Katie - In the Middle of Something

2010-06-23T22:07:00.003+01:00

I got back from London last week and although it seems like it has been a long week alot has happened. Firstly, with regards to my time in London, I would definitely recommend going to see The Lion King. The choreography and costumes were just fantastic and although I didn't sing along(honestly) I still managed to remember all the song lyrics 'Hakuna Matata, what a wondeful phrase....'

On Thursday I was lucky enough to be invited to attend a Strictly come dancing Salsa master class with Darren and Lilia from the show. I have never done anything like this so was rather apprehensive but hey, it was all in the name of charity, and actually turned out to be really good fun!

On Thursday evening and Friday I attended a higher education event for local sixth formers. I was a representative on the Manx Graduates stand. I spent alot of time talking to students and explaining the benefits of the Manx Graduates portal. I found it quite strange to be back in the same hall I was in as an eager 6th former laden with University prospectuses almost 5 years ago. Where does the time go!?!? It is definitely worth taking the time to register on the Manx Graduates site and I hope that Manx students returning to the island as well as local employers continue to benefit from the facility.

PDMS is sponsoring the Social media Club's 'Super Third Thursday' tomorrow with a lunchtime seminar event at the Hilton - 'Enabling Internal Communities' . I'm looking forward to seeing some old and new faces and this is my first experience of the Island's SMC!

London's Calling!

2010-06-10T23:24:00.000+01:00

Im flying off to London tomorrow afternoon and I can't wait!
Although I am only spending the weekend there (wish it was much longer) I am so looking forward to seeing some close friends.
I have tickets to see the Lion King Musical on Sunday afternoon at the Lyceum Theatre. I loved the film as a child so I can't wait!!
Hakuna Matata, K x

My Experience as a Graduate of the Class of 2009

2010-06-10T14:59:00.006+01:00

In January of my final year at university, I was somewhat surprised when a career adviser assured me I should send out no less than fifty job applications. However, with my final exams and my dissertation looming, finding the time to fill out the lengthy job application templates became ever more challenging. Although the option to continue my studies by enrolling on a Postgraduate programme was appealing, I felt enthusiastic about getting into the workplace and starting out on the career ladder. In two words though, there was one slight problem: The Recession.

The career advice turned out to be somewhat optimistic. I was leaving the protective academic environment of University for work in a period when graduate recruitment had been cut significantly and competition for roles was fierce.

Though this might be better viewed as a ‘challenge’ rather than a ‘problem’, it was definitely an additional hurdle to overcome that few of us had expected when we started studying. It appeared that life after study was going to be far from the ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ that I had been expecting.

Towards the end of September I returned to my family home on the Island and immediately registered with a number of the local recruitment agencies. At this stage there seemed to be a number of temporary positions available in the finance sector but very limited graduate level opportunities. I quickly realised that it was better for me to be ‘temping’ and out in the workforce rather than sitting at home becoming somewhat disillusioned. I took up temporary work in the local banking sector on the premise that I would keep applying for jobs relevant to my interests and qualifications. Although there were days of frustration, on reflection I am glad that I spent the time working in an industry about which I had no previous experience. I was fortunate to work in different departments within the company which meant that I learnt much more about the sector than I had originally anticipated, and this general insight may prove to be a useful foundation on which to begin an MBA programme.

As part of my initial flurry of applications during my time at University I was already registered on the Manx Graduates (www. manxgraduates.im) website. When I heard the software company PDMS were recruiting for a marketing graduate, I registered my interest via the Manx Graduates job portal and was then asked to submit a discussion paper on the subject of ‘B2B Marketing and Social Media’, to complete the first round.

Thankfully, I made it to the second round. For this, I was invited for an Interview at PDMS’s new headquarters in the Isle of Man Business Park. This involved an in depth interview with the Managers responsible for HR and Marketing, on topics ranging from my previous work experience, my degree and my goals for the next couple of years. I was fortunate that nerves were far less of an issue having dealt with interviews in a number of recruitment agencies and for various employment roles.

The final stage saw me present on the title ‘Why I want to progress a career in Marketing and What I can bring to PDMS?’ to a group of senior managers including two of PDMS’s directors. During this presentation I outlined how both my natural and university developed skills compliment a role in marketing. Combining study for an MBA with work, I would be afforded the opportunity to apply the general business education while I learn it. Skills such as time management and scheduling will also be important factors.

After a couple of weeks of waiting I was given the news that I had been successful in the final stage of interviews and that I was being offered the job. I was delighted. I accepted the offer and enthusiastically looked forward to my first permanent job as a graduate.

The UK Graduate Careers Survey 2009 revealed that the emphasis for graduate job-hunters in 2009 was on job security and securing one of a dwindling number of places on a company graduate development scheme. With this in mind, I was very fortunate that the development of the Island’s Graduate MBA Scheme has given me the perfect opportunity to work for a leading software development company (PDMS), whilst also providing the training to further enhance the skills I gained during my Undergraduate studies.

A couple of months on and I am now settled in my new role as Marketing Executive at PDMS. I am extremely fortunate to be working in such an innovative and forward thinking company with a fantastic team of colleagues.

I will commence my MBA studies at the Business School in September. As well as the academic challenge of the course, I believe I will benefit from relationships forged with my fellow graduates, gaining a valuable insight into management challenges in other sectors of business.

With the MBA, the Department of Economic Development will be meeting the full costs of tuition, exam fees and the additional costs of the mentoring process. This is a superb opportunity and I would encourage my fellow Manx students who have graduated within the last 3 years to find out more about the MBA Graduate Scheme.

I was already extremely privileged to graduate from University with no student debt unlike many of my peers in the UK and that was only possible due to the generous support that the Isle of Man Government provides to the island’s students. This new scheme offers great potential for further skilling the islands population and drawing back Manx Graduates.

Something Different in the Isle of Man

2010-03-22T12:04:00.014Z

This weekend for the first time since I care to remember I completely bypassed The Courthouse et al. I had been reminded of some outdoor 'activities' I was keen to try out..Enter Go Karting at Jurby and Pony Trekking in Little London. I had the perfect person in mind to join me, a classic 'There is absolutely nothing to do on this island' victim.
Thankfully it was a lovely day and the sun was shining, we drove up to Jurby to the karting track http://www.duketrackdays.com/Karts.aspx There was no one else there so I was spared some embarrassment as I suited up in full black waterproof overalls and helmet..If I recall I was lapped 3 times but despite this it was good fun and definitely a different way to enjoy being outdoors. I have cousins visiting over Easter weekend and have already planned to revisit Jurby as I think it will be more exciting with more than 2 of us racing.
On the return to Douglas we looked out for Milntown House an estate created in the early 16th century with the hope of stopping off for a coffee or afternoon tea. Unfortunately due to rather hazy directions we couldn't manage to find it.

That evening I sampled some produce from Paddy's Market in Port St Mary - worth a visit if your in the area!!

Sunday afternoon came around and it was time for outdoor activity number 2. Pony trekking in Little London http://homepages.manx.net/ballahimmin/
There was a group of about 7 of us who set out on the trek, the scenery was beautiful and it was so nice to be out in the fresh air doing something different. Definitely would recommend the experience, just be prepared for some sore muscles in the morning!!

NETCETERA RENEWS MICROSOFT GOLD PARTNER STATUS

2010-02-18T22:32:00.002Z

Microsoft Gold Partner designation recognises Netcetera's Managed Web Hosting expertise Isle of Man, THE BRITISH ISLES, 28 January 2010

Netcetera (www.netcetera.co.uk), one of Europe’s leading managed hosting and datacentre providers, today announced the renewal of their Gold Partner status with Microsoft in line with the companies Corporation's Partner Network. The Microsoft Partner Network, formerly the Microsoft Partner Program, is a community born from the continued commitment to serve the needs of partners and to help them and their customers reach their maximum potential.

The Gold Partner designation recognises Netcetera's expertise and total impact in the Microsoft technology marketplace showcasing competencies in Hosting Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions whilst reflecting Netcetera’s breadth and depth of experience, outstanding customer satisfaction and a commitment to the highest standards.

"The renewal of our Microsoft Gold Partner status will continue to provide Netcetera the opportunity to provide enhanced services to our clients," said Tim Cass, Netcetera's CTO. "In addition, it enables us to access exclusive resources to help increase our customer's revenues and provide new market opportunities and solutions to grow and develop their business".

Netcetera has again been conferred with Microsoft Competencies in Networking Infrastructure Solutions and Hosting Solutions and recognised as a Small Business Specialist. Microsoft Competencies certify an in-depth technical and business knowledge and expertise in specific domains and defined areas of specialization. This provides Netcetera with a platform to showcase their unique skills on offer to potential partners or customers and in turn align their business with Microsoft's latest software and technology initiatives.

