For my leadership in the Action project, I am privileged and honored to work with Children’s SOS Villages in Cape Town, South Africa. For the next five weeks, I will be implementing a trauma-informed mental health curriculum that will give children, between the ages of 9 to 13, tangible skills to process their emotions and promote higher self-esteem. While this work is entirely different from my previous research last year, I was inspired by my own troubles and triumphs with mental health to support youth in acquiring skills for emotional development, anxiety, and self-confidence. 

In this short week of my stay in Cape Town, I have gained valuable insight on the socio-political infrastructure of the city: the sinister legacy of apartheid and displacement, as well as, the complete distrust amongst law enforcement throughout the broader community. District 6 Museum was a major highlight this week as it expanded my knowledge of the deep roots of apartheid and racial segregation that destroyed communities. The generational impact of such an abuse of power is apparent in the hustle culture of every day life.

Amongst such a destructive past, the people of Cape Town remain rooted in values of hospitality and kinship. Since the moment I arrived, I’ve been greeted with care, kindness and love. I received approximately eight phone numbers, all from locals offering support and suggestions on gaining access to all Cape Town has to offer and more. Cape Town truly feels like another place to call home. In thinking about the potential impact of my LiA, my main priority is to establish trust and display my investment in these children through listening, mentorship, and guidance. 

My orientation to SOS Children’s villages consisted of meeting the ninety children amongst the ten houses on the property. Initially, I was very nervous because I wanted to make a positive impression on the kids. A major tension that I have been battling with internally is the potential negative perspective of "voluntourism" and narcissism associated with volunteering. The children of SOS are coming from backgrounds that are foreign to my upbringing and I want to ensure that my program is grounded in genuine care and intentionality. In gearing my program towards the goal of greater introspection upon completion, the kids will be asked to reflect on their activities each day, either written or expressed through art, in their journals. This task will inspire a habit of reflection that can hopefully extend beyond my program. 

I am really intrigued to learn about the structure of SOS and the responsibilities of the aunties or house mothers. In meeting each auntie and their assigned children, I noticed how the various houses had a unique charm to them. From the distinct energies of each house to the different personalities of the children, I’m eager to get to know the children, aunties, and SOS, on a much deeper level. 

I’m really grateful to be a part of such a diverse SOS leadership team. I’m the only American in Cohort B and I have really enjoyed learning about each of my fellow room mates upbringings and cultures. Being exposed to the cultural differences of the UK and South America has been very rewarding as it has made me reflect on U.S. cultural norms that are polar to those in Cape Town and beyond. A few highlights this week have been exploring Bo-kaap, journeying up table mountain, visiting local markets, getting my hair braided at a local salon (shoutout Afro Corner) and eating some delicious Ethiopian cuisine for Freya’s 21st Birthday! I cannot wait to start programming next week and I hope to become more acquainted with SOS, my group, and Cape Town!