Finally, Africa!
Our first stop was Johannesburg, where we visited Soweto, a township where the ANC rose to power during apartheid. We saw the homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu and visited the Apartheid museum. We also met a political activist, Molefi Mataboge, who discussed his involvement in the liberation struggle against apartheid. He also told us about the South African public education system. I was surprised to hear that public school begins for children at age 7. Pre-primary school is only available to those families that can afford to pay tuition.
Yesterday, we flew to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. After a solid night of sleep, we traveled to the Namibian Institute for Education Development and met with curriculum design teams to discuss the national education system. Then, we learned about the history of the Herero people, who were persecuted by the Germans beginning in the 1900s. After eating a delicious West African meal of maize, fish, chicken, beef, and shrimp curry, we learned about the Community-Based Natural Resources Management Program, which has helped increase the animal population, manage wildlife, and create jobs and revenue.
Our days are packed with speakers and visits; we are learning so much! The one downside has been the weather. It has been very chilly. I wore four layers the other day including two wool sweaters and was still cold! So much for all of the warm weather clothing I packed!
