UBuntu Bridge Mandela Day Community Event 2012 Video

 On 18 July, 2012, Madiba's 94th birthday, UBuntu Bridge organised a community day with a difference in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, a.k.a. Mandela Park.

With a focus on Xhosa language learning for the volunteers, we then spent time with the kids from Ikhaya Lethemba creche planting trees, doing yoga, reading practice and finally singing Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela in his home language, isiXhosa.

Nelson Mandela in one of his first public appearances in office, on May 10 1994, strongly urged all the people of South Africa to learn each other's languages:

"This is the best way to contribute to nation building and reconciliation,"
Mandela said. "Those among us who do not know Afrikaans must now learn to study this language. Those among us who do not know Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho must now learn to study these languages."

UBuntu Bridge hopes to inspire people to heed Madiba's call, and to do it in a fun and convenient way that brings prosperity to many communities on all levels of society.

The day was made possible with help from:

Nathan and Terror of Sibanye Restaurant - http://www.sibanyerestaurant.co.za/
Stu and Jen from YoYoga - http://www.yoyoga.co.za/
Robyn at Greenpop - http://www.greenpop.org/
Chris and Leticia at Paper Jet Print - http://paperjetprint.co.za/
Niki, Sisa and the kids at Ikhaya Lethemba - http://www.ikhayalethemba.com/
Andrew from Trashback - http://trashback.org/
Video by Gill at www.make-content.com/

 

Next Village Experience - January 2010

Hi Guys
Here are the village experience logistics for January 2010.
Essentially I will be in the village from the 4th january, so you are welcome to arrive on that same day with me, or soon thereafter, but not pref not much later then the 5th. Of course, you can arrive later if the dates are better for you, but then you will have less time with me there as teacher as I leave between the 9th and 11th Jan. This is not the end of the world, as there will be other tutors who I would have selected and given some training to and the experience is far less about me being there, and you will be well looked after.

TRANSPORT:

So you would need to get there yourself, by flight or by bus or however, but let me know. I will attach some info on this, but Greyhound bus is prob better. With greyhound (www.greyhound.co.za) its R425 one way max (i.e. there are various discounts available)and is an overnight trip. Then you will meet a shuttle in EL to go to Hamburg (R100 one way). So thats about R1050 total for travel expenses. Flights to EL are also an option and shuttle from airport.

INVESTMENT:

In the village, for mud hut accommodation, Xhosa food and Xhosa lessons, daily opportunities to volunteer, the investment is R250 per night (R200 for students/scholars/special cases). You are investing in a sustainable initiative that benefits the whole village and yourself. The prices are also open to fluctuation based on how long you want to go for and the nature of the experience you wish to have. Just send me a mail. I will make you a deal.

INCLUDES:

- accommodation with a host family in a stunning village close to the coast and opportunities to live and experience different parts of the traditional culture.
- 3 Xhosa meals daily (you may wish to bring some snacks - see attached info doc - you may have to email me for this)
- Xhosa tuition every day. make sure to bring some materials with you or enquire from me - I have materials for different levels.
- opportunities to volunteer in the community, at the clinic/treatment centre/heritage site, or art and craft centre, which has provided murals and altar pieces of South African history that have been taken around the world. This may be a small fee extra to cover the volunteer co-ordinator and guide. It also may not be.

YOU NEED TO:

Let me know how many nights you wish to stay and what dates you wish to arrive and leave, then book your bus tickets asap. School holidays coincide closely (School goes back 13th Jan 2010).

Please let me know any queries, but do first read over the attached info pack. It has all info, booking forms and indemnity forms. Please email me for this.

Many thanks,

Do let me know if you have any further queries.
Craig
info@learnxhosa.co.za
072 6090 666

Upcoming Village Experience - April 2009

Feedback on December 2008 village experience:
"It was amazing! All went very well, I have no complaints. Kath & Sibongile are great teachers, thank you guys. I loved staying with the Matsoboyi family, they were really sweet and made me feel part of their family. Mdumbi is beautiful - kumnandi kakhulu ezilalini! The village experience has really inspired me to learn more isiXhosa. Enkosi kakhulu for a great experience."
- Inge van Reenen -

With Kath, my cousin permanently up at Mdumbi (where there is great surfing), Village experiences are now available at your convenience, almost all of the time, so merely contact us.

I am considering hosting a journey to a Sangoma graduation ceremony in Mpondoland, followed by a coastal walk and then a short village stay. If you are interested, let me know. Dates will be around the 23rd April - 3rd May, 2009. More info in the next newsletter.

More info: www.learnxhosa.co.za (langauge tour link above)
Or email: info@learnxhosa.co.za

Free Township tour this Sunday

I have always said that to own your Xhosa, you really need to use it, and there is nothing like experiencing a language in its cultural context. Rural village trips to the eastern Cape are great and a must, but the local townships also offer lovely opportunities to experience the culture, practice your Xhosa, and have fun doing it.

Thanks to the enthusiasm of one of my current students, Mike Gathercole from 2waytravel, we are offering an opportunity for all of you dying to use your Xhosa a little bit more. This Sunday, we will visit his church in Gugulethu, and then head off to Mzoli's for lunch. Bound to be fun.

Itinerary:

- Meet Mike at 9.30 at Montebello, Newlands. Please request map if you don't know it.
- Car pool and drive together. You are also welcome to go direct.
- Please contact mike@2waytravel.com or 082 940 7737 for directions.
- Church is 10h30 - 12h00, then Mzoli's for lunch, a popular spot.
- Bring R50 for lunch and maybe R15-R20 petrol contribution for whoever you get a lift with.
- Home by 15h00.
- All are welcome. Please RSVP and keep your commitment.

Email: info@learnxhosa.co.za