LINK Leads South Africa

Common Attitudes

2009-05-20T11:58:00.002-04:00

Greetings from South Africa,

We have been having extraordinary experiences here in South Africa. At this point in the trip we have learned not to expect anything because the activities and things we have learned are far beyond our expectations. One main attitude here in South Africa is to focus on the positive. We have seen this at the Sustainability Institute, throughout the townships and the leadership here. During the visit through the very poor township, we were all focusing on the negative. These individuals did not have very many material items. Some people were not able to live in homes or have a place to use the restroom. However, we also visited the church and we saw so much passion for worshiping their Lord and Savior. We also discussed these negative feelings and Rudy, a man from iGubu, told us to recognize these feelings but then move on becasue if we stay at the negative place, we are missing everything they have accomplished. This seems to be seen throughout the attitudes of the South African people.

We have been participating in very exciting activities. Tonight we are going to visit the township again and eat at the restaurant there, called Roots. We will also learn how to play traditional drums!

We will continue updating! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

First Full Day in South Africa

2009-05-16T16:39:00.027-04:00

So it's Jonathan again. Today was our first full day in South Africa and we had an amazing time. The day started with us going to eat at one of the newer food courts on the campus. At breakfast several of us sat with the driver and were able to get a 'real' view of where we are and some of the people. We also had a fun time trying to learn some of the language. After lunch we went the the Neelsie, which is their version of the student center. We had a meeting with Rudi, the 'Brian' in South Africa. We then met with the SCR, the student government. It was amazing to talk to them and see how different their student culture is from KSU's. In fact it is completely different. They are trying to get in touch more with their private students, which are like our commuter students.

After that meeting we had our first South African lunch, which was an interesting experience. The ketchup is sweet and has no salt in it...which is odd to us, but in the same aspect they think the salt in out ketchup is odd. Once lunch was done we moved on to the Sustainability Institute. That was an amazing experience because it really showed how you could use all your resources. (Some of the pictures I took are shown.) From that we all took a hard look at what we do in the US and how we can all take what we have already learned back.

After that experience we were invited to go to a rugby game and were able to really see THE sport of the country. It is the same as football is here as far as popularity goes. The backdrop for the rugby game was amazing, through all the rain we saw an amazing rainbow.

The final part of the evening was going for dinner to a place that translates into "Turtle Valley". At this dinner we got our first real taste of South African food. We met several of the other staff members that helped and work with Rudi. All and all it was an amazing first day that really showed us another view of the world.

More to come...

Jonathan

Our Journey From Atlanta, GA to South Africa

2009-05-14T16:50:00.015-04:00

So it's Jonathan and Brigitte and it is 5:05 pm GA time and 11:05 pm in Cape Town and we are finally in South Africa!!! woo hoo!!! Here is the really short version of how we got from our homes in Georgia to another country half way around the world. On May 13th 2008 at 12:30 14 students and 2 advisors boarded a plan to JFK airport in NYC. That was the shortest flight of the day. Once we got to the JFK airport we had about 20 minutes to grab something to eat and then board a 8.5 hour flight to Dakar where the plane would be restocked and refueled, then we had another 8.5 hours to our final destination in Cape Town South Africa. For most of the students this was their first international flight...so the food and everything that went on during the flight was interesting (we will let the videos speak for the experience as they portray us as we are actually going through the process).

Once we finally landed in South Africa we had a little bit of an issue getting into the country. I had to get out mine and Brigitte's laptop to prove that we are leaving the country (also shown in a video). After that we went through customs and I think Judy described it best when she said, "I showed him my cookies...he looked at them said fine...and that was it." Customs was the easy part of the day as we were able to just walk through. After that we got picked up and saw our living situations (also shown) and then went to a local grocery store. In case anyone was wondering they do have orange fanta here. Not the exact same as in the USA, but that is just one of the few differences that the group is coming across...our first but I highly doubt our last. More to come as we explore South Africa.

So we have about 10 more videos that we have taken thus far, but for some reason the internet is not letting us upload them :(. So here is the one that we actually got up. Hopefully we will be able to get more up tomorrow.