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help partners’ businesses be successful. 2010 saw the continuation of the changes introduced the previous year to the renewal process of Gold partner status which brought about significant changes which involved both Netcetera’s partners and customers. Engagement in the renewal process included providing customer references as well as customers being required to complete an in depth questionnaire – The Customer satisfaction survey (CSAT). The survey is a fast and effective survey solution which Microsoft have provided and its completion is a necessity for re-enrollment at Gold Certified level. Partners must receive 10 or more survey responses in a quarterly survey period. The benefits of CSAT are compiled analytics which designate a numerical score for various aspects of solution delivery. This creates an opportunity for ongoing conversations with customers and can help understand their business needs and provide an opportunity to exceed their expectations.

"We are extremely pleased to have maintained the trust of both our legacy accounts and look forward to earning it from our new ones. The Gold Partner designation has allowed us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship not only with Microsoft, but our customers and partners as well." said Peter Skelton, CEO of Netcetera. "The benefits provided through this partnership will allow us to continue to enhance and grow the hosting services that we provide for partners and Netcetera customers."

About Netcetera:
Netcetera was established in 1996 and is the largest web hosting company on the Isle of Man in addition to being one of Europe’s leading managed hosting and datacentre providers. Providing co-location, dedicated servers and managed hosting infrastructure, Netcetera provide services to businesses in over 60 countries worldwide.

Netcetera’s 16,000 square foot ISO27001 certified facility located in the Isle of Man, allows the company to offer any business enterprise level co-location and hosted solutions. Netcetera can provide companies with the IT requirements they need from single server co-location and disaster recovery to fully customised and dedicated servers. Netcetera offers relief to companies and allows them to maintain a focus on their core business instead of managing servers, networks and firewalls often at significant cost savings. As a web host Netcetera offers a steadfast, cost effective service delivered through leading technology channels with superior quality bandwidth and expert personnel. All processes are well defined to ISO9001 standards. For further information please visit www.netcetera.co.uk

Contact Information
Netcetera
Press Office
UK: 0871 3096 461
press@netcetera.co.ik

When should You consider upgrading to a Dedicated Server?

2010-01-28T11:41:00.003Z

A slow web site will be having a negative effect on your business. With the increase of download speeds on home computers users will not want to wait to load your site – they will simply look elsewhere. The average user will leave your site after waiting 8-10 seconds for a page to load – and most of them will never return.

Therefore, in order to enhance your business opportunities it is crucial that you have a fast, high performance website. The most effective way of ensuring you have a high speed website is by switching from a shared to a dedicated server. The primary reason for this is that if your site is hosted by a shared server you are in effect operating as a member of a group. If for any reason another client on your server has an increase in web traffic or increases the size of their web site there is a pretty good chance that your speed and performance will be affected.

By choosing the option of having your own fast dedicated server you are given exclusive access to all of the resources on the server allowing you to customize your plan. You are not required to share the space, memory or bandwidth for your site which enables optimization ultimately increasing your processor speed.

In terms of scalability, fast dedicated servers offer greater options. If your website is experiencing an increase in visitor numbers and as a result is becoming slower than desired you can simply add more RAM if required, or even add a load balancer to your server to split the load across two dedicated servers, or more.

Another benefit of a dedicated server is the availability of your own unique IP address. Added to these benefits is the fact that a dedicated server offers heightened security as no one else will be able to access the server other than you, this makes the risk of viruses extremely minimal.

If you have a high amount of traffic hitting your web site, are involved in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) projects, or simply want the best possible support service for your web site, a switch to a dedicated server is the fastest move you should be making.

Need to improve the speed of your web site?

Contact one of our Hosting Specialists to see how you could benefit from Netcetera’s superior network reliability and service.

www.netcetera.co.uk

The use of Social Media in B2B Marketing - Discuss

2010-01-21T23:08:00.001Z

Today’s global economy is genuinely borderless. Information, capital and innovation flow all over the world at top speed, enabled by technology and fuelled by the consumer’s desire for access to the best and least expensive products. The latest addition to the world of marketing is the increased use of the world wide web and the uptake of social media platforms to broaden marketing strategies.

When one business is marketing to another social media can be used to increase a company’s reach and new visibility, impove brand recognition and enhance the service which the company can provide their customers through a ‘new’ idea of market research which can be gained through a new medium of interaction and engagement with their existing and potential customers.

It is important for B2B companies to be involved in social media primarily through channels where their current client base are located. Although the world we are living in is rapidly changing the online world of social media can at first be a daunting place for someone who is considered to be a traditional marketer and is not familiar with the entire range of options available to them. Therefore it is reccommended that B2B companies initially increase their marketing from an area integrated with social media which they already are familiar with.
By developing their use of social media in this way it will help to ensure that the basics are covered first allowing them to maximise the value and benefits which social media offers through professional and clear cut processes which is vital for the successful integration of social media.

The development of a clear cut strategy focussing on the content will enable the successful execution of a companies entry into the field of social media. The increase of web traffic to a companies website will in turn bring the opportunity to exploit the potential of new business leads in a relatively cheap manner.

It is important to remember that social media can be extremely time consuming and for this reason may not be the best option for very small businesses. The pro’s and con’s need to be evaluated to decide if it will be worth the investment in time for each individual company. The benefits of social media for B2B marketing differ somewhat from those of B2C marketing. The principle reason for this is the market size of which they target with B2B markets generally being on a much smaller scale to B2C markets, this means that due to the likelihood of repeat sales the value of a B2B individual customer is much higher than that of an individual B2C customer. Another point to remember is that due to the nature of B2B marketing all sales should be nurtured and maintained to the highest level.

It should not be forgotten that all marketers themselves are consumers and therefore can use their own channels of social media, whichever they choose to be involved in be it Facebook, Twitter, You Tube or other forums to give positive and negative reports on products which they consume and this in turn is fed back to their contacts and spreads through ‘word of mouth’ which is widely believed to be one of the best forms of marketing and advertising.

I believe that if any company uses social media within its marketing strategy the main ingredients for a successful recipe are : Prove the principle and set achievable goals and targets.

Appetites Quality Foods

2009-12-01T20:00:00.002Z

Located In the Heart of Douglas's financial and business hub, Appetites is an extremely popular destination for all your lunchtime needs.

Daryl Williams established Appetites in 1995 when he recognised that with his passion for high quality food he could tap into a niche market providing the people of the Island with 'fast' lunchtime food that was made from fresh ingredients and tasted delicious.

Over the years Appetites has become extremely popular and has seen its trade increase steadily and there are now many local customers who regard themselves as loyal fans of the one stop lunch time shop.

Daryl along with his team at Appetites works hard every day in order to meet the challenge of supplying their customers with delicious foods made from the very best fresh local ingredients.
Every week a new menu is produced with different options for each day,there is a great variety ranging from delicious home-made soup of the day to the hot dish, baguette and salad of the day.

Appetites also operate an office delivery service which allows their customers to purchase one of their delicious sandwiches from the comfort and ease of their own office, allowing you to enjoy their variety of fresh sandwiches even if your time is limited.

Appetites also has a wealth of experience in providing superb delicious food for all your special events and outside catering needs. the team can adapt their services to suit your requests offering a wide variety of options ranging from full breakfasts and lunches to working lunches providing a choice of finger buffets and canapes. The success of this outside catering service as well as the shop itself has meant that Appetites now has an Island wide reputation for delivering and providing high quality food of an excellent standard.

VLM Airlines withdraw Island Route

2009-08-19T22:16:00.005+01:00

As i was driving along the promenade this morning on the way to the Energy FM building where I am currently doing some work experience, I thought back to how I meant to write about VLM Airlines and had not got round to it.
I often hear people on the Isle of Man saying -'The Island is great...as long as you can get off it every few weeks' .

I could not agree more with this. However, since the collapse of EuroManx and the subsequent takeover of BA Connect by Fly Be the island's passengers have had to deal with less then reliable services as well as putting up with other issues and complaints with regards to Fly Be, or as a local travel agent recently referred to the airline 'Fly maybe'.

More often than not there are delays on flights both to and from the island on Fly Be's principle routes to the island, Manchester and London Gatwick. If you want to change your ticket you will pay at least £80.00 and if you arrive early you will not be allowed to change on to an earlier flight. - A change from the good old days of Manx Airlines and EuroManx.

A couple of months ago i booked with VLM airlines on their route from the Isle of Man to London City airport which i feel is by far the most convenient airport for accessing the city. The DLR is on your doorstep and there is no messing about with the Gatwick Express. I unfortunately had to change my plans and called VLM to reschedule my flight. I was told they do not fly that route on a Sunday (which was the day i needed to fly) so immediately thought 'Great I'll have to buy a whole new ticket'. However VLM actually apologised to me and offered me either a full refund or to book me on to another flight for no extra charge!! The best was yet to come... 'You can use the ticket up to a year from now' .

