Chris Stevendale

Well sadly, all good things have to come to an end.  What an amazing experience I have had.  The 9 schools that we visited were all very different, each with its own needs - I will never complain about a lack of resources again.  The staff and children were all so welcoming and seemed to enjoy our [...]

Well, we did it!  The day dawned bright and sunny with no clouds in the sky.  We were at the cableway very early but when we got to the top, it was amazing how many people had beaten us to it.  Each cablecar holds up to 55 people and rotates as it climbs - quite [...]

What a day!  The scenery was out of this world. Mountains, fertile land, beautiful houses - must I go on? We visited 2 schools that were miles from anywhere.  One was in the middle of a wine estate where they had up to 60 pupils in a class - can you believe how that must [...]

Very, very hot this morning.  We went inland a little to visit 2 schools near to Paarl.  The first was incredibly poor with the housing and surrounds unbelievable.  The school itself was totally different though and we had a brilliant time.  The kids sang a song for me which I have recorded.  The next school [...]

Yet another very busy day today.  We visited 2 primary schools in Langa Township.  Both had little with regard to resources, though one had a computer suite.  Classes are huge with 40+ ‘learners’ - even in the computing class.  We had the opportunity to interact much more with the learners and it was wonderful to [...]

The first school today was in Rondebosch.  Wonderful setting and a delightful school.  I will have to get used to children saying, “Good day Maam”!  Some very forward thinking by the HT, but a very priviledged school.  Next was a school for 16 and over, specialising in Maths, Science and Tech. in Constantia.  An ex [...]

Today was the start of official business.  We first visited education officials who run business for the eastern district of the Western Cape.  We then visited a High School in the area.  I was most impressed with the excellent manners and behaviour of the pupils and that some classes had 40 pupils.  Funding is paid by [...]

Today we had a wonderful trip around the Cape Peninsula.  Lots of wildlife – baboons, lizards, ostrich, jackass penguins etc.  In particular, the penguins were great to see.  Very small compared to the other breeds of penguin.  I managed to get very close to one particular one, I think he was quite suprised! 

The Cape of [...]

Arrived rather tired yesterday.  Managed to do a city tour in the afternoon.  Beautiful views of V and A Waterfront. Will post later.  Rest of the group are great - a good mix.  More later.