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Building for the Future

21 May 2018
Antara P & Hayley F, Mack; Photo by Robbie K, Whittall '19
After three days at Mlilwane Big Game Park, we picked up our shovels and wheelbarrows and, brick by brick, began erecting the structure that would bring together a rural community. The building would present them with opportunities to take cooking classes to help families become more self sufficient, host board meetings for the high school and local parents, and act as a “city centre” for the community surrounding it. Without this building, the surrounding school would be unable to advance further than tenth grade; now they are able to finish high school and adults are given the opportunity to get the education that they may have never have received otherwise.  As the foundation had already been completed. we worked mixing cement, moving cinder blocks and grouting bricks. The work was tough, but with lots of water breaks and the lighthearted and playful spirit brought by the wonderful residents whom we worked alongside made it easy to forge friendships and made learning the art of cement mixing enjoyable. While we were there, we had the opportunity to visit some of the local ‘Gogos’ or grandmothers. Many of these women were raising their grandchildren or even great grandchildren and had never left their communities. Our ability to bring them oil and rice made a substantial difference in their lives for the time that the food would last. In Swazi culture it is uncommon to be emotional in front of strangers, yet when the Gogos received the food, tears of joy were shed and some even danced a little jig. This was an extremely powerful experience as you could immediately see what an impact our small offering had on them and their families. Despite rainy weather preventing us from working, we did not waste the day as it gave us an excuse to visit a halfway house in Manzini. Children in this house were left there to be taken care of after being abandoned or rescued. Though both parties were shy at first, we soon came out of our shells. It escalated from quietly reading to loads of giggles and intense games of rock, paper, scissors. Leaving was bittersweet, but we had the chance to return a couple days later. On our second visit, we were happily greeted with hugs and smiles, and finished the day off with a giant dance party in the sun.  We left these experiences teary eyed and sometimes even heartbroken, but what we gained from them will never be forgotten.  Antara P & Hayley F, Mack

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