Today whilst in the news room at Energy FM a press release came in about 'Another airline withdrawing from the Island' It was VLM. Turns out that after ceasing their London City - IOM routes during the summer months due to the lack of business passengers they realised that it was not worth them resuming the service from September. Whilst Air Arran will still be covering this route it is a great shame and loss to the Manx travellers - both business and pleasure that VLM have pulled out...Will anyone actually realise this or will it be another case of hindsight?

Sudanese War Child

2009-08-13T23:50:00.001+01:00

Please watch this till the end :

http://www.ted.com/talks/emmanuel_jal_the_music_of_a_war_child.html

Isle of Man- Swine Flu And Your Business Seminar

2009-07-28T21:17:00.003+01:00

Living on an island which is perceived by many as being somewhat identical to Alcatraz has it's ups and downs. One of the obvious benefits of the Isle of Man is it's well known status Internationally primarily in the Business World as being a 'Tax haven' . The Economic Recession? There is much talk on the island that we have not been hit in the same way as the U.K however how true this is i am not sure of.

The outbreak of the Influenza / H1N1 virus more commonly known to the public as 'Swine Flu' has now been categorised by the World Health Organisation as being at the level of a pandemic. With over 100,000 suspected cases in the U.K it is no surprise that panic has set in. This public panic is not helped by the frenzy which has been created by the media.

Yesterday morning i attended a seminar delivered by the Director of Public Health on the Isle of Man who outlined steps and precautions that businesses should be taking to ensure that they are adequately prepared (as far as possible) for when - notice it is When? the pandemic reaches the island and not if?... Currently there are 12 confirmed cases on the island and there has yet to be patient to patient spreading of the disease.

However once this occurs 1.4 - 1.8 out of ten infected people can then go on to infect 14-18 others. Adults are not infectious unless they are showing syptoms. Once these levels occur on the Island it is almost certain that there will be border closures and therefore the importation levels of goods will be dramatically reduced as a result. It has been confirmed that at least one ferry a day will arrive into the Island's ferry terminal primarily bringing food and drug supplies to the island. This to many may be a worrying thought. However, the Isle of Man's population will be able to receive a diagnosis from a trained health professional unlike in the UK - untrained staff are manning the call centres there. The autumn - winter period is likely to see 30-40% of the Manx population affected by the pandemic. However, i reiterated that it was made clear that the media generation of paroxysmal public panic is of no benefit to anyone. There is no need to use Tamiflu as a preventative measure , it is only of benefit to those who have actually contracted the virus. Buying bogus Tamiflu on the internet is not going to help you. Consumers doing this have already aided tamiflu to overtake viagra as the number one selling product on the internet. The main message from the seminar was do not panic, there is no need. Instead, ensure you are prepared as far as possible for the outbreak this is done by implementing the relevant policies, registering bank staff and of course designating a flu buddy (to collect your Tamiflu from a flu centre.

One Year On

2009-07-13T10:53:00.003+01:00

''Dear Katie,On behalf of all the staff at Cross-Cultural Solutions I would like to express our appreciation for your time spent in South Africa. As of today’s date, it has been 1 year since you began your Volunteer Abroad program. During your time in South Africa, you became a part of the local community, sharing your culture with the people you met while learning from them about a culture different from your own.Your work has touched lives and opened minds. Our local staff and the community where you worked will remember you as a caring individual who gave your time to understand a different culture and create positive change. We are touched by the schools, orphanages, and other local initiatives who continually tell us about the positive impact of CCS volunteers.We hope you returned home with a new perspective of your place in the global community and feel closer to the community in which you served. ''

I feel that that email which i received today sums up everything i gained from my volunteer experience in Cape Town. Annie my roomate at 3 hermitage and partner in crime is a fellow blogger and writes amazing posts, here is her latest one... 'One Year On' :

On Friday night, we decided to go out. We called a cab and told the driver to take us to Oblivion, a wine bar that the volunteers frequent. Everything started out fine, until we realized that it was taking much too long and that we were driving around in circles. We were a little nervous, because we were driving down narrow streets in pitch dark in an area we didn’t know. Katie, who is good at directions, tried to help the cabbie from the backseat. Leslie was getting a little agitated, and suggested that the driver call base and ask for directions. Thirty rand later, he acquiesced. He got the address from dispatch, but evidently still did not know how to get to that particular street. Instead of risking looking stupid by calling back, he chose to waste more of our time and money, and was getting frustrated. He slowed down and started following a teenage girl, who was walking on the sidewalk, and yelled at her for directions. She did what any smart girl would do: shrugged, picked up the pace and ignored him. "Your mother's a puss!" he shouted at her angrily. Things were getting tense, and Leslie would. not. shut. up. She was spewing contempt, and getting hysterical about our rapidly increasing fare. Katie and I kept shooting each other looks, wide-eyed. I was saying stupid shit like, "It's probably right up here," in an attempt to de-escalate the situation so we wouldn't end up on Dateline. Eventually, the crazy cabbie actually hit another car. Not hard - it was more like a scrape - but he just kept going. He drove to a little store, put the car in park and hopped out to go in and ask for directions. In doing this, he committed a cardinal sin. He left three females sitting in an unlocked, running car with an open door, in South Africa. He was probably praying that someone would jack it and put him out of his misery.
By some miracle, we eventually got to Oblivion. Thanks to Leslie, I am pretty sure that we only paid half the amount that was displayed on the meter. We ended up meeting a couple of guys that night, one of which was the son of a reverend. Leslie made out with him, and for the next few weeks we would frequently burst into, “The only one who could ever reach me, was the son of a preacher man!” Katie got a little drunk and grilled the other guy on race relations, which was pretty entertaining.

There was so much more to come. There would be a wine tasting excursion, trips to the mall, an overnight in a township, African dance parties in the Afrikaans room, a night that Katie and I never came home and thought we would be kicked out of the program, and many conversations that centered around Leslie doubting my judgment, but laughing at me anyway. After that weekend, we would go on to share a friendship with Tom, a special place in our hearts for Western Province rugby, and more nights at Oblivion and the Dubliner. We would share countless meals of chicken and carbs on the porch, Leslie’s hair dryer, secrets, cabs to Rondebosch for chocolate, inside jokes, our love for the staff, a penthouse suite at the Mandela Rhodes, and tearful goodbyes. Most importantly we share a bond with each other and memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. And it all started because of that one little weekend.
Posted by Annie http://annielost.blogspot.com/

Its been an amazing year, I would do anything for a reunion right now...I am also graduating this week so off to Leeds tomorrow morning. So very excited to see everyone in Leeds again...

Tamil Tigers Protest, London

2009-05-23T10:30:00.005+01:00

On Tuesday 19th May, I joined Emilia (partner in crime since the age of 3) qualified radio journalist/presenter to be in London on her final news day. The Tamil tigers were protesting in Parliament Square, Westminster in an attempt to raise awareness of their plight and to get the UK and American Governement to take action and allow International Media, NGO's and International aid to enter Sri Lanka-Tamil. We ended up in a tent meeting women who had been on hunger strike for 168 hours and Emilia interviewed a man who had been on a hunger strike for 24 days. These people were so passionate about what they where fighting for and some of them had been camping there since April 6th. Overall the protest was peaceful and the Tamil people were there to show their support to their 'brothers and sisters'. It was definately an eye opener and once again made me realise that so often we ignore things right infront of us, especially if we are not directly affected by it...without thinking too much about the consequences for those involed. Watching Emilia and seeing what she had to do was great experience for me especially with my mad obsession with the News and reporting.

2008-11-18T01:03:00.001Z

Make a Smilebox slideshow

In our hearts a hopeful song...

2008-11-16T23:40:00.003Z

I can't believe how quickly time is flying by right now, I only have 4 weeks left of this Semester before the Christmas Vacation. Its scary, the academic work is starting to pile up and i dont think the horizon will be clear now until i finish my degree in May. Although after Christmas time always goes so much quicker.

I have not been home for 2 months now and it really has not bothered me, so after 3 months it will be nice to get back to some home comforts, i have now been away for longer than when i was in South Africa. I am still missing it dearly, and its strange what we learn and appreciate. The thing i miss the most is my Grade 5 class, i wish i could just go and spend just one hour with the kids and see their smiles and have some awesome hugs from them. I hope for them all that everything is ok and their troubles are somehow getting easier if that is possible. I am still emailing the teacher i was working with who is keeping me updated with Blossom Street news. Once i have some spare time in January or over the holidays i am going to try and organise some fundraising or getting some supplies out to the school.
For me, things have changed ever since i stepped off the plane in Cape Town. I still think i dreamt it all sometimes, there is so much out there, 'Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.;The opportunities are endless if you just believe' Thats something South Africa taught me to believe in...XOXO

Lessons in Life...

