Hello from South Africa!

I made it safely and I have so much to write and only about 3 minutes. Internet is not what we are used to at home. Today was my first full day here and everyone has been incredibly welcoming. I went to the school today and met the Principal and children. I actually taught all 4 sections of the fourth grade! I'm helping them with their language and communication in English. They don't actually start learning English until the 4th grade so I'll be working in grades 4-7 while i'm here. The school's resources are so minimal. Kids don't even have pencils of their own. They break one pencil in half and then 2 kids share. It's so different from what I'm used to! I'm trying to excite the kids about reading and learning and they are quite curious. I've shared some pictures that were drawn by Richboro 4th graders and the children LOVED them! I will have many more stories to share as well as pictures. The community here doesn't have much, but they do have big hearts and open arms. The children are so sweet and I so look forward to seeing more of them next week!!

First Teacher Safely Arrives in Cape Town!

Hi Debra

Tanya arrived safely and I will be taking her to school tommorrow.Let me thank you very much for all what you have done for our kids and our community,you have put Khayellitsha on the map and I hope that this would be the beginning of many good things.When you mentioned this I did'nt know that it can be possible.We appreciate all what you and all the people who have contributed to this.

I love you all,I will keep you updated

Love

Vicky

From: Debra Lynn Marra
Subject: Books arrive?
To: "Vicky Ntonzini" <vickysbandb@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, July 17, 2009, 5:13 PM

Dear Vicky:

Did the cartons of books arrive yet? I have a garage full of donated books which I am trying to get shipped over by a company that buys South African wines. If I can get enough books, how can you get a space for a library? Could we build a cinder block building near you?

Regards,

Debra

Ready for travel to South Africa

I'm so excited to be leaving tomorrow for South Africa! I'm truly blessed and grateful to the foundation for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful establishment. A huge thank you to Debra for creating Miss Vicky's Children's Education Fund and for all of those who have worked so hard to make this happen. Thank you also to the generosity of those who have made donations to the foundation.

Prior to volunteering in South Africa, I wanted to contribute to Miss Vicky's Children's Education Fund in some other way. With the help of the 4th graders and teachers at Richboro Elementary School, we were able to collect many books and supplies for the foundation. Saint Bernard Elementary School in Philadelphia also helped out tremendously with their very generous donation of textbooks. Additionally, the staff members at Maureen M. Welch Elementary School helped raise money to ship the books over to South Africa. Thank you to all of these individuals who have shown great support in the efforts of the foundation.

As I'm packing for my trip, I'm feeling very eager and a little nervous. I want to work with the children to the best of my ability and hope to make a difference. I look forward to meeting Miss Vicky and the children and anticipate a wonderful experience!

Traveler's Impression

Vicky's Bed and Breakfast
Submitted by Morgan Keys on Sat, 2007-01-20 09:15.
I am currently staying at the "Tube n' Axe" backpakers resort somewhere on the south eastern coast of South Africa. Last wednesday we spent a night in Township known as a Khayitlisha. A township, for those unfamiliar is semi-temporary housing built by poor blacks moving in toward the cities to find work. The townships are basically shanty-town, where each house is crudely (but creatively) fashioned out of corrugated metal sheets, and any other building materials available. A number of problems are associated with town including lack of healthcare facilities, lack of utilities, and crime/gangsterism. The development of townships is directly related to racist Apartheid policies which kept black people poor and disadvantaged. And even though Apartheid is over, finding housing for the millions of residents of the townships is a long and difficult process. We stayed at a bed and breakfast there--yes, it too was a shack--which goes to show that the people who live there, contrary to stereotypes, are industrious, creative, and kind. It was beautiful community and we had quite a nice time.

Meet Tanya F.: Our First Teacher Volunteer!

As previously announced, Tanya F., a teacher from Council Rock School District and resident of Perkasie, PA, has graciously offered to be our first volunteer to travel to Khayelitsha. Below are pictures of Tanya with her first graders. She leaves in three weeks! Tanya, we wish you safe travel and much success!

Visiting Miss Vicky's B&B

Vicky's B&B in Cape Town (see link below to send an accommodation enquiry)

Vicky Ntozini s three-bedroomed B&B is constructed from corrugated iron, tree trunks and hardboard, but her guests lack no comforts inside! Her warmth and hospitality and home-prepared traditional cuisine will delight you on your professionally-organised tour to Khayelitsha. Directly opposite the original" V&A Waterfront shebeen

Like most houses in Khayelitsha, it is built of corrugated iron and wood. It took the owners about two months to finish it - they built it with their own hands! As her guest house has grown in popularity, Vicky has been able to extend her property, it is now double storey. It faces east and gets a lot of sunlight in the morning. There is enough room between the house and the street for cars to park and children to play. On hot Saturday afternoons, we like to put chairs outside and watch the busy world of the township pass by.

SERVICES & FACILITIES

Vicky's husband designed the interior of the house. It's very comfortable, and her visitors are always surprised by how big it seems on the inside when it seems so small from the outside. Her husband decorated the living room and hallway with special tiles and wood; they also like to hang pictures on the walls and display their collections of porcelain animals and special bottles. There are pictures from Vicky's past guests hanging throughout the house. The shared living area has local TV and a DVD player. The kitchen is available to the guests for coffe and tea making facilities and for use of the refrigerator. There is also an honesty bar for guests. There is a shebeen (tavern) with pool tables across the street and braai (BBQ) stands down the road. Vicky or one of her friends can take you on a walking tour of the neighborhood. Full tours of Khayelitsha can also be arranged.

DIRECTIONS

Directions from the airport: * Take the N2 south towards Somerset * Take the Mew Way exit, turn right from offramp towards Khayelitsha * At the first robots (stoplight) turn right * Then turn right into the street just in front of the CalTex Garage * Take the first right after the CalTex * At first intersection, take a left * Pass three roads on your right * Take the 4th right. Vicky's is on your left. There are signs along the way from the CalTex although some are hidden so keep your eye out.

Send an Accommodation Enquiry