Somangwe School, KZN South - Rally To Read

As we reach Somangwe two children stand with a banner thanking the Rally for coming, the rest of the pupils line our way showing their own messages of thanks.... Its a touching moment as you can clearly see how pleased they are for the Rallys second year visit. They have obviously put the art and craft materials the Rally brought the previous year to very good use.

The teams unload the cars and trailers. The school is nestling in amongst the hills in a very picturesque area. 

 After we are officially greeted by the schools principal and a pupil steps forward to comp air and let our team know the order of events. Tammy then presents the Rally's certificate and pledge of support to the school principal....

....Its then Nombulelo's turn to talk to the gathered crowds about READ's part. Sometimes locals are wairy of outside influences but I have to say that she has real knack of getting everyone of the pupils and parents onside. She explains that there will be continued support with teacher training helping the teachers to achieve new heights. Theres also a new selection of books for each of the grades. 

 The rest of our team then present the rest of the items including sports equipment, stationary and art supplies.

 A group of youngsters  to the rest of our teams delight then gather to sing a short thank you song. So touching! 

 The children then gather to perform a series of songs and small plays. A small boy leads the facing choir as they sing swoping verses. He was such a talent. Another lad read from a book, he read loud and steadily without hesitation.... a very determined guy indeed!

a small whirlwind rips a sheet of tin of the nearby classroom roof.. like they say..Africa Isn't for wimps!

There was also a highly amuzing political debate acted out by the children. It was such a great show but there was a finallai to come which would be off thew scale! Enter the Moms! 

Defiantly one of the highlights for me was the dance of the moms... these ladies are passionate about educating the children of the village and perform a dance all about that fact... Ive never seen such energy... 

 ... being about a metre away from the kicking part of the dance this was fast becoming a dangerous place to be but it was a sight to behold. Entertaininment on a whole new level, extraordinary dance moves...

 ... after they have calmed down and Ive wiped the dust from my lens... they put on a small show about the pitfalls of motherhood and the effect it has on your education. There is a real community spirit here and drive to help the children learn. 

Finally. there was  a few words from the sponsors before a guided tour of the classrooms and a chat with the pupils. Its easy to see how much the Rally means to the kids here...its obviously precious time for them being able to practise their English skills on the sponsors and their interaction is a joy to record.

I think the little guys face in the picture says it all...Totally random moment as we head back to our vehicles... local guy pretty drunk comes up to me and offers me a smoke...in the middle of the playground.. I tell him ffs no!.. and think I really need to learn the Zulu for that!

With the strange incident in the past I get on with the job, camera in hand im travelling front seat passenger with my Driver Jared, in the back seats is Nombelelo from READ and her husband... We've got about another 60km of mountain roads before we get to our next school... recirculate to the air con and a bottle of water is needed as we all start to taste the dust.... the convoy comes to a stop and much needed refreshments are handed out...