2009-05-14T16:30:00.000-04:00

Landed!

Schedule

2009-05-10T14:31:00.009-04:00

May 13th - Leave for South Africa
May 14th - Arrive in Cape Town
May 15th - Introduction and welcome event
May 16th - Day to Explore
May 17th - Meet Counterparts and visit local community project
May 18th - Visit Parliament, District Six, and Waterford
May 19th - Table Mountain and Buffelsfontein Game Drive
May 20th - Visit Desmond Tutu Peace Centre and Roots Restaurant
May 21st - Visit Institute for Justice and Reconiliation
May 22nd - Visit Robben-Island
May 23rd - Free Day
May 24th - Meet with community leaders
May 25th - Learning reports and Publications; Wine Tour
May 26th - Debriefing Session/Leave
May 27th - Arrive in US

Malawi
May 27th - Free Day
May 28th - Leave for Malawi
May 29th-June 1st Malawi
June 2nd - Arrive in US

Wrapping Up and Getting Ready!

2009-05-08T10:34:00.001-04:00

We are so excited we graduated from LINK and are ready to go to South Africa

Wow! Where did the semester go? I can't believe we leave for South Africa in 5 days!

This past semester we hammered out the details of our civic engagement as well as continued to learn about the South African culture. We had a South African guest speaker come and talk to the group about racism in South Africa as well as the importance of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a humanist philosophy that talks about the relationships that human beings have with each other. People with Ubuntu are open and willing to talk to others. They do not feel threatened by another race or other person's idea. Ubuntu is the philosophy that humans can't isolate themselves. Rather, we are all connected by a circle of life. Even though this discussion wasn't what the group was expecting, it helped bring the group closer and helped us realize that we all make up this LINK group and would have not accomplished anything without everyone's ideas and contributions in the group.

As for our trip, we are sadly no logger staying with host families but will be living in cottages near the University of Stellenbosch. We will still be involved with our comrades, and we can't wait to meet them. We finally received the schedule, so we have an idea of the events we will be doing each day.

Hopefully, when we get to South Africa, we will be able to update this blog to keep everyone informed about our activities and what the group is learning and experiencing.

Molly

Meeting 1/16

2009-01-17T00:05:00.003-05:00

Thoughts from the 1/16 Meeting

A Taste of South Africa

2008-11-22T22:30:00.002-05:00

Last night, a group of ten of us went to the South African restaurant 10 Degrees South. We all got dressed up and headed to downtown Atlanta to this four star restaurant. After we avoided the valet parking, we sat down and stared at an unusual menu. Most of us ordered different meals. Branden and Kerri ordered the most unfamiliar meal, Ostrich Medallions. Surprisingly, it tasted like veal. Meanwhile, Phillip ordered Bobotie, sweet ground beef topped with custard and served with yellow rice. This is the most popular dish in South Africa. After cleaning our plates, we are all now looking forward to more South African cuisine.

- Molly

11/14 Meeting

2008-11-14T17:36:00.001-05:00

Today, Nancy Berger, co-author of Global Leaders for the 21st Century, spoke to us. She talked about the differences between 20th century and 21st century global leaders. These differences include the increased needs for a global mindset and the ability to work with other cultures, as well as the importance of networking. Networking through social websites and contacts is a lifeline, as we are continuously making discoveries as we plan for our trip to South Africa. Networking also enhances this project and helps us each grow as an individuals. We talked about how leadership is always entails give and take. Leaders need to want to learn and change. Ms. Berger told us that if we are the same person from freshman year to graduation then KSU has failed at helping us achieve and learn. I think it is important to grow as a person during our college career. College is a time to test the waters of new ideas and ways of life. We ended today's discussion with a quote from Colin Powell, "Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible."

