Submitted by Meg Deming on the 2024 Winter SOCI/CRJU program in South Africa…
So far my experience in South Africa is beyond anything I could have imagined. The history and culture here are so rich and complex, it has been a privilege to travel to this beautiful country and see what life is like here.
Luckily, we have amazing local tour guides willing to give us a glimpse of their lives. From Pretoria to Soweto, our guides share perspectives stemming from many different backgrounds, but all have the grace, compassion, and sense of community that is commonplace in South Africa. Much of the historical context we are given relates to the apartheid era and the impact that it has had even today. Everything from the landscape, to the architecture, to the school system somehow has its roots in apartheid. Two excursions that I found particularly insightful in this regard were our trips to the Union Building and The University of Pretoria.
During our time here, we have also been fortunate enough to volunteer at local orphanages. My time at Luvuyo Orphanage has been nothing short of amazing. The kids are absolutely wonderful, and it feels great to be able to help out at such a charitable organization. (Submitted on January 11, 2024)