Sister Spotlight: Addy Collett

Addy Collett

African Impact

St.Lucia, South Africa

          

On a day-to-day basis in St. Lucia, South Africa we were working at a crèche (a primary school for children around the age of 5) in the mornings from 8:30 to 12:30 and then would work with small groups we called support groups in the afternoon. Mornings at crèche were always extremely busy teaching the children basic things in English such as the alphabet, the seasons, colors, shapes, numbers 1-10, household items, animal names and identification, and certain occupations (ex) teacher, student, doctor etc.). We stayed at this particular crèche for the entire month of my stay enabling us to see the children improve every single day. They couldn’t get through the alphabet, couldn’t identify or name any colors, and didn’t know any animal names in English but by the end of the month they had it down to perfection. 

We also had a lot of fun with them after we would teach by doing things such as singing songs, playing musical chairs, playing tag, and reading stories. Their favorite song was “boom chick a boom,” an American classic. It was obvious that play time was not a high priority in their households due to all the chores they were expected to do or at least observe with their parents so it felt good to see the children get to be kids for a little part of their day. The principle of the school was there everyday and she was amazing. She spoke broken English but helped us a ton to translate some of the daily activities we were trying to get across. 

Later in our stay, she informed us she gets paid 20 rand a month, which in American terms means 2 dollars a month. In the afternoons I alternated between helping assist an HIV course for adults and going to a “Khula mothers support group.” The HIV course was one of the most inspiring things I have ever done because it really opened my eyes to the huge problem South Africa actually has. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be able to work with another volunteer who was a Professor at a college in Connecticut and was an expert on HIV education. I learned more from this women/volunteer than I have in a long time and so did many of the South African adults. I left the first day of HIV education in complete shock. Some of the questions were things such as “Can HIV be spread by kissing?”…Etc. It was truly shocking to see adults so clueless about a huge problem not on only in their country but in their community, but also extremely motivating because they were DYING to learn.. the opportunity had just never come. 

                           

The Khula mothers support group was also incredible. It was a group of about 12 women who were mothers or grandmothers and we would meet in the afternoons with a certain topic such as nutrition, diabetes, fitness, or germs. Each time we started off the group session by asking how each persons day was, eating a little snack (bananas and juice), and then began the lesson of the day. We always had a woman who worked at the house who spoke excellent English along with Zulu (their language) to translate the lessons. The one day we did a lesson on germs I assumed it would be a very obvious and almost offensive lesson to teach because it seems like such common sense to us but I was wrong. We did a demonstration using lotion and glitter. First we applied the lotion onto our hands and then sprinkled some glitter onto them (the glitter representing germs), next I shook hands with one of the women which allowed the lotion and glitter to transfer over to her hands. They were shocked. They were also not aware that you couldn’t use the same tub and water to wash everyone in the groups’ hands because the germs stay in the water. These are just a few examples of the different kinds of situations and questions I was extremely shocked by.

Being there taught me a lot that being helpful doesn’t mean spending money.. it's just about being there.. everyday.. on time. The structure and support we gave the children in my eyes and I hope in theirs was our greatest gift to them. Overall, the trip along with the people I met taught me way more than I could have ever taught them. They were inspiring, kind, thankful, and some of the most enjoyable people I have ever been around and I hope someday in my life I can go back.

DL, Addy

The world needs more people like you, Addy. We know the kids of St.Lucia loved you just as much as we do. You rock!