Molly

Meeting Nov. 7, 2008

2008-11-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

Today Betty Siegel came in to talk to us about her experiences in South Africa. Not only was she empowering to our group, but she was helpful in boosting the group's morale. Lately, for me, I have been indifferent about the meetings. It's not that I don't care, it's just I feel that we're kind of at a stand-still. This meeting, however, changed that. Dr. Siegel is so compassionate about what she does that it's hard to not be compassionate with her. Not only did she get me excited about the trip again, but helped me to realize how privileged we are to have the opportunity to do this. Anyone can go on a study abroad trip or a trip with their family and pay the way. But not many people can say that they've not only organized the trip, but raised the money for it, worked with leaders of the school for it as well. Plus, when we get there we get to not only visit the country but become part of it. I'm so excited that we get to stay with families! Now, we will learn more about the culture, learn more about the people, and have a better chance of establishing lasting relationships. Today's meeting was the best meeting we've had in months. I'm so thankful that I have this opportunity.

-Nicole Birk

LINK Leads Meeting 10/31/08

2008-10-31T15:05:00.002-04:00

We had an incredible meeting today! We had a guest speaker that came in to talk about her trip to South Africa. She visited Johannesburg and Cape Town. She explained how eye opening her experience there was. She brought so many pictures to give us a feel for what we are going to see when we travel to Cape Town, South Africa. We saw pictures of Betty's Bay, Harmanus, Table Mountain, and Robben Island. Betty's Island and Harmanus are where you can go to get a majestic view of South Africa. You can stand on rocks very close to the ocean and can see penguins and whales! Robben Island is the place where the Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The cool thing about this tourist site is that all of the tour guides are former prisoners from Robben Island. Robben Island was a prison where only political prisoners were held. Most of the prisoners were Black, Indian or Colored. But, there was one white prisoner. He was kept in a cell all by himself.
After the guest speaker we had our committee reports. Exciting new fundraisers are all coming together nicely.
After this meeting, I am SOO excited to go to South Africa. I knew that I was excited, but after hearing her incredible story I know that we will have a life-changing experience. :) :)

Tarp activity - October 17, 2008

2008-10-17T23:26:00.010-04:00

This week in an effort to re-energize the group we began our meeting with the long forgotten ritual of an icebreaker. We began by taking strips of masking tape and writing down our concerns. We were then asked by Brian to place the strips of tape on a folded part of a tarp, and then take a minute to read everyone's concerns. Aside from zombie attacks, real concerns were along the lines of funding, group unity, participation and packing.

Our next task was to take a piece of tape and write down things that made us excited about our South Africa trip. Our causes of excitement were along the lines of: A zombie defense system, birthdays, getting to help people in South Africa,and the fact we already have plane tickets reserved. We placed them on the opposite side of the tarp and reflected on them.

Brian asked us to all stand on the side of the tarp with the negative pieces of tape on them and work as a group to turn over the negative side to the positive side. As a rule we couldn't step off the tarp, however, nothing was said about using chairs as support. . . . Our group pulled ourselves into the mosh pit of the tarp. Clashing our elbows and with little room to breathe, our group did not fare well. Without organization we completely failed to achieve anything except become closer as a group - physically. We tried turning the tarp and quickly ran out of space as people did not know where to stand or what to do when they were in the right spot. Our ideas were mixed and our attempts uncoordinated. We failed as a group to communicate and listen to each other.

Brian stopped us after about 10 minutes and gave us a little more space on the tarp so we could have a second go at it. We welcomed the breathing room and the extra space. This time around we managed to actually listen to one another and work together to convert the tarp from one side to the other. We used a strategy that involved gradually flipping over the tarp and having the people step on the folded over half. After a little effort we managed to get it to work.

(Us standing on the tarp, listening to ideas)

Afterward we reflected on what made the exercise work. We listened, and at some point everyone had to participate and step up. We were able to metaphorically turn our concerns into excitement. Brian ended by giving us a reminder that we have pulled in more money than all of the previous groups combined and we have a lot of strength within the group.

