Written by GSGC member Kartr Johnson

“What’s behind the wall?” This question surfaced throughout our visit to Cape Town. It represented many things, but in particular the realization that opportunity and hope may lie beneath the surface of any picture, regardless of the outward impression. We were continually amazed by the resiliency, entrepreneurship and cooperation of the people we encountered in South Africa, and nowhere were these traits more evident than Jikelaza.

At Jikelaza children are taught to dance, but look behind the wall and you’ll find dance being effectively used as a vehicle to teach responsibility, respect, acceptance, and above all hope. The base idea is that if children come to Jikelaza after school to learn to dance they aren’t on the streets, but much more is happening.

The staff and instructors at Jikelaza are keenly aware of the challenges children in the townships are facing and the goal is to educate and support the children to help them avoid the pitfalls. Young women benefit from the program in particular, as the staff addresses teen-pregnancy and low self-esteem issues, which many young women in the community fall prey to. Staying in school is a requirement to attend Jikelaza. Workshops and performances expose the children to people and places they would never otherwise come in contact with, and broaden their perspective of life in the process. The school is also beginning to bring formerly disparate communities together by bringing their children together.

So much is being taught at Jikelaza that one might leave forgetting about the dancing, which is as creative and full of life as the staff and students. Graduates of the school have gone on to professional dance companies and to university. Some have returned to teach at the school, helping Jikelaza’s efforts to break a cycle of despair for children in the community. We left the school inspired and impressed by the idea, the progress being made, and the people we met.

Peter Macy gives an update about the broadening outreach and ripple effect of the GSGC by introducing you to Antony Ranjan of Livingstone, ZA

On our recent trip to Zambia, one goal was to find “eyes and ears” on the ground when we are not around and partners to help support capacity building in a few key areas.

Through our contacts, we were told about Antony Ranjan, a partner at Moorse Rowland accounting firm, who was very dedicated to helping in the community and had already made great contributions.  Word was he had taken on so much already that he probably wouldn’t be available but we hoped to least to talk to him for ideas and contacts.

Mr. Ranjan agreed to give me time at the end of his regular working day to chat.  I met Antony in his office and introduced myself, the Giving Circle and Tusa Munyandi and Ray of Hope.  Before I got too far he left me speechless when he jumped in and said he wanted to help and where he thought he could help.

With a mix of surprise and relief he said that he would a.) be willing to audit the “books” of Tusa Munyandi and Ray of Hope, b.) help mentor and teach them in proper accounting and c.) serve as our “eyes and ears” on the ground.

Why would someone, who was probably one of the busiest citizens of Livingstone agree to be so generous? I don’t think I’ll ever know the deep reason that is in Antony’s heart, but on the surface I think it’s his dedication to help people.

And, subsequent to my meeting, he agreed to meet Priscilla and our two partners; so we had a large meeting with everyone just before we all departed Livingstone.  During the meeting Antony repeated his offer, asked our partners to prepare and present their “books” in the coming weeks and even agreed to send us monthly newsletters. Mr. Ranjan is a man of his words, is authentic and has a heart for the people of Zambia.

We are blessed to have him as friend.  In addition, Priscilla has agreed to connect him with those that want to send books to Zambia – so that he can fulfill just another one of his many activities, to improve literacy in Livingstone.

This is why the GSGC is inspired to support girls and education!

Addison Schonland of IAG interviewed a few GSGC travelers.  Hear about their experiences, what makes these trips so special and how the GS Giving Circle got started.

Listen in and get the full scoop!

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Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie gives us a simple yet enlightening insight about expanding our cultural understanding… take a few minutes to listen in to hear her powerful message.

For an overview of this year’s GSGC trip to Southern Africa, read below and check out the summary on the Global Sojourns website.

GSGC travelers in front of Table Mt.

Talking to some of the Jikeleza students after class

Visitng MonkeyBiz, a local workshop for disadvantaged women

Students sponsored by GSGC

Visiting a student's home

Jikeleza dancer

Jekeleza students waiting to dance

Edmund, director of Jikeleza

Correspondent Paige

We are on our way home! To see what we have seen and to experience what we have been given the opportunity to experience will stay with me always!

The children we have met along the way have been extraordinary. They have an inner light that shines especially as we have seen when they dance.

Capetown is a vibrant city and we saw so much in a very short time. We met many individuals who are making such a difference in the lives of many people who just need a hand up not a hand out!

Cape Town

I feel very good about the dolls that we brought with us and all the underwear will go to very deserving little children. The money from class donations will go toward building a preschool in Dwambe in Livingston, Zambia. All of our families helped make this possible. There is much more to be done but I am leaving feeling so honored to be part of such an experience.

I loved seeing all the animals in the wild! (And yes Giancarlo, I did see baby elephants– so many I couldn’t count them!)

I will continue to share my thoughts. Right now it is time to say good-bye and get on the plane!

See you in the States! Thank you Africa!

Paige