My name is Sara. I've been staying here for a month now as an intern from Educo Germany. I'm supposed to stay until the end of August, but right now I'm trying to extend my time here. Just because I like it so much!
I had the opportunity to be part of two wilderness courses so far. Both were very different from each other and in important points also very different from my work in Germany.
There were mountains to discover, eagles and zebras to watch, rivers to cross and summits to climb. There was the cold, cold winter in the Groot Winterhoek and a bit of hot African Summer in the Umgeni Valley near Durban. There was the Xhosa and Zulu culture to experience, beautiful languages to listen to without understanding a single word, having the experience of being the only person who doesn’t fit in. I watched and listened to joyful, powerful singing and dancing around the fireside and sometimes even got a part of it.
And at the same time I met wonderful, warm, openhearted and open-minded persons. Participants who taught me my first words in Xhosa, had trust in me and shared their gripping life stories with me. Staff members who gave me the opportunity to bring myself and my experiences in our work, and made me feel part of the team and belonging to where I am right now.
During all that "African time" is both a challenge and a relief for me. Everything is a little more relaxed here than back in my scheduled working days at home. There is enough time for everything and personal connection has more worth than just rushing through the days. This is a very enriching experience for me that I am definitely going take home with me.
And my journey here is not over yet. I'm looking forward to the rest of my time here and more histories, conversations, learnings and beautiful people!
Sara "The German Intern"
of the Educo Africa Team
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