Ayana Richardson

Hello all,

The first week of the Pedagogy of Action is now complete. It was very eventful, framed by our residence at the University of Zululand. Because everyday is marked by large events and small and seemingly insignificant ones that cumulatively become meaningful, each student will write their impressions of their trip every week. This way we have a record as the trip evolves. This week Ayana gives her impression.

Trip to South Africa…$1,900 dollars. Airline ticket from the Detroit, Michigan to Durban, South Africa… $1,800 dollars. Experience and teaching at the University of Zululand…priceless.

When I look back at the trials and tribulations that myself and my fellow colleagues have overcome to make this experience happen; it has been a demonstration of our determination, tenacity, and passion to share our knowledge and participate in a meaningful exchange in South Africa. Our journey to South Africa was an experience in itself. The trip took us three days to arrive to our final destination. Once we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms by Mama Gugu, who is our liaison at the University of Zululand. She has now become our mother away from home. Our first day can be described as intense and packed with activities. We had a morning meeting with the President of Zululand, Professor Rachel Gumbi, and received a warm welcome home by her staff. The president shared her stories of hardship and triumph as she conquered apartheid, sexism, and cultural taboos, to become the first female president of a University. As a token of our appreciation of allowing us to come and work at the University of Zululand, we presented her with an African print quilt. This African quilt print was made by my Granny, who sent numerous quilts with me to Africa to give to the patients suffering from HIV. When my Granny first heard of my going to South Africa and my work in the field, it inspired her to send something as a part of her connection. After we met with the president and other faculty we had our first meeting with our students and subsequent participants for the Haniff HIV module. Wynter, my co-facilitator and I were given the peer educator group.  After icebreaker exercises, I felt an immediate connection with the students.

Over the next few days each Michigan student pair taught students from different disciplines including psychology, nursing, and the peer educator group.  Wynter and twenty-five students in our group, however each teaching pair was only suppose to have ten. Our students’ eagerness and willingness to participate in learning the HIV module exhibited such passion and dedication, which was infectious. Each day of working with the module was a new venture for all of us and the exchange was rewarding.

On Friday morning we went on a trip to Shakaland. Shakaland can be described as a live exhibit of traditional Zulu culture. We had a tour and a historical briefing on the Zulu people, a dance performance, followed by lunch. That evening we were invited to student run café in our honor. This café, called Rendezvous, similar to a poetry café, included easy listening music, poetry, light conversation, and refreshments. It was wonderful to experience students outside of the classroom and be introduced to their world. I can’t think of a better way to end a fulfilling yet exhausting first week in South Africa. The poetry recited provided a lens into their world and experiences. This week has been very productive building our confidence and connection to South Africa, and the people, and has paved the path for weeks to come. The people have been so inspiring, overwhelmingly accepting, and welcoming of our class. We are proud to be ambassadors of the University of Michigan and we all look forward to the weeks to come, including the rich experiences they will bring.

-Ayana Richardson