2008-10-12T11:33:00.004+01:00

In Cape Town i felt at home, i had not felt that relaxed in a long time, which is ironic due to the life and crime situation over there. I did not realise this until i returned back to my student life in Leeds which is in iteself a big Northern England city which is not the safest place in the country.

I was walking down the main shopping street in the centre of the city with these huge developed buildings and shops around me and thats when it struck me, i was not only thousands of miles away from life in the Cape in some ways. It was weird to me when i actually for a moment was like oh hey i can carry a handbag with no problems, i can leave a club (although not reccomended) alone at night and catch a cab home to my house...Things i guess i took for granted before. This is not always a good thing because it has made me more relaxed in Leeds as i have seen so much worse. I do indeed miss the security guards at HB1.

So whilst i learnt and saw so much during my volunteer trip i am still now coming to terms and i realise new things every day. I am still in touch with the teacher that i worked with at Blossom Street and am definately going to try and get back there when i can. I have a really hard few months ahead of me now with academic challenges that i need to overcome and once May comes around and i have completed my degree my options will be endless. I can travel the globe, study abroad, In england, join the working world. There are so many options i am so excited!!

Every End is Just a new Beginning...From one 'Home' to Another across the Oceans..

2008-09-11T00:58:00.004+01:00

Im now back home on the Isle of Man and have been for nearly 10 days. It is crazy how time has flown and the summer is now coming to an end. I am going back to Leeds a week tommorrow and start classes on September 29th. 4 Months have flown... I have so many feelings and memories from Cape Town. When i get a chance i will update this blog Asap. Im missing it all so much, every little thing .... Enkosi s'ikelel i'Afrika Xoxo

You Need Love to light the shadows on your little faces...

2008-08-23T16:23:00.003+01:00

Its 5pm on Saturday. Channon and I have just got back from the airport run. About 25 people left on the delta flight. It was surreal and so emotional. This journey has been totally amazing. I left London over six weeks ago having no idea what was ahead of me. I couldn’t have expected anything as amazing as this. It has exceeded my expectations 100 per cent.
The last couple of days have been very hard mentally and emotionally. Yesterday was the last day of placement for me at Blossom Street. I bought all the kids in my grade sweets and we had a little party. The girls did a special dance for me. Every single child had made me a leaving card and it was so hard not to cry the words they had written completely touched my heart. The principal then came to my class and read the thank you card I had written to the staff out and presented me with a letter of thanks and a small gift from the school. He thanked me for all my time and energy and told me he feels like I have really found ’home’ here in Cape Town and he couldn’t be nearer to the truth. Half 12 came and my driver arrived with everyone else already in the van. I went through to the other grade 5 class and stood in the middle of the room and all the children came and hugged me. I saw Apillele one of the little boys who has completely stolen my heart and I just burst into tears. I totally want to bring him home with me. I was just holding onto him and then I had to let go because I didn’t want to upset him. As I went to the entrance the teachers where all standing on the step waving me into the minibus. Mrs Abrahams who I have been working with was crying and it was so hard. They must think I am crazy, they have this western world white girl coming to their school and I am leaving in tears how can I explain that to a 9 year old? They have no idea how much they mean to me, how much I care for them and how much I hope every second that they will be ok. I don’t know what else to say. It has been a totally amazing experience and I have gained more than I ever could have imagined.
I climbed into the van and just put my I pod on ‘Wherever you will go’ came on and I realised how fitting it was. All these children need is love. We came home and it was tough. Annie was already home and she was a mess too. We had lunch and then started to do some packing…Channon and I walked to Little Mowbray to go to the shop and I realised that there is so much more I wanted to do and see and now I am out of time. These 6 weeks have gone in the blink of an eye. The weather was amazing so we slept in the garden before getting ready to go out for the last time as a group. We went to Cubana in Green Point and the whole house came which was awesome as this second group have really all integrated so perfectly and we had a great evening. I didn’t want to wake up this morning as I knew what was coming. The long goodbyes continued. Channon , Kate and I went to La Med in Clifton for brunch and one last outing. A couple of hours later and everyone was standing outside with their luggage and I sware I thought I had a lot of stuff with me it was crazy. We stopped at Home Base 2 for the last time and said our farewells. Cape Town international was pretty crazy and some of the girls had problems with their bags but all worked out. Once they had chacked in it was time for us to go back to the van and home back home. I really don’t think it has hit me yet. Theres only about 7 of us at home now. The fact that I am leaving tomorrow is hard enough but ill be travelling alone and I think that is when it will hit me. I am flying to Johannesburg in the morning and then on to Heathrow tomorrow evening. I don’t know what else to say at this point. There is just no way to describe how 50 people in 2 groups over 6 weeks can all click so well and experience so much together. It has been an emotional roller coaster at times but I wouldn’t change a second of it….. Love K xx

'I wanna be there when the people start to turn it around'

2008-08-20T18:27:00.001+01:00

I just don’t know where the past ten days have gone. It feels like every time I blink a week passes. The easiest way to do this is probably to go back over the days.
12th August : Today I started at Fountain House in the afternoon. Fountain house is a mental rehabilitation centre for adults with mental illnesses who are being integrated back into society. I chose this as an afternoon placement as I wanted something that would help me gain another insight into a different aspect of the difficulties people face and dealing with adults is a contrast to the children at Blossom Street in the mornings.

13th August : I went to Blossom street in the morning and got to take th girls out to play netball which was pretty great then after lunch I went straight to Fountain house till 4. I got to see Nyanga today another township when Malinga dropped Annie there for her afternoon placement so that was really great to have another viewpoint.
Tonight I went for Dinner with Oli, Dillon and Dean. 3 of the boys who came to the island on exchange when I was still at school. Cant believe its been nearly 4 and a half years. Time passes too quickly. We went to Caprice in Camps Bay which was really nice spent the time catching up and telling old stories. Then we went to Oblivion in Claremont and met some of the other volunteers before sampling Tin Roof on a Wednesday. Was a really good night.
14th August :Rouge Spa/Tiger Tiger - Emily’s last night
15th August - Today I went to coffee with Luann ,Tahira, Erica and Leslie as we are the three volunteers leaving this week. I was not back in time to say bye to Emily this morning which was disappointing. Was nice to chat and I feel like my time here is slowly winding down although I know that if it was possible I would stay here . This evening Leslie, Erica , Annie and I stayed at the Madela Rhodes Place for the night just to feel a bit normal and get some relaxation in before the final week. We got upgraded which was a definite bonus considering the already great exchange rate.
17th August: I am sitting in the garden at 3 hermitage it’s a Sunday afternoon and the sun is shining. Leslie left last night so its quiet . Annie and I going to miss her and Erica this last week of our volunteering. Yesterday we got back from the Mandela Rhodes at 11am and I went over to Bishops to watch the annual Rondebosch Derby game. There was a pretty awesome atmosphere. A little girl lost her mum and was running through the stands so I picked her up and took her round the crowds and through the stands she was really distressed but we finally saw her mother so I felt very relieved. Saw the guys there as they where supporting and also caught up with some old faces which was also great. The city was buzzing as it was also the Springboks vs. The All Blacks game so all the crowds where making their way over to Newlands.
I came home and took a nap, the weekends fly by so quickly. When I woke up I went to Oblivion with Erica and Leslie for one last time before we dropped her at the airport. Tracy the owner came and said by to us and made me take her number incase I ever needed anything and even offered a job to us which was so lovely of her!! We definitely had some good times there..Why are all the people we have met here so lovely? It makes leaving so much harder..
19th August : 9.05 am Start of week 6 at Blossom street primary..
I woke up this morning feeling different. I guess it is because Leslie and Erica leaving these last 2 days has made things more real for me. It is just Annie, Channon, Kate and I now left from my original group that arrived 6 weeks ago. A lot can change in a week and I feel that it will give me the chance to prepare myself and get into the right mind set for leaving CCS. This has been a massive ‘journey’ and its not the end. Now comes the process of accepting and processing all that I have experienced in the last 6 weeks in Africa.
Dinner @ Cubana , Green Point with the girls
20th August A.M @ Blossom Street
The usual buzz in the classroom, however I feel that one of the things that I wont miss is watching the children get picked on within a classroom setting and it is always the same ones. I know there are many different ways to discipline and it is all the more difficult here with the childrens home circumstances varying so much.
I just took the girls out for netball and then the boys out for Soccer. The weather is getting great and today we are going for my second leaving lunch in Guguletu township. I am still not really ready to come home yet. Last night I went to Cubana in Green Point with some of the girls and I wish I had discovered it earlier as it was such a nice place. There are so many places here and so much to do that we have barely stood still.
We just had a staff meeting which brought up the issues of abuse that children at the school are suffering from. Physical and Mental and one child mentioned goes without food at home for days and over the weekends. There are some horrifying stories which I don’t want to really write about on this blog. It really struck a nerve again and I felt like I felt during the first week here. Why is There is such a huge widespread problem of abuse in this country? The people I have met here in Cape Town have all been totally amazing. I have felt so relaxed and calm here and have been made to feel so welcome. Leaving at the end of this week will be difficult. I am so lucky that I have done this.
A quote which I found on a piece of paper Jason one of my kids gave me today from his school planner :
‘We need to understand that greatness exists in all of us. We just need to learn how to apply it.’ - Unknown