- Andrew

South Africa Panel - October 10, 2008

2008-10-17T16:09:00.002-04:00

Today we were suppose to have a panel of citizens from South Africa, but many were not able to make it. One representative, Ms. Carolyn Ward, was able to attend and she gave some insightful information about her beloved country South Africa. Carolyn told of her childhood experiences growing up in South Africa during apartheid. Since apartheid the country still faces issues regarding race, but Carolyn says it is all about how your family raised you. In her case, her family raised her to regard all people as equal, but there are still some South Africans that believe blacks and coloureds( mixed white and black) are beneath them. She also talked about the issues that are going on right now with the South African president resigning. She says that she is not worried and feels that everything will work itself out. She also mentioned that South Africans are more welcoming than Americans. Which I can believe.
Now to the fun stuff! After Brian left, the discussion wasn't as serious anymore. Lol! We asked Carolyn things about South African fashion, which resembles European dress. Interesting! We talked about the food. She says that South Africans are not big on going out to eat at fast food restaurants. They tend to stay at home and eat with the family. South Africans eat the same foods that Americans eat, but they eat also some things that we don't eat, like ostrich. Yeah! I said it ostrich. She also talked about the Alfred & Victoria Waterfront which resembles a harbour. It is the perfect destination for food and shopping in South Africa. Corey, his crazy self, asked about women and relationships. Yes people, he took it there. Carolyn says that South Africans do not participate that much in PDA.
Overall the discussion was exciting and very informative. Now I know a little bit more about South Africa than I knew before. I'm so excited to go and I can't wait til May. Signing off!

Jamilah Hankins
Link Leads 2008-2009

Meeting - September 12, 2008

2008-09-26T11:45:00.002-04:00

Hey guys!

Again, sorry it took so long to get the post up; I had tons of technical difficulties getting the video and sound to work.

Phillip

September 5th

2008-09-14T12:38:00.004-04:00

Hey guys,

Well, on september 5th, we watched a movie during our link leads meeting. We were originally going to watch The Color of Friendship, which is about an American and South African family and how they interact. However, Brian could not find this movie and so he decided on The Color of Freedom. GREAT MOVIE! This movie tells the story of Nelson Mandela. It is so inspiring to see the trials and tribulations he went through; and through it all, he stayed positive. His mission was to create an equal environment for all, no matter the color of skin. We haven't finished the movie yet because we ran out of time this week. Hopefully we will get to it soon because I cannot wait to see how the story continues.

I am really excited to that we all got to experience a piece of South Africa's history through a movie. I think it makes the stories we hear and research real and personal. I am thrilled to experience this trip next summer. I am blessed to be a part of the organizing and cannot wait to see what May 2009 will hold!

~Jacqueline

Meeting #2 - Thoughts From Branden

2008-08-29T20:31:00.002-04:00

Branden provides his insight on the second LINK Leads meeting of the year. Friday, August 29th, 2008.

The First Leads Meeting

2008-08-22T17:46:00.000-04:00

Molly & Sam discussing the first LINK Leads meeting. Friday, August 22nd, 2008.

2008-08-21T13:29:00.000-04:00

LINK LEADS
International Civic Engagement Project
Statement Of Goal & Shared Vision

The Goal of the LINK Leads Group is to create an International Civic Engagement Project that will fully connect Leads members with South African Culture and through this relationship facilitate a project that will have a significant impact on our global community. It is our Shared Vision that ideas, communication, experiences, and interaction will flow freely between our two unique cultures after the completion of the International Civic Engagement Project. This Goal and Shared Vision will be achieved by the execution of the following objectives:

OBJECTIVE I
To strengthen the relationship of the Leads Group & enroll all members in the above mentioned Goal and Vision

OBJECTIVE II
To boost cultural immersion and global learning by developing an International Civic Engagement Project that connects Leads members with the social, business, and political communities of South Africa in creating a project for sustained change

OBJECTIVE III
To isolate the resources and connections necessary to facilitate the International Civic Engagement Project by the implementation of all leadership skills practiced and developed during participation in the LINK Program

OBJECTIVE IV
To enroll both campus and community in our Goal and Vision, both prior to and after completion of the International Civic Engagement Project, by creating awareness of South Africa, South African Culture, and the group’s experiences in the country

OBJECTIVE V
To establish continual, mutual, positive change via a sustainable relationship with a South African University and its student, faculty, and community population