I consider myself to be a very emotional person. When I watch a movie I often start crying. In sad situations as well as in happy ones. But never ever I have been moved to tears by anybody giving a speech or performing on stage. This morning it was different.
When we arrived at Fontein Combined School in Port Elizabeth we didn’t expect much although the principal had promised us a welcome celebration. The kids are still in their holidays so we were happily surprised when we realised that they organised a really big event with teachers, students and even their parents involved.
For me the time in South Africa hasn’t been too different to Europe so far. I didn’t really feel like being in South Africa. Always I’ve asked myself when this point of realising would come. This was definitely this morning.
Seeing these kids dance and sing for us and being confronted with indigenous rites was a totally new experience for me and I didn’t expect it to be so intense. It moved me to tears how these kids danced for us expressing their happiness about us staying with them for the next three weeks. They thanked God for having chosen their school and showed us how much they appreciate our work.
I’ve never before met people who are so warm and welcoming. We haven’t even done anything yet and they included us in their school as equal members, not visitors from outside.
It’s often those people who don’t have much that are the most friendly and welcoming people. I’ve often heard that before – now I know what people were talking about. And they are absolutely right.
I was totally unprepared for the welcome we got at the school. Seeing what effort the school made for our arrival was amazing. From being blessed by the traditional Khoi People, listening to how the various cultures are part of the school, all the people working together. It really made me proud of being a South African. (Stefan Ooshuizen)
I’m fascinated by and I appreciate the warmly and joyful way of how we were welcomed at the school today. It was such a unique experience, seeing many South African cultures together and getting a small insight in their rich and amazing tradition, which was very touching and I will never forget it. The start into this project couldn’t have been any better. (Leni Gründl)
I have never experienced such an emotional and overwhelming welcoming ceremony in my life so far and the way they represented their passion, joy and rich culture and welcomed us to be part of their community felt more honest than at any place I have ever been to. After connecting through dancing with the students and speaking to the parents and teachers, I have no doubts about the success of our project anymore. (Rebecca Berker)
written by Saskia Bauer