Women's day Weekend - 8-10th August

2008-08-11T13:32:00.003+01:00

I have never done/seen/experienced so much in one weekend ever…
Friday afternoon and placement was finished for the week and it was time for our free weekend. Friday evening we all arrived at Newlands stadium at about 7 to watch Western province take on the Sharks. We had amazing seats so we were very lucky. It was a great game, Nick played really well and I guess if hes a star of the future it was the game to be at as he was starting in number 8. After the game we were waiting for our cab which was going to be an hour so after going to the shop etc we just sat and waited. Then the players started coming out and getting into their cars so we where lucky enough to get our shirts signed and have photos taken with them, once again courtesy of my very friendly American friend Leslie. Afterwards we met up with some people at Oblivion in Claremont before heading to Wadda which was an experience I don’t think ill be repeating too soon. Was a good night though.
On Saturday morning I went to Bishops to watch Max a guy from the island whose on exchange here play rugby, and also Dean which was good. Great to see everyone and the atmosphere there is pretty awesome and Rugby is all that’s on the horizon when it’s a match day.
Saturday lunchtime we met our ride to Langa, the township which we would be staying in that night. I was a little apprehensive as we arrived as this was the first time we had been without proper CCS protection so to say. Annie , Erica and I bought food and we had a bbq and we gave out dinner to some of the surrounding families near to where we where staying at ‘Radebe’s B and B and Coffee Shack’. All the people we met where amazing, we walked about and visited some people’s shacks/homes. Definitely worthwhile and it was only a shame we had to stay in after dark due to safety issues. I ended up sleeping in a room by myself which was scary but I just locked the door and there where bars on the windows so I soon dozed off before Alexander called me at 6 am when he ha arrived home.. Talked to Mum on Sunday morning which was nice to have a catch up and fill her in on everything I have been doing. Its hard to explain it all in a few words because there really is no way of doing it. A month here and now it really does feel great. The kids at my placement have given me so much just through seeing them everyday.
On Sunday Gavin our guide from Cape Extreme collected 6 others and myself and we set off for a wine tour around Paarl and Stellenbosch. We visited 3 different wineries which was great and Stellenbosch is a beautiful place. Anyway who goes to University there is truly privileged…We are trying to make a plan to go and spend a night there this weekend if possible before the others leave.
Paul one of the guys here said the other day ‘we need to stop abusing the rand’ and that was such a fitting thing to say…I have been really lucky with the exchange rate over here that during free time I guess we have indulged a bit. I feel like this has been a huge part of the experience as after definitely getting our hands dirty at placement it is what is needed to unwind and discuss the day. Today was the start of my 5th week at Blossom Street. I spent the second half of my morning helping Glenda and Kara two of the new volunteers with a new initiative they decided could help the school. - To set up a library. We organised all the books so far, they where all so old and falling apart there was dust everywhere but I think it’s a fantastic idea just one basic thing we take for granted. Most of the books are from the 70’s and have been donated from other libraries including schools in the UK and the States. Its crazy!!
I just chatted with Tahira the placement co ordinator and she is going to set me up with an afternoon placement this week. In either and AIDS/HIV childrens hospital or a mental illness institute so I am very excited and hope it works out because I have been thinking a lot about what I want to do when I return home and I definitely want to see another aspect of a placement outside of the education sector. So I will let you know how that goes and where abouts I am placed.
During my stay in Langa I found this quote on one of the flyers in the coffee shack I think its very fitting for what im feeling right now ….
‘The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are’ - Samuel Johnson
Love K xx

Cape Town - Where time passes too fast...

2008-08-07T16:04:00.002+01:00

Wow this week is flying by. It crazy I am supposed to be leaving CCS on Saturday but am staying another week at the moment as this month has just gone by too quickly.
All the new volunteers are settling in well and my new room mate is also called Kate shes greek too and from the States which is awesome. On Monday we went to placement it was much quieter as orientation had started for the new volunteers so Malinga took us 7 ‘veterans’ to our placements which was good as I got to see some of the other places the girls are working at.
Tuesday morning was quite hectic at school as the strikes which where on Wednesday where starting to have an impact and teachers where deciding if they where going to march or strike and the school had to decide if it would close down or not. We where told it would not be safe for us as volunteers to be in the communities we work in but when we got home Tahira had made an announcement that none of us could attend our placements on Wednesday due to safety and the risk of rioting. So we had the day off but could not use public transport or go into the city centre. I had an a great day though. We went down to the Waterfront to meet some of the girls who where leaving this week who had just come back from a few days in Stallenbosch for lunch which was nice. We sat outside and the sun was shining. After lunch Annie, Erica and I decided it was a perfect day for table mountain. We took a cab to the bottom and bought our tickets for the cable car up. It was totally amazing - what an experience!! We could see the whole of Cape Town around us and it was such a clear day. We walked around the summit to see all the different views and animals up there. The clouds where then coming and they where blowing through us so we where walking through them. Completely fantastic experience…we where so high up that taking the cable car back down was a little freaky but definitely completely worth it. Last night I was so tired so I just stayed in to prepare for placement today.
Today, Thursday… im sad the week is almost over!! I arrived at Blossom today and first period I taught 5a a lesson on nutrition and diet etc. I had prepared 2 worksheets for them to do with activities and then gave them a quick talk and question session which was great. I love these kids so much. Afterwards I took them out for P.E and the boys played football with the flattest football I have seen. I played netball with the girls and it was hard to watch. These kids are so athletic and talented and they have nothing they play without any goal posts but they know all the rules, the positions and even how to pivot. Definitely going to play some more with them tomorrow. After break I taught the parallel grade 5b class the nutrition lesson before my transport came to fetch me at half 12. Our route home is longer now as we have to go over to Rondebosch East to collect 2 ladies working at a school called Crystal House. Its good I have the same driver but I miss the volunteers who used to be in my van.. The vibe was more my scene then. But its early days I guess and the new people are experiencing what I was when I first arrived so they have a lot of things to express. Came home for lunch which was macaroni and cheese. Everyone was joking about the carbohydrate loads here and how its an Atkins nightmare - it really is… after lunch I had a nap as I was wrecked after being up at 6 again. I just walked into Rondebosch which took about 10 minutes on my own it was fine. I went to Pick and Pay to buy some goodies for my kids as its their market day tomorrow which means they come in their own clothes and they bring food to sell to the other grades and this is how the school raises funds to buy the basics like paper and chalk for their black boards.
My room mate Carrie who has been here the last 4 weeks with me is leaving tomorrow and its her 22nd birthday today so we are going out to dinner tonight to celebrate and say goodbye to her. I really cant believe its been a month. Im looking forward to the weekend. Tomorrow evening a whole bunch of us are going to Newlands to watch the Rugby, Western Province vs. the Sharks from Durban. Its meant to be a big game and Nick the guy who Alexander met is starting which is great as hes still young to be playing for a provincial side. ( on Sunday we went to the wine bar to watch a film and have dinner and Nick had arranged to meet a girl who was friends of friends he had met on exchange in the U.K , she was called Felicity and is travelling in Sa for the next month turns out shes at University in Leeds so it was good to chat to someone from home, what a small world!!) The game starts at 7 pm then Saturday morning im going to weatehr permitting walk down to Bishops and watch max whose on exchange from the Island and Dean play rugby before heading to a township to stay in a b and b for the night. Its meant to be an amazing experience..so I will definitely keep you posted. The sun is shining and spring is here for sure its so nice outside and I am definitely very happy and relaxed here. I hope that your all taking care wherever you are and appreciate this world. I know it sounds cliched but its very true. Love K x

Another Chapter a new Beginning...

