Day five

Written by Mr Ikin

The squad woke to another beautifully clear day in Cape Town as the squad were in for a truly unforgettable day in the Mother City.

As we hopped on the bus for our short trip over to Mbokweni Township (where we would be conducting charity work) the harsh reality of how some South African natives live starting to hit home as we passed another neighbouring township.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Mbokweni Primary School’s Head Teacher who gave the squad a background on the school and what life is like for most of their pupils. This was a time to soak up all of the words and emotions of Mr Sobekete (Head Teacher) who spoke with passion and a vision.

Our boys were then split into groups as they played/coached a group of around 50 pupils before break time. The boys were magnificent as they engaged with the pupils fully and truly embraced the session.

We were warned that break time would be ‘carnage’ and I can confirm that was indeed the case (in a good way). As the bell rang, hundreds upon hundred pupils (all of them grinning from ear, to ear) ran over towards us to join in the fun and games. Bats were swung with flamboyance and balls were hit to all parts of the school as the pupils of Mbokweni Primary School and Lord Wandsworth College played their shared love (cricket) until it was time for lessons. It really was magnificent for me watching on, as the two schools, despite the language barrier, communicated and bonded through sport.

After the fun and games, the boys headed into the classrooms to teach English and Maths with Joe W and Hugh C both commenting to me how incredibly gifted some of the pupils were.

A particularly special moment for myself was when I went to observe an English lesson with a class of year 6. Prior to our visit I purchased a variety of items to hand out to the pupils, these including colouring books and pens, stationary, pencil cases, and other miscellaneous items. I requested that the teacher ask the class questions based on what they were learning, with the student answering correctly, choosing an item that I had with me. To say that excitement levels increased would be the understatement of the year as the pupils leaped our of their seats, shouting, “pick me, pick me”. One moment in particular will live with me for a long time, as a girl in the class had a truly enchanted look on her face as she selected the colouring pencils and a Disney colouring book. The sheer delight that she had, over something that we take for granted, really put life into perspective.

After more fun and games in the playground, it was sadly time to leave Mbokweni where we had experienced the most incredible of mornings. I have no doubts that all of the boys came away from that visit, with a slightly different outlook on life.