31-5-12 Time flies...it's the last day of May!!
MUCPP Township
Summary
Today we returned to the Chris Hani Township and did home visits. We once again saw extremely poor families along with some that were well off. We provided supplements and referrals here and there and I learned more interesting facts about the black culture and traditions.
Detailed Account
Today was much like the first day of the internship. We picked up our translator but unfortunately our security guard was unable to join us. I was shocked to learn that he had to appear in court today as the guardian of his niece. She had skipped her two previous court dates from being raped so she was arrested yesterday, which is absolutely absurd to be arrested for being raped! Anyway he managed to meet up with us later in the day.
We spent the day visiting many homes in the Chris Hani Township and completing the nutritional assessments. Many people throughout the day came up to us and asked if we could give them seeds. It was wonderful to see how eager they were to plant their own gardens and have a vegetable supply. We saw one very thin 14 year old girl on the side of the road. We proceeded to follow her home so we could determine her BMI. She was extremely thin, so we provided supplements for her to begin immediately and then return to the clinic for more in two weeks.
I learned of a few more interesting facts about the traditions and thoughts of the black communities...
People have so many children in the townships in hopes that they will be looked after when they are elders. Rarely can anyone afford or wishes to go into a nursing home, instead the children take care of their parents. Even with these thoughts I find it common that many of the children have children of their own and then leave the grandchildren with their Opas and/or Omas.
I also found it intriguing that sex is seen as a common occurrence in the households. Because the homes are so small and privacy is so very limited very young children see their parents during intercourse. Many of the families sleep together in their living rooms and the parents have little shame and will engage with everyone around. Therefore children follow in their parents footsteps and begin having sex at a young age because it is as common to them as eating breakfast and going to school. I honestly don't think I have an opinion of this new found knowledge yet, I am just in shock.
What might have made my day when we drove past a day care. The children were playing outside and we stopped by. They immediately all ran over to the fence while I said "Dumela!" (hello), they responded so eagerly back. Goodness they were so innocent and full of life and hope, I can only pray they will safe happy, healthy, and well in the difficult years that they are sure to face.
MUCPP Township
Summary
Today we returned to the Chris Hani Township and did home visits. We once again saw extremely poor families along with some that were well off. We provided supplements and referrals here and there and I learned more interesting facts about the black culture and traditions.
Detailed Account
Today was much like the first day of the internship. We picked up our translator but unfortunately our security guard was unable to join us. I was shocked to learn that he had to appear in court today as the guardian of his niece. She had skipped her two previous court dates from being raped so she was arrested yesterday, which is absolutely absurd to be arrested for being raped! Anyway he managed to meet up with us later in the day.
We spent the day visiting many homes in the Chris Hani Township and completing the nutritional assessments. Many people throughout the day came up to us and asked if we could give them seeds. It was wonderful to see how eager they were to plant their own gardens and have a vegetable supply. We saw one very thin 14 year old girl on the side of the road. We proceeded to follow her home so we could determine her BMI. She was extremely thin, so we provided supplements for her to begin immediately and then return to the clinic for more in two weeks.
 |
| At a home visit |
 |
| Fat cakes, a normal part of their diet (very unhealthy) |
People have so many children in the townships in hopes that they will be looked after when they are elders. Rarely can anyone afford or wishes to go into a nursing home, instead the children take care of their parents. Even with these thoughts I find it common that many of the children have children of their own and then leave the grandchildren with their Opas and/or Omas.
I also found it intriguing that sex is seen as a common occurrence in the households. Because the homes are so small and privacy is so very limited very young children see their parents during intercourse. Many of the families sleep together in their living rooms and the parents have little shame and will engage with everyone around. Therefore children follow in their parents footsteps and begin having sex at a young age because it is as common to them as eating breakfast and going to school. I honestly don't think I have an opinion of this new found knowledge yet, I am just in shock.
What might have made my day when we drove past a day care. The children were playing outside and we stopped by. They immediately all ran over to the fence while I said "Dumela!" (hello), they responded so eagerly back. Goodness they were so innocent and full of life and hope, I can only pray they will safe happy, healthy, and well in the difficult years that they are sure to face.
 |
| One of the best moments!!! |
No comments:
Post a Comment