2008-08-02T14:32:00.000+01:00

I have just said goodbye to about 18 of the volunteers who have headed to CT international to catch that Delta flight. My room mate Alex left today and going to miss having her around. I still dont do good byes very well but see you soon's are better and this world is so small and big at the same time.
I didnt get much sleep last night as th cough is getting worse and Annie, Carrie and Alex all came in late then left at 5 to go Shark cage diving. I was up at 7 with everyone packing and switching rooms then the new volunteers started to arrive so leslie and i took them to Rondebosch to grab some coffee and breakfast and show them around before coming home..its strange to have so many new faces to get used to and they where all amazed at how much we knew about the city, all the places we had been and the things we have seen. I am so lucky to be experiencing this right now and the family at 3 Hermitage..I think we will go for dinner tonight and get to chat to everyone. Glad that the girls staying on with me are the ones i really connected with these past 3 weeks. Think its time for a nap and then to watch the rugby at 5 and chill..Despite the goodbyes i am definately looking forward to this next week :) xxx

Changing times, Good byes and Hello'sl...

2008-08-01T17:03:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, its 6 o clock on friday evening, The sun is beginning to set. I have finally been hit by the flu bug going around so not feeling too well. Didnt make it to my placement today which was rubbish but think it would have been really sad watching the other volunteers at Blossom street saying their goodbyes. Yesterday we had a lunch cooked for us by the teachers at school and they took an extended break time. Estelle and i had the grade 2 class again but it went alot smoother this time around.
After lunch we had the final feedback and evaluation session with Tahira the placement manager. It was emotional and sad to think that soon i will be going. Its way too early and i feel like i am just settled now. Most of my group 19 people are leaving tomorrow and 38 new people are arriving. I said bye to Vandana today one of the girls i got on with really well. Im becoming a pro at good bye's now and its easier to say see you soon. The world can be such a small place. At 6 last night we all left for the farewell dinner at this really nice restaurant called mel's kitchen in Rondebosch where we had a really nice meal and then the kareoke started. Was really good fun and the staff came too and got some classic pictures of them singing some African tunes...Tiger Tiger afterwards and saw some of the guys that came on exchange to the island a few years ago which was good fun.

We just came home from tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel. 14 of us girls went together just one last outing before everyone goes their different ways. I am lucky Annie and Carrie my room mates are staying on and so we only have one new person coming in. Rained quite a bit today... we are planning to go and stay in the township one night which is going to be exciting and another experience..theres so much going on here so many stories things to learn about and explore...and so many children with the brightest eyes who are just ready to give you a hug and brighten up your day.. Love K x

We love Molinga!!

2008-07-30T21:22:00.001+01:00

Evening!!!

What a great day... another teacher was ill so today i had to take care and teach the 2nd grade class they where better than the kindergarden kids but very challenging and i was upset i didnt get to see the grade 5 kids again. Bought another camera today so will definately take it to school tomorrow.

Today we had the leaving lunch for my original group and the old leavers it wa sin Langa township at a place called 'Mzoli's meat' it was interesting thats for sure. We sat in an outdoor tent and there where nearly as many flies as us but it turned out to be really fun. All the staff came and their was a local african group playing music and all the organisers and staff where dancing so it was really cool and relaxed a nice change but kind of sad for all the people that are leaving some have been here for up to 12 weeks.. This means new arrivals on Saturday we have a girl joining our room as alex is leaving for home. She is called Kate so will be good to meet her and all the other new people etc..

Went to Cavendish etc this afternoon and then came home just spent tonight relaxing and chatting with the girls at home preparing for tomorrow etc. We love Malinga one of the drivers at CCS hes like everyones grand father but amazing and so much fun ... I am definately growing attached to this place. Time is just passing too quickly...The world is so big yet so small. Love K X

'We all Bleed Red'

2008-07-29T18:22:00.000+01:00

Well today was a bit different to what i have experienced so far at placement. The grade r teacher 4-5 yr olds was off ill so myself and another volunteer had to take the class for the day. 45 kids in one small room with very limited resources and they really did not listen. Some where adorable others just naughty and crazy but we survived. I had to send 2 little boys to the principal for fighting and then when we took them out to play i was playing football with one and accidentally smacked a ball into his face which was terrible i felt so bad but luckily he was fine. It was quite weird in the playground with them surrounded by barbed wire and all these dodgy men kept walking by and watching.. didnt really feel very safe.. i was quite relieved when we where collected and the children left for the day. I really am attached to my grade 5 class now and looking forward to hopefully being back with them tomorrow. After lunch we left for a tour of the District Six Museaum in downtown Cape Town. It was very moving and once again we had a great guide who actually used to live there before the coloureds and blacks where forcibly removed during apartheid. He spoke about what happened how the people felt and the concequences... gang crime. Women had to work now to survive till late evenings so kids where fending for themselves growing up in clicks which became gangs and so the onset of the terrible violence that started in the townships and has now spread across the nation...everything is becoming clearer that is for sure. I took some photos before we left for home..Walked to Rondebosch to go to the supermarket and then came home. Its a quiet night this evening with some lesson preparation for tomorrow. Love K x

Busy Busy Busy....

2008-07-28T21:27:00.000+01:00

Hollaa all.

Hope everyone is doing well...Just got home and its been a long day so sorry for any spelling errors and all that. Last time i wrote was saturday before the rugby, survived the train ride to Newlands with Annie and 40 Rand secured us the best seats in the house.. equivalent of less than 4 pounds.. to watch Western Province convincingly beat Bolands 50-10. Nick a guy who used to go to Bishops played last 30 mins or so which was cool to see as hes still young so quite a big thing for him to be playing i think.. was a good experience. Went to Long Street that evening to the Dubliner which was a good night... house was quiet as everyone only really came back on Sunday evening. Yesterday it rained alot so we just chilled out and went to see Batman and relaxed before placement again and the next stretch of 6am wake up calls... Was great to go back to the kids today and see everyone again. Teaching them P.E wednesday and thursday weather permitting which is really exciting as they do not normally get P.E classes scheduled into their timetable. After placement today we came straight home for lunch then we went to the waterfront to catch the ferry to Robben island. We went on a walking tour through the prison and saw Mandela's cell and where he spent his time imprisoned on the island. Our guide was an ex prisoner so he really knew his stuff and he was very moving and touching. We then boarded a bus for a tour of the island and had a very amusing guide who had some good brit/us/bush jokes to keep us amused. The ferry back was a bit rough but all in all an amazing thing to do and definately worth it for the understanding and history i gained. Mandela is such a legend and a peoples hero here.. Went around the waterfont and had some dinner with some of the girls and we just came home now. Def ready for bed... time is flying by its crazy... cant believ i left home 2 and a half weeks ago.. so much to go into regarding what i know/learnt/seen but will save that for another time. Love K x

From Capetown with love

2008-07-26T08:04:00.001+01:00

Good Morning...
It is about 9 am in CapeTown and the sun is shining!! I desperately wanted a lie in today as 6:30 am wake up calls tire you out but no such luck i think my body clock is set to wake up early now. The house is very quiet as a big group went off to do the Garden route for the weekend and another couple have just left for a wine tour.
Yesterday was the end of another week at Blossom street. Time is flying by..On thursday afternoon we took a tour to the Cape Malay quarter and learnt about the slave trade and also went to the slave house/museum in the city centre. As we learn more about the history of this country it becomes clear why the people living here are living the way they are surrounded by violence and crime.

Last night we decided to go to this local wine bar which is more of a chilled out place with a fire and sofas etc. We called the cab as usual and Annie Leslie and myself got in. The driver had no idea where to go and we ended up in back streets and he was shouting etc. It was a pretty scary situation we are all aware of what is going on but the thing that struck me was driving through a residential area which was only really in an average area, every house had the 'ADT Security' signs outside or posted on their gates and walls. To think everyone has an armed response unit ready to be at their property in 3 minutes is quite a numbing thought. We met some local people and randomly it turns out a girl i went to school with years ago on the island was a really good friend of theirs. Such a small world!!
So i feel like time is flying, im learning , things are starting to make sense...Next Saturday alot of my group are leaving to go back home and the new intake will be here so will be nice to meet some more new people and we have a busy week ahead with placements, talks and on monday we are visiting Robben Island which im really looking forward to...I hope you all enjoy the weekend and those of you at home, the manx sun is shining. I am heading to Newlands today to watch a Western province game and i think Bishops are playing the 'curtain raiser' so will be nice to get some fresh air and do something different although my camera which i bought the day i left London is broken already along with 3 other girls here so im pretty gutted/irritated about that. I will update you all later... Will Love from Capetown :) xx

Comfort comes after a struggle...

2008-07-23T13:54:00.001+01:00

Hey Hey Hey...

Its wednesday and i cant believe i am already halfway through another week at my placement. This morning i taught my first lesson to the grade 5 class. The subject was District 6 which was something that came about in an area as a concequence of apartheid so it was quite a delicate subject. It actually went really well so i feel more relaxed now. The teachers at the school are just briallint and i cant say enough good things about the children. Then it was story time so i took my class outside and read them the story about 'Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves' as the sun shone down.
Today we had a special assembly to celebrate Nelson Mandela's birthday. The whole school sat out in their yard and they where so well bahaved it was amazing to watch as the principal along with some grade 7 pupils helped to deliver the story. We heard Mandela's history and everything he has achieved and then everyone sang happy birthday to him. It was very moving to see how he is worshipped and honoured by the community and children that are so young. Estelle one of the other CCS volunteers was asked to go to the front and light a candle for Mandela which was left burning throughout the ceremony. When i went to leave at 12:30 the kids where all running up to say bye. They are just so lovely..today was one of those days where we walked out smiling when we where collected...

