Africa - March 7 2007

March 7 2007.......As we waved goodbye to family, Ben 10, and myself were back off to Africa again, and this time to complete on a small project which would make a difference to Aids affected children in Soweto.

In taking Ben with me, I wanted him to grow up with an appreciation of himself as someone that even though he is a child, can still make a difference to others.

I was completing on a promise to support TK and Bob and SKY, Soweto Kliptown Youth, as well as completing a photography project.

In creating Ben's project, to have Aids affected children have an access to sport, he would feel that he could make a difference. An opportunity for both of us to complete our promises.

Ben had numerous conversations with people to support and assist in his ideas. At 10 he already is a leader, and through encourgement from family, and the loving support of his mother, father, sister Morgan, and brother Mason, as well as his great grand parents, he and I set off to Africa complete with 70 kgs of extra baggage and 36 soccer balls, to complete on our promise.

We spent a few days in Johannesburg and Ben really got to know African city life in a new way. Barb wire, razor wire, high fences and armed patrols to protect and keep you safe, or so it is believed.

Our first stop at Melville was with Jacques and Lisa and their son Peter at A Room with A View. Settling in he enjoyed boisterous boy fun,listening to a new Afrikaans accent, swimming, playing soccer and cricket and learning about new school times. Peter's school commenced the day at 7.30am and finished at 1.30pm and on some days 2.15pm, completing different from Ben's 9 to3.30pm regime. He also had plenty of time walking around taking movies of the complex, meeting the amazing staff, filming the turtles in the yard and the large snails kept as pets, complete with documentary commentary reminiscent of Steve Irwin....."Crikey" they called him.

It was then time to venture away from Johannesburg, and we then went travelling out to Pretoria, and was amazed and angered at the deplorable conditions mine workers are still made to endure in shanties, without light, power or water, and while close to the mine site, some 500meters away, their white bosses living in opulence. It made me sick as a human being. In fact, a few days before we arrived there had been strikes and marches protesting at the hyprocrisy.

We then went onto Pilenisburg, and on Safari with Eric, and saw the most amazing giraffe, baboons, hyena, jackal, cheetah, hippo, to name just a few. We tracked a herd of 10-15 elephants through the scrub, Ben complete with roving documentary on our movie camera..all the while aware we were in their territory and could be in danger.

It was amazing, the sun rises and sun sets, were so beautiful, the peacefullness, and the beauty of this amazing environment, the African landscape.

We then came back to Johannesburg, and of to Soweto where we stayed for 3 days, and completed a couple of day trips.

Soweto Kliptown Youth and Brother Bob provide meals, support and some educational support for children in Soweto and Kliptown and have done so for the past 20 years, all through donation.

Bob is no ordinary human being. He is someone who as an orphan himself decided that others would not have to go through what he had to go through and created SKY. He felt that if they believed in God, and were encouraged to love themselves, then they would be able to have a different life from that of their parents.

Everyone has a place, and we just have to encourage others...... to let their little light shine.....

Ben, TK and Bob came and collected us and we stayed in the Soweto township, in a little B & B created by Leabo. Inside like a mini Jamaica...the boys playing Bob Marley, and the hammock strung between the trees, and the plethora of musical instruments. Music, rhythm and soul connections are so much party of the this communities beingness.

Day One: It was up at 5.30am and off to feed the children as they started school at 7.00am. Three hundred and fifty meals we served, Ben without a wimper, just amazing, and then he was off to school taking the children to school with Bob, TK and MK. Schools encased in Barb wire and patrolled, so different from ours here.

Day two: I spent working at the centre, auditing books and having meetings, whilst Ben spent the time with TK, his adopted brother being with the kids and creating a soccer game, where we would present the balls etc on Day three.

However much to our surprise Bob had organised a performance completed with dancing and self expression. The gum boot dancing was fantastic, youn g nand small alike expressed themselves.

Much to our surprise Bob encouraged us both to make a speech to let the kids know why we were there. Ben in his amazing charismatic manner in front of 80 children, and around 20-30 adults engaged them with his wit, knowledge of Australia and explained why we were there. I was so proud.

Next it was off to play a game of soccer. Initially around 60 children, complete with their oversized new jumpers, and new soccer balls, tears rolling down our faces at the joy, and sense of accomplishment from this one small act. Now this allowed Aids affected children an access to sport.

It was an amazing moment, proud and humbling all at the same time. To see a soccer coach speechless, emotional, and totally amazed that we would travel all the way from Australia to create an opportunity for his kids....he was overwhelmed.