We started by putting up the volleyball net and netball posts, which immediately delighted the kids. They got straight in there and started playing. We then put the final touches to the vibrant World Cup mural. Each of us, plus the schools’ art club took turns placing our yellow and red handprints on the painted tree. It was a great knowing that what had started as a tired wall with chipped grey and green paint had been transformed during the week into an eye-catching mural for the entire community to enjoy.
Our art work did not end there. Armed with face paint Natalie had brought over from Australia, we each embraced our inner child and painted as many of the kids faces we could. The kids were delighted with their painted faces which consisted of tigers, hearts and stars amongst many more random patterns! Several of us even got our own cheeks and arms covered in colourful paint! How could we resist!
Our last project to be completed was ‘pimp my soccer pitch’. We all worked hard to complete the soccer pitch as there was a derby taking place later in the day between Mahluhluvana Primary school and another local primary school. While some of the students measured and marked out the chalk lines on the pitch, we raked key sections to help flatten the pitch out.
And with that, our volunteer work with Pride ‘n Purpose was finished. Lots of laughter, sweat and happy tears were shed during our days here and it is incredible how much we were actually able to get done for the school and the Crèche.
To thank us for the work we did throughout the week, Nelson, the Assistant Principal, who had given us a warm welcome at the start of the week, assembled the entire school in the courtyard. We were treated to some traditional dances and songs put on by the students. We used this gathering as an opportunity to share a special gift we had for the school and their local rivals, who had arrived to play a match later in the afternoon. The gift was a football ‘dream bag’ for each team consisting of team shirts, shorts, socks and football boots. We learned that this was the first time both teams had ever had their own football kits. It was a special moment for us all to see the teams dressed in their new uniforms. We could tell that our positive emotions were shared by all of the students as well because they erupted in applause when their teams stepped out onto the field in their new uniforms.
From the assembly in the main courtyard we were led to the volleyball court by a group of students singing and playing drums. Some of us took the teachers up on the challenge of playing a volleyball game against them. Surrounded by cheering students, the two teams entered into a comical competition. It had clearly been a long time since any of us had played volleyball!
All the fun and games eventually had to come to an end and it was a sad moment when we had to say our goodbyes to all the new friends that we made over the last four days. It has truly been an honour to volunteer with such a great school. While each of us in the group worked together on the same activities, it is certain that we are walking away with unique memories that will stay with us for life.
We would like to thank everyone on at Mahluhluvana Primary School, Deyani Crèche, and Joni, David and Lyndsay from Pride ‘n Purpose for helping to make our four days such a memorable time.
When we returned to our place at the staff village, we were pleasantly surprised by a 3 hour game drive. While we had been driving through the game reserve everyday, we had never driven during prime animal watching times or with the main rangers. We packed up some drinks and snacks and headed out in anticipation of what animals we would encounter. Our rangers and trackers blew us away with the number of animals spotted and how close we could get to them. We spotted mating lions, a pack of six female lions and three cubs, several giraffe, monkeys, and warthogs. Absolutely incredible! What a way to end our stay in the bush!
Tomorrow we will say our final goodbyes to the Pride ‘n Purpose team and head to Johannesburg to learn about other ways that Virgin Unite works in South Africa. We are ending our last night in the bush with yet another yummy braii and chats around the fire.
I can hear the laughter from where I am sitting, so must get back to the group. Thanks for reading our blog!!! Keep watch for stories from Johannesburg.
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