We where home for half 1 or so and today we had some perspective programming which prepared us for our tour of the Malay and slave museuams tomorrow afternoon. We had a Cape Malay lunch and talk by Tahira the placement manager at CCS South Africa. It was really informative and we got to hear about her culture and all the different traditions they have..The sun is shining and some of the group have gone to hike table mountain or to Camps Bay beach. Its pretty chilly but really good atmosphere in the house although i am one of the minority who is not battling with an illness at the moment which is a bit rubbish. I think we may be going to venture to a place on Loop Street this evening called 'Bang Bang' interesting name for a place.... Lots of Love , K x

Monday 21st July...

2008-07-21T13:24:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone, i hope you all enjoyed the weekend :)

My weekend flew by and i cant believe tomorrow is tuesday. On Saturday i didnt get to the safari as i was not feeling very well so stayed home and chilled out. That evening Dean collected me and i went up to his house in Constantia for a lovely meal and met his family and some family friends who knew Alexander. They where all so friendly and wonderful people so i had a lovely evening...I had an early night as yesterday mroning sunday we left at 8 am for our tour to Cape point. We had a long day and didnt get home much before 7 however we saw so many things. Starting at Camps Bay, then Hout Bay, Chapman's peak, Constantia suburbs, The Ostrich farm, then we arrived at cape point the furthest point south where the atlantic and indian oceans meet. We took a train/cable car to the summit and the views where just unbelievable. We then enjoyed a nice lunch in 'the two oceans' restaurant before heading to The cape of Good hope and our last stop Boulders beach where we got to see the penguins!! - The baby ones where so cute and so much smaller than i ever imagined.

Back to placement this morning which was good. I am going to be taking a couple of lessons this week. P.E and then History to teach my glass about district 6 and what happened there once i have been on a tour of the district 6 museaum where we are going sometime this week as part of our perspectives programming.. We just had lunch and some people are off doing different things, or sleeping as everyone is coughing and sneezing. Am contemplating a run or maybe a nap first its amazing how tiring these little children can be!! :)

One Week Down!

2008-07-19T09:48:00.000+01:00

Morning all :)

Irs saturday morning and the sun is shining. I decided not to go to the game reserve this morning with some of the group as i was exhausted and needed some good sleep after a couple of late nights. Im currently working hard to fight off the illnesses that many people in my house are suffering with due to working with sick children all the time. So far so good :)

Yesterday - Friday was my 4th day at my placement, things are going really well. I gave the teacher a break and took my class of 5th graders 10-11 year olds about 45 of them outside. I read them a story and then we did some running races, they where so excitable. The teachers at the school are so friendly and have made us feel really comfortable already.

When we returned home at 1 o'clock we found balloons and a bbq cooking in the garden and the house staff preparing a mini bbq-braai party for us to celebrate thier legend and here Mandela's 90th birthday. He really is the nation's grandfather!!

Afterwards i went to Cavendish Mall in Claremont to meet Dean (Alexander's Bishops Exchange) was very relieved to see him after a stressed out taxi ride their with quite a crazy driver. We drove to Constantia the capetown suburbia which was really nice. Beautiful houses and stopped at this nice restaurant place..then he showed me his house and we quickly drove around the 'Bishop's' campus which was really really nice and only about 5 mins from my home base . We get the weekends free to do side trips and sightseeing so when i got home i went back to Cavendish with some of the girls to get some essentials we needed and look around. Then we went to 'Oblivion' a nice chilled wine bar to meet the other girls as some are leaving today to go back to the states. A couple of them have become locals so we got asked to test their new cocktails which was good fun. It got really busy by the time we where leaving but the Safari bus left at 6 am so it was a resonably early night. Going to watch the rugby match soon SA VS Australia..I hope your all keeping well.. take care. Love K x

Thursday @CCS in Capetown...continued

2008-07-17T16:56:00.000+01:00

The little boy who i mentioned who lives alone with an alcoholic mother drew me a picture today and coloured it all in. He came upto me and said 'teacher Katie this is for you' he is just so sweet. They ask alot of questions about the UK and they are intrigued to know everything!!
Today i alspo got to find out a bit more about some of the pupils. One little girl is struggling due to foetal alcohol syndrome and another has a father in prison for murder. These children are so young and i know these situations are all over the globe but since i have started working with these children you become more aware and compassionate...

38 percent of teachers in Southern Africa are HIV positive.. sorry another random thought but that just shows that Aids and Hiv do not only affect those low down on the socio economic scale..

After the workshop i sat and talked to Shirley the house manager about a few things outside in the sun. Mandela's birthday tomorrow he turns 90 so definately going to be a big day!!

I definately didnt bring enough clothes so just walked to Rondebosch to get some basics..and get phone credit etc. Its so strange so diverse, i can go running in the day or walk to the shop but as soon as it gets dark we are locked behind gated wired fences..2 nights ago the security alarm went off about 1 am and it was pretty terrifying for all. No one knew what was happening or what we where to do. That is one scary thing that is so contrasting to being back at home. Also when we are collected from our placements we have to wait for the driver to come right into the premises through the security gates and collect us right by the door. We are so lucky we have been told the no go's and what we can safely do etc. Sorry to ramble its just remembereing to get it all out.. Might be seeing Alexander's exchange Dean tonight or tom which will be awesome. The bell just rang for dinner and then were heading to this student place called Tiger Tiger in Claremont :) I cant believe its been a week since i left home. It feels like have been here longer but definately in a good way..Love to all . Katie xx

Thursday @CCS in Capetown...

2008-07-17T16:49:00.000+01:00

Hollaaa all,

I feel like there is so much to say i have seen so much in the last two days it is hard to remember everything.. yesterday we had the afternoon off so a bunch of us travelled into the city and went to green point and the pan african market. Then we where home for dinner before going to Claremont for a quick drink before curfew haha...

Today has been busy...

Wake up @ 6:30 am to shower then breakfast at 7
7:45 be ready to board the right minibus to be driven to township placement
8-1 township placement then 1pm collection for lunch at home base.

After lunch Luann the programme dorector gave us a lecture/workshop on hiv and aids... we learnt so much from her, and this helped me to understand more about why there is such a huge crisis and aids epidemic across southern africa. In Capetown a woman is raped every 4 minutes. This is a shocking statistic. There is a huge problem with orphaned children becuase the middle generation who should be economially active is affected so terribly by the virus...

Day 3 at Blossom primary went really well. I was able to take the grade 5's outside to read them a story. they are so well behaved one little boy even carried a chair out for me so cute!! I spent a while talking to the teacher today about the townships, the children and the culture in general.

Load shedding Sa style so no power... will continue ASAP. Love Xx

First Day at Blossom Primary

2008-07-15T14:14:00.003+01:00

Afternoon all,

its about 3:15 right now we just had lunch and placement feedback with Luann and now we have an hour or so till we need to get organised for our Afrikaans or isiXHOSA lessons. The lessons are important to help us grasp some basic words which we may need at our placements so very worthwhile. Its pretty darn cold today and the sky is grey so lots of tea and coffee.

