We first visited the Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto, the largest township in Johannesburg. Hector Pieterson was one the first students to be killed (at age 13) during the 1976 Student Uprising in Soweto, a student protest considered pivotal to the struggle against apartheid. The museum is located just two blocks from where he was killed. Our group quietly took in the exhibits, many of us reflecting on the contrast between South Africa under apartheid and the week we'd just spent in Newington, where we'd witnessed a democratic election open to all and people from many backgrounds working side by side to improve the community.
Our next stop was Gaming Zone, a small business in Soweto supported by the Branson School of Entrepreneurship. It's a video arcade franchise housed in repurposed shipping containers--a brilliant concept that offers a safe, fun place for kids to spend time afterschool.
The Branson School, founded with the support of Virgin Unite and CIDA University, provides training, mentoring and seed funding to young entrepreneurs, helping them launch successful businesses which will in turn create jobs and help boost South Africa's economy.
Gaming Zone co-founders Musa Maphongwane and Amos Mtsolongo arranged a video game tournament, pitting our group against their best players. It didn't take long to see who possessed the superior gaming skills (hint: not us).
Despite our wounded egos, it was quite the party scene, with a DJ attracting the whole neighbourhood to come and hang out.
Leonie and Mark interview our hosts:
Before we knew it, it was time to head to the airport and back to our homes and families. But first, one last report from our intrepid Jeremy Elder:
A massive thank you to everyone at Ulusaba for hosting us & showing us such a great time, and to Lindsay Hanekom of Pride 'n Purpose who enabled us to have the maximum possible impact during our week in Newington. Many thanks also to Gaming Zone for throwing us such a memorable party!
We're also very grateful to Tom Oldham and Hope Newling who volunteered their time to take all the beautiful photos featured on this blog.
And last, but certainly not least, our sincere thanks to everyone who has generously donated to support the new eco-creche in Newington. Along with Ulusaba guests and staff, we managed to raise more than £13K which will make a lasting difference to the lives of many children in the community.
That's all for now! If you would like more information on how you can get involved, please visit http://www.virginunite.com/ and http://www.ulusaba.virgin.com/ . Until next year!
Great, Great Week!!! Many new friends made but mostly a huge impact made out here in our little Rural Village! I am very proud to be apart of the Virgin Group seeing how everyone pulled together with Virgin Unite! See you all soon!
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