. Many kids continued to delicately trace the letters while others got excited by the site of new people and got distracted from their work of the day. As I sat down at a table to meet some of the children, they all scattered around for their bags to bring out different drawings they were proud of and wanted to show off. One little boy drew his whole family and pointed out each person to me; one boy showed me a little journal he made filled with images and words of God. When it was time to leave the classroom and head out for recess, the kids wouldn’t leave until they had given each of us a hug. One girl grabbed a hold of my hand and led me to the courtyard to meet her friends and all of the rest of the children, where I was greeted with such joy.

Today we also went on a hike at the Silvermine Nature Reserve, a trail along the mountains just a few miles away from our retreat center. As we arrived we saw various signs about the baboons living on the reserve and how it was important for us to give them space and not give them food. While we didn’t see any baboons on the hike, it was nice knowing they were there. The hike was a 45 minute walk up the side of a mountain to “Elephants Eye.” At Elephants Eye, we were able to see a full view of the ocean, Cape Town, and Table Mountain range. The hike was truly breathtaking and left everyone feeling peaceful, awed, and ready for a nap.

Caroline & Evie

Quote of the Day:

"You coming here shows the learners [students] that we are all just people, part of one race, the human race… and that we are not as different as we seem” Symphony Primary School.

Singer of the Day:

Henry, thank you for your animated performance yesterday at the Symphony Primary School, it was great to see you smile.