Fabulous First Day

Waking to sunny skies and a view of Table Mountain signaled the beginning to a great day.

My morning included a visit to the University of Cape Town Campus, (UCT) where I studied abroad in spring 2009. This was preceded by running into local South and Southern African friends made during my studies. These events confirmed the realness of my return.

I was drawn to include this image taken near UCT campus. Ufundo is an important concept for Xhosa speaking communities. The idea of collectively working together and being responsibility is a key ingredient to the success and sustainability of the Ntonga Music School built in the Xhosa speaking township of Guguletu.

An afternoon visit to Green Market Square, in Cape Towns city center was a rewarding afternoon venture. Similar to my memory, it was packed with African artists from across the continent selling goods from rock carvings to paintings and musical instruments. After meandering like a typical tourists I spotted a man in his mid thirties who was selling paintings and Djembe's, (the West African Drum). He was sitting playing the Djembe . To my excitement he embraced the opportunity to teach a foreign musician basic rhythms, giving me a 30-minute lesson. In explaining the purpose of my time in Cape Town, we exchanged contact information and he offered to visit Ntonga Music School and teach on occasion. Meeting a Senegalese Native with a passion and knowledge for West African Music, filled me with excitement. Yet another music connection and new possibility for music collaboration!

My eventful day finished in a meeting with Jason and his girlfriend Caroline. Jason is a member of the Playing for Change Foundation Band and Caroline does weekly visits to the Ntonga Music School. She gave me an update on the school sharing her thoughts and concerns and allowing me to share my vision for the school. All the while keeping in mind my role is to act as a guiding force at the school. At the end of the day understanding and supporting what the Ntonga School Board wants, is my highest priority. To my excitement, she informed me that Pokie is eagerly awaiting my return inquiring weekly during her past few visits, "has Amelia arrived yet!?"

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org

A Delightful Return!

I was filled with exultation as the plane made its final descent into Cape Town. A year since departing, with a thesis on the Legacy of Apartheid in hand, I am returning to a country that inspires my efforts to work for greater social justice. Here I am continuing my work with the Ntonga Music School, a community which has blessed me with its passion and dedication to music and youth.

My return to Cape Town brings new feelings of excitement. I have spent the past two months preparing for my time in Cape Town. Today I found myself here at last with a cell phone in hand, a rental car parked outside, and my own beautiful room with a view of the infamous Table Mountain. As I begin my work at the Ntonga Music School I wholeheartedly look forward to observing the community and supporting them in creating the space they envision. Through this process I hope to witness the schools continued development.

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org