This morning at 7am i was up and at breakfast ready to board the buses at 7:45. We have 4 minibuses which all take us on different routes to the township placements. Myself Joanna and Alex where dropped at Blossom Primary which is in Silvertown a coloured township area. I didnt really know what to expect so kept expectations low. On arrival we met the principal and vice principal who where extremely welcoming and friendly. There are about 700 children in the school with only about 10-12 teachers max so things can get pretty hectic. Im going to be working with a grade 5 class who are about 10-11 years old. There 44 children in the one classroom which is pretty cramped. The teacher who was called Mrs.Abrahams was amazing, she has taught there for over 35 years..I quickly realised that this was not what i really had expected... The kids all had uniforms on and were so bright. They asked if i had been to th eLondon bridge and where so keen to know everything. It was a very mixed class some living in basic housing and others in shacks. The kids where all so well disciplined and respectful - completely different to kids in UK schools. The classes are taught in Afrikaans and English so the children are ulimately blingual which is brilliant. I got to talk to Mrs Abrahams a bit before break time which they call 'interval' at half 10. We went to the staffroom and had tea and met the other teachers. There was a big discussion about the food situation becuase the school has a feeding programme for the children whose parents cant afford to feed them - the basics even 2 slices of bread. this was pretty heart wrenching as before break the kids all had to say if they had brought food (which is basically 2 or 3 slices of bread, with butter if they are lucky) the children that hadnt brought anything where kind of forced to stand out and i guess this is where i began to notice the difference in how schools are run over here. parents dont give their kids bread becuase they know if they dont the school can sometimes provide so this becomes a little bit of a tricky situation. One boy Jason was pointed out to me, he lives alone in a township with his alcoholic mother. Jason is 10 years old yet he does everything for himself including walking to and from school through a high risk, dangerous area. He came to school this morning and told his teacher that he was worried becuase his mum was out at a friends till 3am leaving him alone and she got attacked whilst on her way home by men with a bottle. She was drunk and didnt make it to work today, He was worrying because he knew no work meant no money which meant no rent. The thought that this is what a 10 year old boy has on the weight of his shoulders is pretty tough to deal with...
I am so excited for tomorrow already and hope that we can do alot with these kids. They are so bright and eager to hear about the western world....I am lucky i was hesitant about my placement but in feedback sess. today the 25 or so of us sat around and everyone had to say how first day went. There was alot of emotions floating about. Some of the girls are working at an Aids hospice and their are very little resources in these places. Annie my room mate is working at one organisation which helps immigrants and migrants. Today she helped a Zimbabwean refugee find clothing, 3 items - shoes a shirt and pants thats it. She got to talk to him about why he is here and she heard how he is currently living under a bridge... I know this is going to sound so cliched but we really have no idea how lucky we really are....xx

2008-07-14T18:32:00.000+01:00

After placement tomorrow we have our language lessons. I have to go to Afrikaans for my placement the other option was isiXhosa!!! will keep you all updated. 'Dankie' xxx K

2 Days, 2 Worlds One City!! - CAPETOWN

2008-07-14T18:01:00.002+01:00

Hi guys,
So i am finally all settled in Capetown at the home base. So far so good. Am rooming with 3 other girls all from the States. Our home base is pretty big housing 30 of us girls and the boys get to sleep in what they call the 'man cave' outside right by the security. On arrival i was given a thorough explanation of the security, bars, gates and where the panic alarms are situated. We have security but they are not armed as the house manager feels that would attract more attention. We have a direct response to a security company which can reach us in 3 minutes with back up. So all seems rather scary at first... Yesterday we had orientation which started with all the rules and guidelines. what to do what not to do etc.. we where welcomed by Luann our Afrikaans programme manager and she is absolutely lovely. However the 'Welcome to Capetown , probably the crime and murder capital of the world' sent a few shock waves out!! However we all know the situation here... So after orientation in the morning we went on a tour of Capetown, We where driven upto Signal hill where we got what was an absolutely amazing view of the city and devils peak i think. The sun was shining as we drove down to Camps bay.. absolutely gorgeous beach area very cosmopolitan and european cafes and all the posers pretty much Puerto Banus without the boats.. We got to paddle in the sea and then we drove back past Clifton and Bantry bay. You could be in Miami, or anywhere in the world!! You could tell this was the upmarket area..We came home and changed then a few of us went to the Waterfront and had dinner and some wine at a pizza place.. lovely to walk around down there and felt very safe our taxis collected and dropped us right by the entrance...Curfew is 11 during the week and is needed due to the early starts.
This morning alrams went off at 7 and so the day began..it was pitch black and kind of chilly. After breakfast we split into our groups and my group was first to head of on a township tour of the communities which we will be working in. We had a great guide who came with us and the CCS driver. We first stopped at District 6 which is an area filled with history from the apartheid era. Then we travlled to Langa a township.. the poverty was hard hitting and it was something which cannot really be explained until you see it. Millions of people literally living in this 'black' township. The people there where so welcoming. We met this 77 year old gentleman who invited us into his room which he shared with 3 other families. He pays the equilavent of one pound a month for his bed and space. Outside there was rubbish littered all around and children playing one thing that struck me was how happy these people appeared. How friendly they where and how relaxed. I feel like they dont really have any idea what is outside their township let alone around the world..and they are unaffected by this. 2000 people arrive in Capetown each day from other countries in Africa trying to find a better life. We went through Athlone and Guguleto 'coloured' townships and the infamous Cape Flats area. Once we returned to the home base for the second part of orientation which was about our placements and what we will be doing. I will be based at Blossom Primary with 2 other volunteers Alex and Joanna which is very exciting. Tomorrow is our first day and our placement manager will accompany us to introduce us to our supervisors etc. We are collected at 7:45 and the CCS drivers will then do the round dropping everyone at their various placements within the townships.. The drivers are local so Luann explained to us that if at any time their was a problem or they felt it was unsafe to go into the areas they wouldnt hesitate and we would never be placed in that position. Only recently when the Xenophobic attacks occured did they have an incident like this. We then had a history of South Africa given to us by Luann who seems amazing, she told us what it was like living in SA as a white south african during apartheid. She has met Nelson mandela twice and his family numerous times. Very interesting lady i think...

About 5 ' o clock orientation was over so i decided to walk to Rondebosch which is ten mins away with some of the others.Rondebosch is a student area right by the University of Capetown. Its nothing like Leeds AT ALL!! To be honest you do feel rather uncomfortable walking around and its so different to what i am used to. We cant bring our bags with us or display and phones, jewellery or the like. We also have to be back by 6 the time it starts getting dark. If we want to go out after this time we have to take a taxi. Everything is really cheap here compared to at home so far..the americans are all loving the exchange rate too. Its so hard to undestand the great divide in this city. Aprtheid is over but their is still this vibe looming overhead. On the way to langa the black township we passed a ferrari and Maserati dealership...such a huge divide its unexplainable. I am so excited to start my placement tomorrow. No matter what my thoughts and expectations where before i arrived , today i realised that the children definately steal your hearts!! Love K xx

TouchDown!!

2008-07-12T20:10:00.001+01:00

Hi All,

So i am finally in Capetown, it seems pretty surreal. Currently sitting in the home base lounge whilst everyone is arriving and settling in. I arrived at about half 11 this morning and was collected at the airport by the CCS driver and brough to the home base. passed through the townships - Langa being one on the way here but will be seeing more tomorrow on the guided tour. The flight was actually alright i didnt sleep for the whole 12 hours but randomly met some dutch students at heathrow who wanted to swap seats with me but ended up sitting with them and some unaccompanied minors so passed the time.

I was shown around the home base on arrival and the staff here are all lovely. The train runs right past our back garden and Rondebosch is only 5 mins away. Will explore more tomorrow. had an amazing view of Table Mountain as we landed in CapeTown and some of the mountains where even covered in snow. Its pretty chilly here but at least theres no rain. Orientation starts at 9am tomorrow so we will have everything explained to us then before placements begin on Tuesday!! All very exciting...!! Love K xx

Placement Description

2008-07-10T01:30:00.000+01:00

My last night at home...still not completely packed as saving that for the morning. Thanks for all the cards and wishes and the girls presents to entertain me on my long flight. Tis is a description of my placement. K x

Description
Blossom Street Primary a primary (junior) school for approx 600 - 1000 children from the age of 5 and 14yrs. The school has 30:1 student teacher ratio and classes are over-crowded. Blossom Street Primary is a public school and lacks resources and manpower. The children are a mixture of Coloured and Black and come from the surrounding areas and the nearby townships. They are all from previously disadvantaged areas and are all living in crime infested, violent communities. Many of their parents are unemployed and live below the breadline. They generally speak Afrikaans and Xhosa but English and is widely understood.

3 days to go!!

2008-07-08T12:24:00.000+01:00

I only have two more days on the Isle of Man before i leave for London and then on Friday night i will be boarding South African Airlines for the 12 hour flight into Capetown international. I found out there is another volunteer travelling on my flight so i think we are going to meet in Heathrow before which will be good.

Stephen my programme co-ordinator sent me my volunteer placement profile yesterday. I will be working at Blossom Street Primary which is in Silvertown. A township in the infamous Cape Flats area from what i know. I am starting to get nervous as i reall have no idea what to expect but i know it will be amazing and until i arrive there is only so much i can do to prepare myself. Ill be volunteering with children aged 5-15 who live way below the bread line , teaching Physical Ed and assisting in a classroom environment.

I still ont know which volunteering house i will be in yet as there are two. One in Rosebank and one in Rondebosch so excited to find out where and who i will be living with during my programme. Really looking forward to meeting everyone will be a welcome relief after the long journey!! Lots of Love, K x

2 Weeks to Go!!

2008-06-26T23:39:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, thought that this whole blog idea would probably be the easiest way for me to keep up with everyone at home and around the world whilst i am in South Africa...Two weeks today i leave for London where i have an overnight stay and then fly out to Cape Town from London Heathrow on the evening of the 11th. So Excited to meet my fellow volunteers!! K xx