This is Celia and Collette and we are currently placed in Hamutsha Primary School to learn about children’s culture in Venda context. The learners were constantly teaching us. They always took the time to interact with us and taught us to enjoy the moment. As we walk between classes, some learners will greet us by waving or smiling at us as they play with others during their breaks. Some are curious about different topics and exchange ideas and cultural knowledge with us. These little moments make both of us feel welcomed and accepted as we are in the Venda community.
We also exchange ideas with the educators who ask us questions about our cultural backgrounds as we do about theirs. During our breaks, we ask about childhood experiences with some of the educators and community members. Indirectly, we gain knowledge about the South African education system. We learn about the customs and greetings—which is important for their culture. The educators share stories, history and knowledge of Venda.
When we are placed into different classes to assist, we were both learning from the educators and learners. For example, while the learners had Life Skills class, they showed us children games. One is called Tshimange na Mbevha (The Cat & Mouse) and their associated song in Venda culture. We learn some Tshivenda words from the foundational phase (Grade R to 3) such as how to describe days of the week and the weather. For example, today is Ḽavhuraru , 04 Fulwi 2014 (Wednesday, June 4th 2014). In regards to weather, it is a ‘Hu na ḓuvha’ (sunny day) of almost 30 degrees Celsius. Additionally, we hear of the rhythmic pattern in the learners reciting Tshivenda language as they read. When we face language barriers, we tried to communicate through different methods and obtain Tshivenda words through pictures.
It is almost the end of the field study and the school was kind to show us traditional dances (tshigombela, malande, and tshifasi). We have seen the dance several times but the difference was that we were spectators. This time we were immersed participants without a formal lesson. We learned a different version of tshigombela but we were new to this version. This was the first time that we realized that tshigombela, which is a dance particularly for children, has many different versions. We learned by doing and performed in front of the school. Some laughed, some smiled and everybody was entertained. For one of us, our feet hurt when dancing barefoot. It was one of many instances where we learn from the creativity of learners in community spaces in terms of leisure, classroom, and performance.
The principal announced our official departure to the learners recently in an assembly. As we rotate within the classrooms to visit and assist, we are thanking everyone for making us feel at home and assist the educators in the final exam preparations. Some of them say goodbye in their own way and give us hugs. We will miss walking to and from school with some of the learners. We wanted to spend as much time with our host and the community in these last two days. We have gained Hamutsha Primary School as part of our family and there are more moments we will miss about South Africa as we journey back to our homes.
The farewell ceremony of Matahva Primary School was today. Some of us felt reflected back to our welcome ceremony when we just arrived. We cannot believe the trip is coming to an end. It was an unforgettable experience painting the entire school alongside community members and Matavha students. The balance between school placements and the painting project was worthwhile.
As we spend one more day with our host families, school placements and our associated communities, we have tears of joy and many learners wishing us well. We are going to miss each and every one of the learners, our educators and the continuous learning experience we had with everyone. Thank you for the experience, South Africa!!
Team Limpopo 