Dispatches:
Hope is a four-letter word that can bring the revelation of empowerment or facilitate the trap of false generosity. From our time at Cato Crest Primary School located in Durban within the extremes of poverty, the school poses as social capital to the community through its teachers, environment, and ability to radiate children’s faces. The faculty’s optimistic attitude is displayed through the school children’s smiling faces and their confidence level. Even though one might believe the harshness and reality of the children’s lifestyle would degrade their spirit, these children are the brightest and most inspired group I have encountered. The vibrant essence of these students’ character endorses the notion of empowerment and their ability to cause a change within their community and themselves.
When a student becomes empowered their voice cannot be silence and their presence cannot be hidden. Through teaching these students the HIV/AIDS module and watching their teach-backs to the entire school, these children without a doubt are superstars with successful futures. Although the module might not have immediately altered their lifestyle, the effect of giving these children the agency to “own” their education and knowledge will become a driving force for their potential endeavors. The assurance of these children’s motivation and empowerment occurred when the audience began to ask questions. The forceful and engaging manner in which the students answered questions made them seem as “experts.” Questions ranged from how HIV is acquired, stigma concerns, and how to keep your body’s soldiers, white blood cells, healthy.
Empowerment supports individuals being critical of their current situation, past circumstances, and life expectations. Education is the backbone of empowerment and the basis for breaking the chains of oppression. Paulo Freire, the author of Pedagogy of The Oppressed, exclaims, “The insistence that the oppressed engage in reflection on their concrete situation is not a call to armchair revolution. On the contrary, reflection- true reflection- leads to action. On the other hand, when the situation calls for action, the action will constitute an authentic praxis only if its consequences become the object of critical reflection… To achieve this praxis, however, it is necessary to trust in the oppressed and their ability to reason.” The instance the student decides that he/ she is able to teach the module and stands up to do so, the belief and trust within themselves begins to set their conscience free. The students of Cato Crest Primary School hold the key to their future within and the module is only one tool that unlocks their self-worth and enlightenment.
Even though the majority of our time at Cato Crest was spent teaching the module and empowering the community, we also participated in charity donations. The school has identified a group of twenty-six students in which one or both parents had contracted HIV and had passed away because of a related illness. Due to fundraising events and private donors in the US, these students were able to receive a food parcel consisting of fifteen items, a bag of winter clothes, and a pair shoes. The joyous and appreciative attitude of the children was beyond belief and extremely heartfelt. Their thankful outlook for items that most would consider insignificant, such as socks and an undershirt, humbled my view on life’s obstacles. Furthermore, we donated eighteen fans to the school for the cooling of the sweltering classrooms during summer. Overall, the experience at Cato Crest Primary School was one of self-reflection, empowerment, and the remembrance of children that has forever affected my obligation to humanity for the better.
Wynter McGruder, POA 2008
