Ubuntu

"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything" Albert Einstein.
Today was a beautiful day in Port Elizabeth.  We began by stopping at LoveLife to get Einstein.  He agreed to be our guide today and show us around the Township near Love Life.

Thandile showing us the voting ballot she created for the blind.

We began by visiting the South African National Council for the Blind.  A remarkable blind woman by the name of Thandile explained how her job empowers people who are visually impaired by teaching them life skills and helping them get jobs. She even created a voting ballot so they can be independent and vote! She taught some of them to make jewelry and brought some out to show us, much to our delight! We quickly bought those hand made necklaces!

We continued walking through the community, going to the White Door Center of Hope. Victims of domestic violence and rape can come here for help. A couple of doors down is the Amadoda Okwenene.  This community outreach educates men on being positive role models for their family and community, and how to avoid domestic/sexual violence and drug/alcohol abuse. (Do  we even have something like this for men in the United States?) The men operating this place are volunteers, and know the importance of making a difference in the world one person at a time. I was struck by the strength these workers have to face such violence and heartache on a daily basis. Yet they do this for the love of their community.

The volunteers at Amadoda Okwenene talking with us.

Einstein then surprised us by taking us to his Township home! It was great being in a home situation again after being far away from my own home. We met his parents and little brother, and could see all the care they put into their property. With Einstein being a 23 year old, he no longer lives in his parent's house; they built him his own room.

This brings me back to my opening quote. Our LoveLife guide Einstein reminded us of this quote yesterday, and it fits with the Ubuntu message of having humanity to others.
On a lighter note, we are continuing to take Xhosa language classes at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Our poor professor! He is a good sport, and we are trying our best to learn the different tongue clicks!