Report of the IGM Youth delegation to Port Elizabeth, South Africa
24th November ‘til 08th December 2006
The participants were; Carina Reuchlein, Thomas Baumeister, Teresa Holz, Manuel Wagner, Nina Holbing, Nico Limprecht, Costa Anastasiou, Eduard Prediger, Franziska Bühler and Jens Bernstein. Hanna Reindler acted in the capacity of translator to the team members.
The aim of the Brigade was:
- Getting to know the societal and political situation of the South African people and people living in the Townships
- Experiencing South African living and working conditions and exchanging information about the same in Germany
- Occupational development with the motto: Learning Together
- Extending a shed to the Youth Centre in Walmer Township, Port Elizabeth
- Clearly defining contacts and the continued cooperation, as well as concrete support for the Xolelanani Youth project
- Renovating the Youth centre
The following renovations were done at the project:
- Renovating the old buildings of the Youth Centre
- Repairing and repainting of the outer façade - besides that, the IGM logo was re-applied
- A wooden extension added to the Youth centre
- Sandboxes, which drew moisture into the walls, were removed
- Had the cracks in the walls repaired by experienced hands
- A mirror was fixed in the ladies toilette
- Poles for the gate was set in concrete again
- Repairing the sewage pipes for the toilettes
- Collectively deciding not to renew the floors – only to replace some nuts and bolts
We also visited the University of Port Elizabeth. There we mainly talked about the general state of South Africa, the economical development of the country, as well as the political environment in South Africa. Furthermore, we were also enlightened about South Africa’s biggest problem, nl. AIDS.
We visited an AIDS home, where many children are being taken care off. Here we experienced and were enlightened about the situation even more accurately. We handed over a small gift of packages with disposable nappies to the manageress.
By visiting these projects, we gained some insight as to how people live - in some cases, how they have to survive.
Every now and then, we could find some time to relax and for leisure. We continually, throughout our stay, scrutinised the many impressions we picked up on our visit to this African country. This scrutiny normally took place during our evening planning- and closure discussion rounds and its content and form was complemented by all attendants.
Towards the end of our visit in South Africa, we organised a farewell party in the form of a “Braai” at The Willows Seaside Resort.