From October 15th to 18th, Kliptown Youth Programme (KYP) from South Africa visited CDNIS. KYP is a community based on an educational group that provides help and opportunities to the children and citizens of Kliptown, a local area in South Africa. Kliptown is not a wealthy area, and its residents face numerous challenges each day. The organization aims to improve the lives of the children in this area by helping them achieve their educational goals and providing them with essential services and care. By doing so, the children will eventually be able to have better jobs and have more opportunities in their future lives.
Over the course of four fantastic days, KYP engaged with the Grade 2 and Grade 4 students, providing them with plentiful opportunities and new experiences. For instance, CDNIS enjoyed learning and practicing Gumboot dances and singing a South African song called Sho Sho Loza. Students participated in workshops during homeroom times, and also practiced with their class. The students even surprised many members of KYP by learning Sho Sho Loza ahead of time. This was just one of many honourable moments during their time together. KYP was truly impressed with the CDNIS students, recognising them for their enthusiasm and dedication.
After many rehearsals and a great deal of focus, Grade 2 and Grade 4 put on a performance alongside KYP for all the parents in the LLAC. Everyone worked hard and did not give up! Despite making mistakes and facing challenges, they displayed remarkable determination. These students proudly represented CDNIS, showing respect, collaboration and patience throughout the process.
Thulani Mandondo is the executive director of KYP and it is his mission to help as many young people in Kliptown as he can. He has not only helped countless children in Kliptown, but also has made an impact on many young people and children around the world. Alongside several other KYP teachers and students: Hope, Kamo, Ofentse, Sibusiso, Andile, Nene, and Thando, he taught the students of CDNIS more than just singing and dancing, but also shared valuable insight about South African culture. They taught students to be grateful for what they have, to avoid wasting resources, respect those around you, and to appreciate both their knowledge and possessions. These lessons learnt by CDNIS students and teachers will stay with them for a long time, and hopefully make an impact on our community and KYP.
This was KYP’s first visit to Hong Kong, and we hope it won’t be their last! When not at CDNIS, they enjoyed a relaxing time exploring the city. They were excited to see the tall buildings, thrilled to experience the unique local culture, and delighted to enjoy the beautiful views from the CDNIS campus.
We, the students, are thankful for the teachers and staff members who helped to organize this experience, as well as to the donations that helped to make it all possible. We truly hope they will return, and we plan to donate to KYP in the future to support their needs. They took great care of us and showed us empathy. They never gave up on us and always had a passion for teaching us about their culture. We also want them to understand ours, and now Grade 2 and 4 know the importance of gratitude, respect and never giving up hope. Let’s hope KYP had a wonderful time at CDNIS, and let’s cherish the memories with our wonderful new friends!
