Sideways Rain

I've decided that the titles to the blog will the weather-related :) so that way you'll know the CT forecast :)

I’ve enjoyed the first few days that I’ve been at Living Hope. I’ve gotten to ask lots of questions about the social situation here in Cape Town. So, I’ll share what I’ve learned- I’m sure it will be in a jumbled up, fragmented way—but you love me anyway, right?

The unemployment rate is really high here- especially in the poverty stricken townships. This is a pretty complicated issue, I’m sure, but one reason is because it is really hard to find work here. Every morning on our way to work we see men lining up on the streets hoping for work- waiting for someone to pick them up for some random job. I wonder how many of these men wait and wait until they finally give up and walk back home. Another reason for the high unemployment is lack of motivation for work. People can oftentimes live off pensions or the goodwill of others- so there is no point in working. Alcoholism, crime, and drug abuse are rampant here- so also factor into unemployment.

Another major issue here is education. During the days of apartheid, black and coloured people did not have access to good education. Even if they did go to school- what would be the point- they could not get good jobs because the rules of apartheid kept them from achieving anything. So, there are generations of black and coloured people who see no value in education, so why would they care if their children were educated. So, children are encouraged to do well in school. Also, the gov't does not effectively regulate enforcing children to be in school.

But…there is a generation of children and teens now who really value education and learning. The farther SA gets away from the apartheid the more and more things will continue to change for the better. Jess, LHCC social worker, says that things have come a long way since apartheid ended—and will continue to change over time.

I know there is a lot more to learn and I’ll be excited to share it! Oh...the pics are of some of my new friends here!

Well I have to go, I’m off to help serve afternoon tea to the patients in the Health Care Unit! (Don’t you think we should have “tea time” in the US?..I definitely do ☺)

Have a wonderful day! ~L